3Com 802.11b Wireless LAN Access Point Upgrade Kit

3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point

Advantages: Bargain bundle with wireless card for my laptop
Disadvantages: Just an access point, no modem/hub/etc

I use the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point in my home wireless network, and bought it as part of a bundle with a laptop wireless card - check my other reviews to see if I've got round to reviewing that too... It used the IEEE 802.11g standard (data transfer speeds of up to 54Mbps), plus is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b (upto 11Mbps) so works with older equipment (such as a slightly outdated laptop from a previous employer) with no problems. The included CD installed all the necessary drivers very quickly and also contains all the manuals in PDF format. Once the drivers were installed, the configuration wizard runs in a standard web browser. This involves configuring IP addresses, encryption settings, DHCP settings and other techy bits and bobs. This was pretty straightforward, although a basic knowledge ...

matt_fantastic 02.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Access Point

WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

Advantages: Good features, repeater and bridging modes
Disadvantages: Minor installation problem

addresses (the unique address every piece of networking hardware has) and setting the mode to repeater instead of access point. Once this was done, the second access point was unplugged from the LAN and taken downstairs to the first floor. As its job was to simply repeat, it could be stuffed out the way on its own with the only connection being the power supply unit. At this point, the theory was that data would go from the network to the first WG602 via a network cable, be transmitted wirelessly out into the ether where the second standalone WG602 would pick up the signal and repeat it onwards at full strength. The PC downstairs should then get a better signal as it was receiving from a unit only one floor away, not two. Happily, it worked first time with the destination PC showing between 95 and 100% signal strength instead of the 30 ...

ilaskey 13.02.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Netgear WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

802.11b Wirless PC lan Card

Advantages: Great wireless mobility around the home
Disadvantages: Need a 802.11b wireless router

Firstly, installing the necessary software for the card to work was a walk in the park. It helped that I already had a BT wirless router set up onto my main PC and only needed a wireless connection for my laptop. I was ready to surf in about 5 mins (it may take longer if you need to set up a wirless router as well). The card had lots of great features; the most obvious was mobility in and around the house. Secondly, the best feature was the transfer between my 2 computers. This was at a sped of about 10 MBPS (both computers need to be in the home network). After a little more exploration I set up complete home network and printed work from my laptop, downstairs, on the printer upstairs. It was such a great tool and made life a lot easier. ...

k_shah 28.12.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Netgear MA521 802.11b Wireless PC Card