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Linksys Wireless-B WAP11 Wireless Access Point
Price Range:
$99.00 to $119.00
Don't be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless Network Access Point from Linksys delivers the freedom to...
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Don't be bound by cabling restrictions any longer! The Instant Wireless Network Access Point from Linksys delivers the freedom to configure your network your way. Utilization of state-of-the-art wireless technology gives you the ability to set up workstations in ways you never though possible; no cables to install means less expense and less hassle. ??The Instant Wireless Access Point's high-powered antenna offers a range of operation of up to 800 feet, providing seamless roaming throughout your wireless LAN infrastructure; an advanced user authentication feature ensures a high level of network security. The Instant Wireless Access Point is easy to install (Just plug it in and you're ready to go!) and easy to use - Windows-based diagnostics and statistic tools ensure that you'll always be in control. When all these features come together in one compact, lightweight, and power-efficient unit, you have the ultimate in flexible networking - the Linksys Instant Wireless Access Point.
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23 Reviews from Shopping.com
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WAP11
| Author's Rating: |
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Pros: Affordable 802.11b wireless solution... Works great! Stable as a rock!
Cons: Range not *great*, required a "network restart" when I first installed it, slow throughput
The Bottom Line:
The WAP11 is an affordable, reliable device that truly lets you go wireless in your environment!
Do you need Wireless access?
I already had a hard-wired, CAT5e LAN running in my house before I got my WAP11. The main reason I purchased a WAP11 was because two household members bought laptops and they wanted to be able to access the internet by the pool, in the kitchen, outside, etc. I knew I would have to be the one to create a wireless "segment" to our LAN and by instinct I turned to Linksys. I find that Linksys is one of the best LAN hardware manufacturers in this particular price segment and their support, quality and firmware updates are first-class. With all of that in mind, I ordered my WAP11.
It's here!!! It's here!!!
Just to throw a bit of "human interest" into the review the day I received my WAP11 was hectic to say the least- the second my brother saw the box he said to me, "Is it ready or what?!" I could see nobody wanted to wait for me. I unpacked the unit and everything was very snugly packaged in a cardboard carton- beautiful. The package came with the WAP11, a USB-interface cable, warranty cards and various user guides and "quick-start" brochures. I breeze through the directions (thinking I am a network guru!) and proceed to hook the WAP11 up to my PC to configure it through the USB cable (WAP11 version 2.2 can be administered through the LAN cable, 1.1 cannot). I install Linksys's config software and proceed to "bumble my way" through each field. Setting channels, enabling WEP (VERY important so "spies" don't sneak into your LAN), and creating a MAC addy authentication table for added security. Once I finished configuring the WAP11 to grab an IP from my DHCP server and the like, I disconnected it from my PC and set it out into the wild. Fired the WAP11 up, turned on my previously-configured laptop- NOTHING! No big deal I thought, ALL network hardware tends to be a bit buggy. Turned the unit off and then on again- still nothing. Make a 3 hour ordeal short, I had to POWER DOWN MY ENTIRE LAN to get the device to work! For some reason, the WAP11 didn't want to pull a "data feed" until every device on the LAN was turned off and then on again! Bad feature if you ask me! Anyway, once I did that- everything went fine.
We're on the air!
WHOA! Just getting the concept of being able to use a laptop FULLY connected to the internet at ADSL speeds under the tree outside was INCREDIBLE! First off, let me say that the advertised 11Mbits is more like 6Mbits even at a 4 foot range- nearly half of the purported 11Mbits is "sucked up" by network and protocol "overhead" is what I was told by Linksys's fabulous tech support. The overall speed didn't concern me, if I wanted higher wireless speeds I would've shelled out another $200 for an 802.11a solution. Anyway, I was able to get access across most of my one story house- I am quite sure a two story house with the AP at the highest level, centered would provide better access range. For a sprawled-out 1 story house like mine, it managed to cover 65% of the house. No big deal, I will get another WAP11 when funds allow to cover the remainder using a function called "roaming". The front part of the WAP11 has 3 LED indicators, though very faint they are informative enough to tell you if there is power, activity and a strong link.
Final notes
Other than that, I really enjoy my wireless access and find the WAP11 to be a capable, affordable 802.11b solution for the Home/SOHO LAN setting. In fact, I plan to buy bigger antennae for my WAP11 and purchase a few more "wirelessly-enabled" devices... once you start with wireless stuff, it hooks you. For up-to-the-minute info on the WAP11 AND firmware upgrades (which are essential), it'd be best to check out Linksys's web site at www.linksys.com. If you've been thinking about going wireless, try it, the worst that happens is you won't leave your AP's "coverage zone" anymore for fear of losing the internet :-).
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