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Airlive Air3G router review

From Belkin Corporation, through brand Airlive, here comes the interesting devices from the world of home and SOHO networking. Namely, it is a model Air3G, which is a wireless router made by 802.11n standard, with the possibility of using 3G modems for access to the Internet.

 Airlive Air3G
Included in this model, in addition to the router, come and antenna (5 dBi), AC adapter, power cord, a short printed manual and CD with complete instructions in digital form. The device itself is very nice and modern design. It is made of shiny white plastic with built-in blue LEDs (WAN, 4 LAN, WLAN, WPS), base of transparent plastic through which can be mounted on the wall, two silver ornamental detail designed in the shape of the head bolts, bars to cool in the shape of a triangle , while the labels printed in gray. On the back panel has the antenna jack (R-SMA), USB, four LAN ports, WAN and power connector, while the control buttons are WPS and the 'Reset'.

While it would be the model name may draw the wrong conclusion that the 3G modem installed, the manufacturer opted for a solution to connect the modem to the built-in USB port. It should be noted that there is a list of supported modems on the box, and on the website of the manufacturer.

The first LAN port is PoE passive 12 V, so that it can be used as a power source via a network cable to a remote network device whose location can not derive power by other means. The antenna is not fixed, which means that there is always the possibility of drawing the existing antenna cable into place better for the handover signal or setting up a better antenna.


Airlive Air3G
When you approach the graphic web interface, can be seen that the device pretpodešen for the 3G router mode, which means it is designed primarily for use as a 3G modem output to the Internet. Of standards for transmission of data over the mobile network supports 3G, 3.5G, UMTS, EVDO, HSDPA and CDMA-2000. In addition to the mode with 3G modem as the primary access to the Internet, support output over the WAN, with output via 3G WAN as reserves and output via a WAN with 3G as a precaution. Of adjustment to single out one for safety (shared key, WPA2-PSK, WPA2, WPA PSK, WPA, 802.1X and MAC address registration), Virtual Server (open certain ports on PCs), DMZ (open all ports to a particular computer) , URL Filtering, Hotspot way to report clients to go to the Internet, bandwidth control (MAC or IP address), quadruple with the possibility of hiding the SSID and mutual isolation, Ping, Remote Management, VPN Pass Through (IPSec, PPTP and L2TP) DHCP with the possibility of installing 40 fixed IP address, WPS, DDNS, Green AP (can be adjusted for time off and modes with 25, 50 and 75 percent use of force), the choice of a wireless transmitter output power (12-20 dBm) and UPnP. We have an interesting option was a hotspot, that can be used to limit the connection to the Internet on a per user profile. When this option is enabled, the Internet can only be accessed by users who have accounts, because the first approach must enter a username and password in the login form in your browser. The maximum number of orders for the hotspot is 40, and 20 users can be registered simultaneously. It is also important to note that this device has four modes and the router, AP, Client, Bridge, and Repeater.

When setting the device must be particularly careful in setting the parameters 3G modem. Automatic switching from one to another Internet outlet for slower than the professional equipment, but is measured in minutes, which is very satisfactory for home and SOHO conditions. Also commendable is the fact that the loss of primary and secondary transition to link it back to the primary five minutes after the return signal of the primary links in the function. It is very convenient if you use a 3G modem as a secondary connection, since the provider does not offer the flat pack. Switching system has one flaw in the process of restoring the primary connection, and to reboot the modem to return completed, which is most likely done so that the price of the device smaller.

The test also showed very well with a transfer rate of about 7 MB / s, how to send and download data, while the range a bit disappointing because it covers just one floor above and below the floor on which the device was located.

There is a great possibility of using this device in commercial vehicles (trains and buses, for example, as can be powered by AC adapter for car cigarette lighter), and the ability to control the flow in combination with hotspot login method provides great opportunities for resource management in Soho, and even option for providing mini-neighborhoods in the event of a home use. When taking into account the strengths and weaknesses, this device offers many features for a relatively low cost (about 70 euros), and we were really impressed.

Devolo dLAN 200AVplus Review

Devolo dLAN 200AVplus Devolo is the new name when it comes to network equipment, and it is a company that specializes in Powerline devices. 200AVplus dLAN adapter is used for networking devices over the current installation and it is a very simple solution that in some cases it may be more useful.

The company Devolo is a relatively new name in the IT market (in existence since 2002.) And only recently have products of this company appeared to us. These are network devices from Powerline (dLAN) series which is in conformity with the international HomePlug standard. To clarify just a bit, this standard is about networking devices over existing electrical installations. Something like this is a very practical way to implement the network in situations where the LAN cable broaching difficult, and if the current installation of sufficient quality, they can expect pretty good results when the flow of data in question. These products has been a lot of the market, but we expect that Devolo good price policy fails to take a good position, and how it comes to a company that is specialized just for these network adapters and devices, the quality can not be doubted.


