A dependable and reliable piece of equipment
Written: Jul 30 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Compact, works well, helpful LED indications, plug and play with any OS.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: A nice modem, can fit pretty much anywhere on the desk, bland design blends into the background (very good!).
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| ernietwerbel's Full Review: Westell Wirespeed LiteLine 6100 DSL Modem (B996100... |
I received this modem with my Verizon DSL package in February of 2006.
*** INSTALLATION AND SETUP ***
The modem included an AC power adapter and interface cable for either USB or Ethernet interface. I chose to go with Ethernet, as it provides more bandwidth than USB (although generally unnoticeable with DSL) and to keep a USB port open.
A CDROM was included with the Verizon package as an interactive guide for hwo to physically set up the modem, however I have used the modem on some other computers without running the CDROM and have had no problems in setting it up. Basically, you just connect the cables and you are ready to go.
*** OPERATION ***
Other than flipping the power switch, the modem requires no external operation from the user. There are five LEDs which show the status of the unit. The first, "Power," obviously shows the unit is on. The next two are labelled "Ethernet" and "USB," and will illuminate depending on the interface you are using. The LED labeled "DSL" indicates you are using DSL and the "Internet" LED shows whether or not you have a connection to the outside. Typically, if there are weather problems in the area, this final LED will be dark, and you will be unable to connect to the Internet.
The connection is detected under Windows XP like any other plug-and-play device. A bubble message will pop up indicating the connection has been discovered and is ready to use.
Under Windows 3.11, the connection should be detected upon startup through your network interface card (successfully tested using a 3C905). If you are having problems with protocol compatibility, you may need to chain a router in series with the modem to act as a DHCP server, if the computer is having difficulty with the PPPoe protocol used by many DSL services.
Of course, even with older operating systems, configuring it to work is a matter of getting your computer's software to recognize and interface with the signal. The actual setting up of the modem itself requires no configuration.
*** VERSATILITY ***
The modem is physically, quite a versatile unit. It is small, measuring about 5" square by 1½" thick, and can be oriented horizontally of vertically. Since the modem requires no real configuration it can easily be stashed somewhere out of the way on the back of the desk. It also comes with a mounting platform for vertical use.
*** RELIABILITY ***
I have not had any electrical problems with this modem. The only times I am unable to connect to the Internet is during rainstorms when the Verizon service is not working.
The unit does not generate much in the way of external heat. This is something to look for as heat impedes reliability of electronics. The modem only becomes slightly warm when on all day.
*** FINAL THOUGHT ***
This modem is great because it is compact and reliable, and since it was free that made it all the better.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 0.00
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Epinions.com ID:
ernietwerbel
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Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 1 member
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