Advantages: Fast Speeds, Small, Very Light Disadvantages: N/A
Mbps
(nearly five times faster than 802.11b) data rates.
Works with Both PCs and Mac® Computers
The Wireless ADSL Modem Router supports a variety of networking environments
including Mac OS® 8.x, 9.x, X v10.x, AppleTalk®, Linux®, Windows® 95, 98, Me,
NT®, 2000, and XP, and others. All that is needed is an Internet browser and a
network adapter that supports TCP/IP (the standard language of the Internet).
Front-Panel LED Display
Lighted LEDs on the front of the Router indicate which functions are in
operation. You?ll know at-a-glance whether your Router is connected to the
Internet. This feature eliminates the need for advanced software and status monitoring
procedures.
Web-Based User Interface
You can set up the Router?s functions easily through your web browser, without
having to install additional software onto ...
Advantages: Reliability and value for money. Disadvantages: Operating temperature.
In my opinion this broadband ADSLrouter is one of the best on the market considering its price.
I have been using this model (I've had different versions) for a number of years and never have I known one to fail; this is especially impressive considering I never turned them off when in use. I am a very heavy internet user and when configured correctly delivers on the speed that you would expect.
In terms of 'plug and play', there is very little needed to be configured on this product to start surfing away and it comes with a single quick start sheet that shows clearly how to access the configuration page through a web browser initially.
For more advanced users it is very easy to configure port-forwarding (useful when playing online games or downloading via peer-to-peer to achieve the desired connection speeds). It even supports VPN ...
Advantages: Small, and makes internet sharing as easy as pie Disadvantages: A bit expensive, no built-in hub, a bit ugly!
When I signed up for ADSL, I got a free Speedtouch modem. It worked fine on my main computer - a PC at that time - but networking and sharing the connection was a bit of a hassle. For one thing, the main computer had to act as a 'server' all the time, and remain connected, for the second computer to access the internet.
Then our modem gave up the ghost altogether. To be honest, I was slightly relieved. I'd heard a lot about how a router would make internet sharing easier, so I decided to go the extra mile and spend a few more pounds to upgrade. I needed something quick, so I unfortunately had to pay the premium and buy from PC World who charged me £80 for the ZoomX3. I'm sure it's available cheaper online.
--> WHAT IS A ROUTER?
Routers have been much more common in big business until broadband internet made its way into homes ...
Product Information for "Zoom ADSL X5 5654 - router" »
Manufacturer's product description
The ADSL X5 integrates an ADSL 2/2+ modem, a router, a NAT firewall, and a four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch into a single cost-effective product. Up to five computers can plug directly into the X5 with concurrent operation of both the USB and Ethernet ports. The model 5654 is compatible with older ADSL protocols as well as the ADSL 2/2+ standards for download speeds of up to 24 Mbps and extended distances at which high data rates can be delivered.