Devolo dLAN 200AVplus
Key features

  • Extremely easy installation
  • Using power installations for network traffic
  • Flow depends greatly on the quality of installation

Specification

Interface: 100Mb / s Fast Ethernet, HomePlug AV
Connection: Ethernet UTP (auto-sense cable)
Current setup: 100-240V (220V Schuko)
Bandwidth: 200Mbit / s
Range: up to 300m
Data Protection: 128-bit AES encryption
Dimensions: 130 x 66 x 42 mm
Devolo dLAN 200AVplus

The idea behind Powerline adapters is not so new, has long been talk of using the existing electrical installations for LAN traffic, but the main problem was the reliability and speed of flow. Now it seems that most of our problems and overcome, that there are a lot of room for doubt. Devolo dLAN 200AVplus is a simple adapter that is essential to this whole thing worked, except that the course should have at least two such devices to make the whole thing to function (in the offer, of course, are also included). Outwardly, 200AVplus adapter is most close to some of the current timer, the housing of the ordinary white plastic with a number of ventilation openings and nice ukopljenim status LEDs. The package does not get much: a LAN cable, Quick Start Guide and CD with supporting material.


Devolo dLAN 200AVplus
Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, 200AVplus has an additional function, which is the power filter. In fact, when it is connected to the free power plug, through it can be connected to other electrical equipment (such as an extension cord for your computer and monitor), while the iron supply in order to eliminate the risk of damage to equipment from an irregular supply from the network. What is important to know that should not be used on the existing 200AVplus voltage divider, and that the best results are obtained if one uses the same phase current. Range (in theory) is 300, but really should not be exaggerated since it still intended to be used in an apartment or house. Installation is very simple and just have the adapter connected to the electricity and internet (modem, router, etc..), While the other adapter to a computer or device that attaches to the local network. When it is all connected, it takes a little wait for the connection, which can be seen in upaljeniim status LEDs.

HomePlug  is a specification that defines a computer network that interconnects devices over a standard power grid (220 V). German firm Devolo is a leader in the field of production equipment for networking over existing wired installations in buildings (that are on the same stage), and the palm of their registered commercial name for the devices made by HomePlug specification. In their offer, there are solutions for home and business users, and we had the opportunity to try the most powerful model offered for home users - Devolo dLAN 200 Powerline Avsmart + from the Starter Pack.

According to the manufacturer, the basic concept of their network adapters is the minimum energy consumption of the devices, and then only when needed. Also, power quality on all devices improves the built-in filters in order to preserve themselves as adapters and other devices connected through them, which shows and offered the guarantee period of three years.

The package called Starter Kit comes everything you need to network two computers through the power grid: two network adapters, two network cable length 2 m, a printed manual and CD (software and user). The software that comes on the accompanying CD was written for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. It allows an arbitrary change passwords for secure connectivity and control over all devices in the Powerline network. As the software is concerned, it is important to note that the adapters can change the firmware in case of amendments by the manufacturer.

Adapters are made of plastic great white and not very attractive. Seems to be similar to the devices of "white" technique, which is in line with the objective to be seamlessly integrated into the homes. Signaling is well resolved by using the LCD screen size 1.7 ", located on the front, just below the transient electrical plug. Transient electricity socket allows us to connect the same power outlet adapter and, say, an extension cord that will connect the computer, monitor, console, set top box or other devices you plan to connect to the network. On the bottom side, seen in relation to the adapter is plugged into a power outlet in the wall, there is a LAN (RJ-45) and next to it button to automatically establish an encrypted connection.

This adapter model has been declared at 200 Mbit / s, with the possibility of 128-bit AES encryption at the touch of a button, and according to the manufacturer, can be used to install the length to 300 meters from outlet to outlet. Built-in auto sleep adapter saves up to 60 percent of energy to power adapter if the network card on a computer that is used is not a mode Wake On LAN. To see the status of the device does not need a computer. All relevant status messages such as signal strength connection with the connected device, the number of devices connected to the Powerline network, the number of the device, encryption, whether the established connection and activity dLAN adapters can be viewed on the integrated LCD monochrome display with excellent contrast. Number of devices that can be alternately displayed in the display are nine, including the adapter to which the display.


Devolo dLAN 200 AVsmart + Powerline Starter Kit
When creating Powerline networks is very important to be on the specification for which they are made devices that are intended for use, because even though interoperability is provided, there may be problems. For example, if you already have an existing network with devices from other manufacturers made the HomePlug 1.0 specification (14 Mbps), and we want to supplement the devices made according to specification HomePlug AV (200 Mbps), it can happen that are incompatible because Manufacturer newer adapter considered unnecessary to enable interoperability between devices manufactured by different specifications. However, the Devolo with full backwards compatibility with older models, with the eventual apdejt firmware.

