Myself and my fellow student housemates picked up this router from amazon.co.uk (cheapest price we could find after considerable research) for £41 one week ago. We wanted to share my 150kbps ntl broadband access amongst our 3 PCs and 1 Apple iMac.
Setup =====
Setuping up shared internet access really couldnt be easier than with this Linksys unit. Simply reset your cable modem, connect it to the router, power up the router, reset the router and connect your separate computers. The router comes with a short length of ethernet cable to connect it to your cable modem. N.B. It is important to use the correct RJ45 Cat5 ethernet cable. We tried to use a ethernet 'crossover' cable for one PC and it doesnt work. Purchasing another correct cable solved this. Even though we all use different operating systems (Windows XP, ME, 98 and Mac OS 9) the system works faultlessly. Broadband internet access is shared on demand amongst the access machines. Even with all 4 machines accessing I still receive over the expected data speed ( i.e. 150kbps /4 ) which is nice.
Package =======
You get; the 4-port connection router [that has a WAN port to connect your modem and 4 ethernet ports to connect your computers. It also has another 'uplink' port to connect further ethernet hubs/switchs that I have not used], setup CD, quick-start 'poster style' guide, technical supportcontact details and a 1m length of Cat5 ethernet cable.
To conclude: this router is of excellent quality and value and does exactly what it says on the box with minimal fuss and with simple setup instructions. It was easy to get going even with my lack of networking experience.
Dave
P.S. Any of you guys need further technical info (there's lots of it) feel free to ask and I'll see what I can do.
Update - LAN ============
This router also acts as a hub between the computers connected enabling you to set up a 'local area network' (LAN) across them as well as them sharing broadband. Having shared files between our machines (across a 'Windows Network' and even generic file formats, such as mp3, from PC to Mac, using some extra software) and had a number of LAN multiplayer games this seems to work very well.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
That opinion went right over my non-technical head!
stevie-boy 22.10.2003 23:19
A good opinion, but it could be expanded with a bit more detail. Also, some of the technicial terms can be a bit confusing for the non-technicially minded ciaoers, so try and explain these! Steve
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Advantages: Excellent set up CDROM, large amount of settings available using web browser, works with a wide range of connection types, compatible with Playstation 2 Network adapter Disadvantages: Cheap light plastic feel, connection status lights are very small
Advantages: Excellent set up CDROM, large amount of settings available using web browser, works with a wide range of connection types, compatible with Playstation 2 Network adapter Disadvantages: Cheap light plastic feel, connection status lights are very small
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