Advantages: Easy Installation, reliable, good value Disadvantages: Limited customer services
The ZyXel Prestige router is affordable and reliable. I haven't set up a wireless network before so was happy to discover that the Prestige was easy to install and set-up with a multimedia presentation and documnetation to guide you through the process. The router provides a fast, reliable ADSL connection and the small, unobtrusive unit can be easily hidden out of site. The unit provides great value for money as it comes with a free USB connector therfore providing everything you need to set up a wireless connection instantly. The only downside is that should you encounter a problem (which I have yet to) ZyXel's customer services are only available at limited times. Overall, this is a great value router that enabled me to set up my wireless connection quickly and easily. ...
Advantages: Fast network solution, very easy to setup Disadvantages: Slightly too wide for some sockets
apparently uses 128 bit AES encryption for security purposes, though I'm wondering how someone would tap into your home electricity supply (maybe if you're sharing a house or in a block of flats it might be useful - answers on a postcard please)!
You can also use the HomePlug for other Internet gadgets such as games consoles. There have been issues with some Xbox consoles so be warned. I don't have any games consoles so I cannot say for certain what the issues are exactly.
It is particularly useful for people who don't like wireless routers or were given free non-wireless routers from their Internet Service Provider.
Note: Most HomePlug 1.0 devices cannot interoperate with HomePlug AV devices without the use of a suitable bridge, although both can co-exist on the same cable.
- The ZyXEL PLA-401 -
I decided on the 200Mbps as it ...
Advantages: Low-cost, reliable, full-featured Disadvantages: Doesn't look very cool (but who cares?)
Over the last few months I've tried Wireless ADSL routers from 4 different manufacturers, using 54g wireless cards with WPA encryption.
The Belkin one would randomly refuse to allow 1 or 2 wireless clients to connect.
The Netgear one had very poor range (even though it was supposedly "RangeMax").
The Linksys one would randomly refuse to assign IP addresses to wireless clients after they'd connected.
The Zyxel one just works. Reliably. 100% of the time.
All 4 routers were running the latest firmware.
I even tried the helpdesk services for the other 3 and they all came up with the same irrelevant suggestions ("Try a different channel", "Try restoring the factory defaults", "Try upgrading the firmware") - I ended up wondering if they were all actually written by the same person!
Then I tried the Zyxel and my life ...
EURO-ISDN, ISDN 1TR6, ISDN DSS1/ETSI, INS Net 64 (Japan)
ISDN Interface
ISDN BRI ST
Protocols & Specifications
ITU T.70NL, ITU V.110 (I.463), ITU V.120 (I.465), ITU X.75, HDLC
Fax Compatibility
G3
Max Fax Transfer Rate
14.4 Kbps
Manufacturer's product description
For those who travel frequently, ZyXEL's omni.net USB II is designed as the pocket size. The TA is easy to carry and connect with notebook or desktop PC on Windows or Mac OS through the USB port. The USB interface provides a downstream data rate of up to 12Mbps, which is faster than the TA-PC serial port connection. The omni.net USB II is a bus powered TA, which does not require additional power supply. The omni.net USB II provides hot plug & play had hassle-free installation, allowing you to get up and running in no time. omni.net USB's powerful software bundled provides everything you need to set up your message center, including voice mail and fax software. The omni.net USB II is indeed an ideal Internet Access, multimedia access, remote office connectivity, telecommuting, small office and home office access solution for small offices and home offices.