I tested this adapter went rather smoothly. After plugging the device into the AC outlet after a few seconds there was an automatic recognition. Pressing the button for an encrypted connection on a single, followed by a second adapter, we achieved an encrypted connection. Once the necessary network card settings on computers, we realized networking. The top speed we reached on the test flow rate was 4.5 MB / s (or about 36 Mbit / s), which is enough even for the transmission of HDTV video signals. Although the result obtained is much lower than the declared value, Devolo devices three times faster than previously tested HomePlug devices, and twice as fast as 802.11 b / g standards in real terms.

These devices can be used at all locations where it is not cost effective or possible creation of a special structured cabling for computer networks such as pre-arranged housing, galleries, museums, schools or places where a WiFi connection is impossible to achieve because of some interference (for example, obstacles in the form of reinforced walls or big difference in floor). A wide range of applications include the transmission of Internet signals, video signals (DVB-S IPTV, HDTV), IP phone signals, and even home automation. Given the effort and investment to two remote sites connected by 300 meters, the price of these devices, which is about 160 euros, no longer seems so high (bearing in mind that this is the most expensive device is available).

Summary

What you should know is that 200AVplus supports QoS service, so as to provide adequate bandwidth for multimedia, voice and images. Also incorporated is a 128-bit AES data encryption that involves pressing the button on the device (this is the only key). All together, the Powerline technology is quite advanced and is already a very serious decision for all those who for some reason classical network or wireless connection problem. For now, what we could see that this really works great and it's the easiest way to install a network of existing methods, but the fact is that the flow rate only in theory 200Mbit/si that much depends on the quality of electrical installations.

Devolo dLAN 200AVmini router review

Devolo dLAN 200AVmini Miniature adapter for networking over the mains, the very simple to use and install. Require high quality power installations, in which case it can get very good performance. Such networking is very convenient where for any reason, LAN and WiFi not come to mind.

Powerline adapters are very popular as a very simple solution for networking where there is no place for traditional cable and WiFi is not an option, and it is not surprising because it is a much simpler network wherever there is power installations. Devolo, although a new name in our market, there are a lot of experience when Powerline (or shorter hand) comes as a specialized network devices that use this technology. Model 200AVmini the adapter miniature series speed 200Mbit / s, and is very convenient for practically all conditions, only to provide quality electrical installations as necessary to keep everything working as it should.


Devolo dLAN 200AVmini
Key features


  • Miniature dimensions
  • Easy installation
  • 128-bit encryption of data
  • Dynamic Power technology PowerSave
  • Flow depends greatly on the quality of installation


Specification

Interface: 100Mb / s Fast Ethernet, HomePlug AV
Connection: Ethernet UTP (auto-sense cable)
Current setup: 100-240V (220V Schuko)
Bandwidth: 200Mbit / s
Range: up to 300m
Data Protection: 128-bit AES encryption
Dimensions: 90 x 58 x 29 mm
Devolo dLAN 200AVmini

Devolo 200AVmini is housed in a miniature housing Dimension 90x58x29 mm, and resembles a smallish power adapter, just as white and with a status LED forward. Unlike the 200AVPlus, there is no additional outlet as there is no ability to filter voltage, but on the other hand we have the Dynamic PowerSave technology that can help save electricity by the adapter turns off whenever not in use for some time. This will not affect performance because the adapter is virtually instant wake from Sleep's. The packaging is standard, with one LAN cable and CD with instructions for use.


Devolo dLAN 200AVmini more
The bottom of the adapters we see a LAN connection (100Mb / s) and key that is used to include 128-bit encryption, ensuring data security. As we have already and they said, installation is extremely simple, the adapter plugs into an existing electrical outlet (to see that this is not a voltage divider). What in practice has shown that the best connected dLAN adapters are on the same stage, which unfortunately is not always possible. If we use multiple adapters (virtually no limitations), just one is connected to a network device that has Internet access, so all other devices connected to 200AVmini get Internet access.

Summary

Although the manufacturer, the flow of 200Mbit/si range of 300m are not realistic or possible in practice, it is for connecting devices in an apartment or house this is very practical. The quality of current installations, will greatly affect the performance, so that those with power kubura unfortunately will not be able to get some really impressive numbers. For now, seems it will most benefit those who have been complicated by the pulling cable or WiFi set parameters, and they want to in minutes or networked devices connected to the Internet.

Linksys Wireless-G Starter Kit Review

Linksys Wireless-G Starter Kit The kit consists of Wireless 4-port router and wireless USB adapter. This is a good thing for those who need a simple way to connect your computer to the Internet, no complications with the cables. Although written Wireless-N, it is not fully supported, as someone can be too much.

