Robert
February 21st, 2003, 12:01
Technology has come a long way. And so has the Internet. Most homes are now equiped with a broadband connection and most homes now have 2-3 computers.
To increase our productivity as well as entertainment, many products are available to allow us to share 1 broadband connection with many computers within our household. But that's the old era, the new era is here and the new era is Wireless.
I've recently purchased a wireless network to use within my home, and here is my review.
My current network consists of a Cable Modem (SB4200) and a 4 Port Linksys DSL/Cable Router. My cable is currently being shared with 3 main systems.
I felt it was time to make my fourth computer, a HP n5470 Laptop, portable, and I don't mean with any power. It's time I get with the new era and become wireless on my laptop.
To accomplish this task in cheapest and fastest fashion while keeping a secure network, I decided to use the products by Proxim, the Orinoco Wireless Products.
Because I already have a router, I opted for a Access Point instead. A access point is best described as a hub, but with it's own configuration screen. It connects directly into my router. I purchased the Orinoco AP 200 Access Point.
To get my laptop to talk to the Orinoco AP 200 Access Point, I decided to purchase the Orinoco PCIMCI Gold 128bit Encryption Card. I ordered both products from Microwarehouse.com and opted for next day delivery. The total cost of the 2 products with the shipping was $170. Not bad in my opinion.
Setting up the wireless network took about 20 minutes and a call to their 800 Tech Support. The instructions are a little slim and already "assume" you understand what they are saying. For example, it says to change the IP to 169.xxx.xxx.xxx. But it never tells you how to connect the Access Point, or where, or when. Or which computer to change the IP to. However, the tech support is great and I was surfing the net on my laptop within 20 minutes.
To test how far I can go, I went downstairs to my living room. It's a good 100 feet away. The level strength on the laptop was "Low" but I was able to download a 2mb file within 8 seconds, not bad at all. Anywhere in my home I was able to have steady "cable" connection.
I took some pictures for friends, but you are more than welcome to view them: http://www.verohost.com/ap/
I just made my network "secure" and only computers with the MAC # listed in my Admin screen can access or even see my network. In order for a computer to access the network, it must go through 2 stages. First, it needs to have it's MAC Address added to my Admin screen, second, the user must enter a 13 digit password to access it.
My overall impression with the Orinoco Products is impressive. The products are great and the cost is reasonable. It's very secure and I am able to do everything on my laptop that I could do on my main computer, from checking email, to even printing. I am even able to access my shared network and transfer Mp3s. My LAN is 11mbps on the wireless and it took about 3 1/2 minutes to transfer 100 mp3s to my laptop.
Incase you missed it, I included a page of pictures, viewable at:
http://www.verohost.com/ap/
This review is my own opinion based on what I have seen and used with the wireless products listed above.
To increase our productivity as well as entertainment, many products are available to allow us to share 1 broadband connection with many computers within our household. But that's the old era, the new era is here and the new era is Wireless.
I've recently purchased a wireless network to use within my home, and here is my review.
My current network consists of a Cable Modem (SB4200) and a 4 Port Linksys DSL/Cable Router. My cable is currently being shared with 3 main systems.
I felt it was time to make my fourth computer, a HP n5470 Laptop, portable, and I don't mean with any power. It's time I get with the new era and become wireless on my laptop.
To accomplish this task in cheapest and fastest fashion while keeping a secure network, I decided to use the products by Proxim, the Orinoco Wireless Products.
Because I already have a router, I opted for a Access Point instead. A access point is best described as a hub, but with it's own configuration screen. It connects directly into my router. I purchased the Orinoco AP 200 Access Point.
To get my laptop to talk to the Orinoco AP 200 Access Point, I decided to purchase the Orinoco PCIMCI Gold 128bit Encryption Card. I ordered both products from Microwarehouse.com and opted for next day delivery. The total cost of the 2 products with the shipping was $170. Not bad in my opinion.
Setting up the wireless network took about 20 minutes and a call to their 800 Tech Support. The instructions are a little slim and already "assume" you understand what they are saying. For example, it says to change the IP to 169.xxx.xxx.xxx. But it never tells you how to connect the Access Point, or where, or when. Or which computer to change the IP to. However, the tech support is great and I was surfing the net on my laptop within 20 minutes.
To test how far I can go, I went downstairs to my living room. It's a good 100 feet away. The level strength on the laptop was "Low" but I was able to download a 2mb file within 8 seconds, not bad at all. Anywhere in my home I was able to have steady "cable" connection.
I took some pictures for friends, but you are more than welcome to view them: http://www.verohost.com/ap/
I just made my network "secure" and only computers with the MAC # listed in my Admin screen can access or even see my network. In order for a computer to access the network, it must go through 2 stages. First, it needs to have it's MAC Address added to my Admin screen, second, the user must enter a 13 digit password to access it.
My overall impression with the Orinoco Products is impressive. The products are great and the cost is reasonable. It's very secure and I am able to do everything on my laptop that I could do on my main computer, from checking email, to even printing. I am even able to access my shared network and transfer Mp3s. My LAN is 11mbps on the wireless and it took about 3 1/2 minutes to transfer 100 mp3s to my laptop.
Incase you missed it, I included a page of pictures, viewable at:
http://www.verohost.com/ap/
This review is my own opinion based on what I have seen and used with the wireless products listed above.