Fun, fun, fun til AT&T takes the IP away... (updated 7/11/03)
Written: Feb 15 '03 (Updated Jul 11 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Instant network, no wires
Cons: Slighty complicated, can't follow my DSL modem's changes
The Bottom Line: The ability to carry around a laptop and have access to the internet from anywhere is so COOL!
|
|
|
| sprint_sucks's Full Review: Linksys (BEFW11S4) 802.11b Wireless Access Point |
The DSL Access Point/Router (which I'm just going to refer to as "router" from now on) was a Christmas gift to myself.
When I bought it, I was between DSL providers. I was assured at Circuit City that I would still be able to use it to transfer files and share the dial-up connection.
I have a new computer, powerful running WindowsXP, an older computer, less powerful computer running Windows98 and an ancient-of-ancient puny laptop running Windows98. The laptop I connected via a Linksys Wireless card and the old PC via an ethernet cable.
To this day, I have not figured out how to transfer files. I think there is some networking or Windows issues between the computers that are beyond my intelligence. Maybe the tech guys in my office could figure them out.
Also to this day, I have been unable to get the old PC connected via the Ethernet cable. I should have spent $30 more than just gotten a wireless card for the PC, too, instead of spending $25 on a long ethernet cord that my wife hates to see stretched across the room when I'm trying to get everything to work. (I plan to get that card soon for my birthday.)
When I first got it, I could not get the installation program to run because I didn't have internet access via a cable modem or DSL modem connected via the ethernet lan port on that back of the device.
But, even without the software installed, I was able to share the dial-up connection with the laptop. Which was really, really cool. Suddenly the old laptop (given to me by my employer because it had been retired) had a new life. It could perch on the exercise bike and make the time fly by.
Then, I got the new DSL provider in place, and tried again to install the software. It worked this time, but I don't know what all it did, besides allow me to register my device.
The router doesn't slow down the main PC's access to the internet, and effortlessly allows the laptop to tap into the connection as well and access the internet. Because the router creates its own mini-network, we can even have instant messaging programs running from different parts of the apartment and talk if we need to.
As far as the wireless goes, supposedly up to 500 feet indoors and 1500 feet outside. I have found no place in our two-level, 1,000 square foot apartment where I could not pick up a signal of "excellent" (90% or better).
And securing the device to prevent others in the building from tapping into my network was pretty effortless as well.
There is only one downside that I've seen so far. Every so often, AT&T DSL changes my IP address. If you're directly connected from the DSL modem to the computer, you probably won't even notice it. Or maybe you'll have a 20-30 second lag on the internet.
But when the router is in the middle, everything stops working. You have to tell the router your IP address. And when it changes, you have to tell it the new one.
When this happens, my wife solves the problem by removing the computer's ethernet from the router and plugging it into the DSL modem. It's an instant fix, but your network is now off the internet.
When it happens and I'm using the computer, or I sit down and see wires hanging loose (we've had to situate the cable modem on top of the router, both facing away from us), or I go to use the laptop and there's no connection, then I have to go back to the PC, find the DSL modem's new IP number, reconnect everything and tell the router the new IP number. It's not the most elegant solution in the world, but according to my friends who recommended this product, that's the correct and only solution they know of.
So while a few things not working may be a combination of my lack of expertise or funky computers, the most important thing is the wireless sharing to the laptop, which it does flawlessly and is very cool. Check back later to see if I finally got the wireless card and if it enabled the old PC to get into the loop.
Update 7/11/03
About two months ago, AT&T changed to a system that requires a username and password to sign in (I think called PPPoe). That required some minor setup changes, including a phone call to AT&T and a search on the LinkSys website, but ultimately, very painless. Since then, I have only been unable to get on my DSL once. Once! It's so beautiful. And because the router automatically re-signs me in even if AT&T disconnects me, it's truly always on, and I can turn on the laptop or old PC and connect to the internet without having to go make changes to the settings on the router by switching cables around on the main PC.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 120
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
sprint_sucks
|
|
Location: Seattle, Wash.
Reviews written: 108
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Crikey.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.