Linksys is a company that operates in the much better known Cisco, and is directed more toward home users. It is a network equipment of superior quality (and corresponding prices) that usually require a bit more demanding users. Present the Wireless N Starter Kit kit consisting of a wireless router and wireless USB adapter. This is a pretty good combo for easy networking of a computer without a LAN cable stretch, and probably it is one of the easiest ways to get broadband internet. What Linksys device differs from many competitors is a top quality, considerably better interface and design that will surely play an important role.


Linksys WRT120N and WUSB100
Key features
  • Bundles Wireless USB Adapter
  • Attractive design
  • Very fast interface
  • Solid performance
  • No full 802.11n support


Specification

Linksys WRT120N
Interface: WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Connectors: 4x LAN, 1x WAN
Data Rate: 150Mbps
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, Wireless MAC Filtering
Dimensions: 203 x 35 x 160 mm
Weight: 238 g
Linksys WUSB100
Interface: WiFi 802.11b / g
Connectors: 4x LAN, 1x WAN
Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2
Dimensions: 73 x 9 x 21 mm
Weight: 17 g
Linksys Wireless-G Starter Kit

The package with Linksys WRT120N Wireless 4-port router and WUSB100 RangePlus Wireless Network USB Adapter. The router is quite an attractive design in relation to models from other manufacturers and visually blends into the rest of Linksys offer, made of glossy black plastic and a bit of an unusual shape. We see that there is no external antenna (there are two built-in cabinet), which will affect the volume and quality of the signal as it shows that external antennas usually have better performance. On the front are the status LEDs (Power, Internet, Wireless, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Ethernet 1-4) and the WPS button for easy adjustment of other devices that connect wirelessly to the router and supporting WPS setup.


Linksys WRT120N more info
On the rear are four LAN and one WAN connector, power connector and Reset button. The router operates at a frequency of 2.4GHz, and even though the box says Wireless-N, however, does not fully support this standard, but supported the flow of 150Mbps (Of course, this is the figure which indicates the theoretical flow). Of security options are supported WEP, WPA, WPA2 and Wireless MAC Filtering. The interface is very fast and intuitive, and the initial installation disks obtained from the Setup Wizard-mail that the users step by step through the basic settings. USB adappter RangePlus is one of a series of devices that have greater range and coverage, but should also say that it is a 802.11b / g device.

Summary

With this Wireless-N sets we liked the first design, build quality and really great interface, easy installation, while the minuses fact that it is not a thoroughbred Wireless-N interface, which truth be home users do not make a substantial difference, but nice to know that we should not just blindly believe everything that is written on the box. This does not diminish the value of this collection, which easily resolves the issue of networking and eliminates cables. Linksys devices are always a little more expensive than the competition, but for this difference gets generally better condition, much better interface, and ultimately a really great design.


Cisco Linksys WRT120N-EE Review

Behind the Linksys brand, which covers the networking industry provided predominantly for domestic use, is Cisco the strongest networking in the world. This time out we came to test a wireless router made by 802.11 standard with support for standard big, as well as support for n standard with limited bandwidth to 65 Mbps (although at first glance is not obvious that this is not a full n standard).


Cisco Linksys WRT120N-EE
The router is by far the most beautiful looking of all the devices of this type we've seen. It is made of black matte and glossy plastic, high-quality signal with a blue LED located on the top, where the WPS button. On the back side, there are WAN, four LAN connectors, power connector and reset button.

What hardware is concerned, it is a device that runs on standard frequency of 2.4 GHz for wireless network connection and has built two internal antennas and WAN / LAN ports for wired connection speeds up to 100 Mbit / s. Novelty in this model is an adapter that attaches to the power connector and has a physical switch on and off.


Settings can be accessed via HTTP graphical user interface. Of the many options we believe that it is important to note that a WPS, DHCP, DDNS, Mac Clone, advanced routing, VPN Pass Through, Port Forwarding, DMZ, QoS, HTTPS, Remote Management, UPnP, Ping and Traceroute. As far as safety is concerned, the router supports WEP, WPA, WPA2, RADIUS and MAC filter how to apply and 128-bit encryption, the isolation of AP, Firewall, Internet Filter and Web Filter. The most interesting feature we've come across the Access Restrictions. It is used to control access to content on the Internet and can be adjusted in different ways. It is possible shutdown of Internet access by MAC or IP address, the address block, block keywords and blocking applications, which may be useful to parents.

In the test range and speeds the router to be quite good. Covering its floor and two floors above and below, and reaching a flow rate of 4.4 MB / s when downloading and 3.3 MB / s for sending, which is almost twice higher than the b / g router.

With these options and results WRT120N-EE has great potential in homes, especially in the field of parental control. Priced at about 60 euros and a two-year warranty, this product is recommended.