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54Mbps), plus is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b (upto 11Mbps) so works with older equipment (such as a slightly outdated laptop from a previous employer) with no problems.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 of DHCP settings and encryption technology helps.
Once all set up, it's a really effective product and works great. I've never had to adjust any settings or deal with it in any way since getting it up and running, although there is a very full featured browser-accesses administration tool to play with any setting as necessary, or check the (very detailed) log files. It maintains my connections well, various laptops always pick up the signal quickly and the signal strength has always been fine. Operating range is a claimed indoor maximum of 100 meters / 328 feet (Outdoor maximum 457 meters / 1,499 feet) and I've certainly had no problems with signal strength all over a 3 floor victorian terrace from my study in a middle bedroon - and even in the garden !
Security is always an issue with wifi, and this access point has it covered with very simple 256-bit WPA (Wireless Protected Access) encryption and/or 40-/64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) shared-key encryption, along with the ability to allow only listed MAC addresses access. In addition, you can de-select the "Broadcast SSID" option so your network is effectively invisible - folks can't see the Site Specific ID...
It has LED Indicators on the front for: Power; LAN port status (Link, Speed and Activity) and WLAN port status (Link, Activity; Alert).Dimensions - Height: 2.5 cm (1 in) - not including twin antennae (!) - Width: 22 cm (8.7 in) - Depth: 13.5 cm (5.3 in) - Weight: 592 g (1.3 lb)
(These dimensions are the same as my 3Com OfficeConnect Dual Speed Switch 5 - check out my review - so they look great stacked....)
I hope this helps...
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With the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 54 Mbps 11g PC Card notebookusers can access ... more
network resources the Internet and e-mail atspeeds up to 54 Mbps and at distances up to 100 meters (328 feet).That's almost five times the speed of existing 802.11b wi
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 54 Mbps 11g Access Point offers high-speed, reliable, ... more
secure IEEE 802.11g wireless networking with speeds of up to 108 Mbps. Compact, streamlined and versatile it ships with a custom cradle for mounting on a desktop or a wall. Displaying impressive deployment capabilities this access point features four different operating modes. Access point mode enables wireless connectivity between wireless client adapters and the access point and the client mode provides wireless connectivity to a remote access point for a non-Wi-FI equipped PC. Additionally, for more flexibility the point-to-point bridge mode can be used to link two LAN segments connected by two units and the repeater mode to repeat the signals of a remote access point to increase its range. Enabling wireless roaming in the office this access point facilitates access to Internet and network resources with speeds of up to 108Mbps and distances of up to 100 meters (depending on physical conditions, building construction, electrical devices in the area and other environmental factors). Performance-boosting features such as packet bursting and compression increase the effective transmission speed. Compatibility with 11b and 11g wireless devices helps preserve existing wireless network investment and Wi-Fi certification assures interoperability with similarly certified products. Furthermore, this access point supports Wi-Fi Multi-Media (WMM) and Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and is RoHS- compliant. With security in mind the access point supports 128-bit WPA/WPA2 with TKIP/AES encryption for maximum security, along with 40-/60- and 128-bit WEP encryption for legacy clients. Dynamic rate shifting automatically matches the best connection speed in response to physical and traffic conditions so wireless connections stay reliable. Clear Channel Select enables the access point to scan the spectrum and select the least busy channel. Supporting up to 30 simultaneous users plenty of room
Postage & Packaging:£2.99 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
With the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 54 Mbps 11g PC Card notebookusers can access ... more
network resources the Internet and e-mail atspeeds up to 54 Mbps and at distances up to 100 meters (328 feet).That's almost five times the speed of existing 802.11b wi
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 54 Mbps 11g Access Point offers high-speed, reliable, ... more
secure IEEE 802.11g wireless networking with speeds of up to 108 Mbps. Compact, streamlined and versatile it ships with a custom cradle for mounting on a desktop or a wall. Displaying impressive deployment capabilities this access point features four different operating modes. Access point mode enables wireless connectivity between wireless client adapters and the access point and the client mode provides wireless connectivity to a remote access point for a non-Wi-FI equipped PC. Additionally, for more flexibility the point-to-point bridge mode can be used to link two LAN segments connected by two units and the repeater mode to repeat the signals of a remote access point to increase its range. Enabling wireless roaming in the office this access point facilitates access to Internet and network resources with speeds of up to 108Mbps and distances of up to 100 meters (depending on physical conditions, building construction, electrical devices in the area and other environmental factors). Performance-boosting features such as packet bursting and compression increase the effective transmission speed. Compatibility with 11b and 11g wireless devices helps preserve existing wireless network investment and Wi-Fi certification assures interoperability with similarly certified products. Furthermore, this access point supports Wi-Fi Multi-Media (WMM) and Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and is RoHS- compliant. With security in mind the access point supports 128-bit WPA/WPA2 with TKIP/AES encryption for maximum security, along with 40-/60- and 128-bit WEP encryption for legacy clients. Dynamic rate shifting automatically matches the best connection speed in response to physical and traffic conditions so wireless connections stay reliable. Clear Channel Select enables the access point to scan the spectrum and select the least busy channel. Supporting up to 30 simultaneous users plenty of room
Postage & Packaging:£2.99 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Apr 2nd, 2006
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