LinkSys WAP best $89 yet

Author's Rating:

Pros: Out of box and on the web in under 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Cons: Understand the some have problems with support.

The Bottom Line: 
Get rid of the wires! This device is simple to use with great features.

Author's Review
What about the LinkSys WAP11? It's like asking me about Ford or Chevy. I have had nothing but good luck with the LinkSys product line for several years now. Again, with the WAP11, I am completely impressed with its functionality and ease of installation.

Installation/Configuration:
Step 1 - Get it out of the box.

Step 2 - Connect the WAP11 to the modem

Step 3 - Plug in WAP11 power connector

Step 4 - ...there really isn't

[NOTES]
If you want to view/modify the settings, then use a computer that is now on the network either by connecting a network cable from the PC to the WAP11 or by installing the wireless adapter (either USB or PCI). Once connected, open a browser window (I used IE6). In the address bar, type in 192.168.1.1 and hit enter. You will then be asked to login to the router. (default username is left blank and the default password is "admin"). Since the WAP11 configuration is web-based, you should see the configuration window appear within the browser. To make sure that you are on the internet, select the tab titled "status". Scroll down and see if you have an address other than 0.0.0.0. If so, then you should be on. I did not have any problems with this part, as there really isn't much to mess up. You may need to power down the Cable/DSL modem to clear addressing and restart it, but I wouldn't expect much else.

As far as advanced configuration, this should not be attempted unless you are fluent in network security and routing. A great thing about the WAP11 is that the capabilities are there, but not required. Default settings are all that you need to at least get a network fully functional straight out of the box.

I have heard horror stories about LinkSys support. I myself have had to contact them twice. Both times wound up concerning the firmware update that was posted being corrupt. Both times, I felt as though the support desk was VERY helpful. I am quite fluent in PC hardware, so that may have played a factor, but I was still impressed with the timely solutions. Tough call to make, however I have been thoroughly satisfied.

A neat feature of the WAP11 is the ability to use RJ45 (standard network cable) in conjunction with wireless technology. This means that if you are wanting to convert a network over to wireless but are not sure about dropping $90 for the WAP11 and $70 for each PC to have a wireless adapter, then you can migrate as your budget allows.

Range:
The manual states that it should be operational in outdoor environments upto 500 meters and indoors to 150 meters. I believe that these are tailwind scenarios. You may be able to connect at this, but you probably wouldn't want to. What I CAN tell you is that 50 meters inside of a business complex is no problem. If you honestly need something with that type of range, you may consider additional access points as relays, just to keep signal strength up. Yes, a neighbor can go out and buy a wireless adapter and connect to your WAP11 with ease if you aren't careful.

I have not had any bandwidth problems. Then again, my bandwidth requirements do not require that I truly expose the robustness of network components. I understand that it is moderately lacking, but I myself, have not had ANY complaints. I currently have 4 machines running off of the WAP11, 2 of which are wireless.

I see college dorms using these to share internet connections amongst the rooms. I remember when I was in college (Texas A&M - whoop!), we had a cable tv share. I can only imagine with this.

Have Fun!!