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 AccessPoint 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54Mbps), plus is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b (upto 11Mbps) so works with older equipment (such as a slightly outdated laptop from a previous employer) with no problems.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 ...
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 accesspoint. Once this was done, the second accesspoint 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 ...
Advantages: Very small - Good connection and signal - doesn't overheat - does the job Disadvantages: Not sure how well it works with PCI wireless PC card
My experience of this product is that it works quite well the reason why it doesn't go from good to excellent will be explained bellow.
I have 2 PC's and 1 laptop I wanted the main PC to be hard-wired as that one is right next to the access hub and modem so no need to be wireless and anyway the main machine should always be hard-wired as no wireless can beat that.
Then I have my son's laptop a Dell Inspiron 2200 which has already a wireless network card, and this machine runs perfect via the wirelessaccesspoint anywhere in the house, and my house is a 3 storey house so plenty of range.
However I did install a wireless PCI network card on the PC on 3rd level of the house and this connection was intermittent which meant going back to hard-wire there, now I cannot say for sure if this was a card problem or the accesspoint problem or even ...
Product Information for "3Com Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 3750" »
Manufacturer's product description
Offered in an attractive and unobtrusive package, the 3Com Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 3750 offers a cost-effective and convenient wireless solution for enterprise-class, dual-band wireless connectivity. Its sophisticated security features support the latest encryption and virtual LANs (VLANs) for secure remote communications. The Managed Access Point (MAP) works hand in hand with 3Com wireless LAN switches and controllers. The switches control and monitor performance of the access points (APs) through their automatic, "no-touch" remote configuration and management capabilities, eliminating the need for onsite IT expertise. They boost MAP coverage and service by optimizing RF gain, assigning radio channels, balancing user loads, and sweeping the RF environment to identify and isolate potentially harmful rogue APs or other infiltrators. The AP3750 MAP offers the flexibility of two 10/100 Ethernet ports and two internal diversity antennas for both 11b/g and 11a radios. The dual-radio enables simultaneous 11b/g and 11a operation, expanding connectivity support and user bandwidth availability. Connectors for 11b/g and 11a external antennas support customized installations and coverage areas. The AP3750 MAP can be powered by the wireless switch or any other Power over Ethernet (PoE) device. The switch supplies both the MAP's electrical needs and failover capability. If the MAP loses either the LAN or PoE connection on either port, it will automatically failover to the other port. In addition, PoE functionality eliminates the need for an AC power plug at each MAP, giving users flexible installation options in hard- to-wire or reach locations.
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