Hawking HiGain Directional Antenna, mini indoor, 7dBi - HAI7MD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This mini indoor antenna does provide a boost over the standard 2dbi antenna that you receive from any typical router however this device is smaller than I had expected (seems to be only about 5-6 inches high). Further, upon installing the antenna on the back of my D-Link router, the connector on this Hawking antenna snapped off apparently due to a poor soldering job by Hawking. Luckily, the damage doesn't seem to be permanent and the antenna seems to be working despite the poor soldering.
Signal-wise, I was able to obtain about a 10% signal increase with a router on the second floor and a computer on the first floor with numerous walls in between. Not too shabby but for my purposes, I had to utilize a Hawking signal booster Hawking HiGain Signal Booster version 2 - HSB2 and a carefully-placed Trendnet antenna TRENDnet 14 dBi Outdoor High Gain Directional Antenna to achieve 100% signal (for comparison: without any enhancements, my D-Link DIR655 N Router can typically provide about 60% signal).

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Cisco-Linksys High Gain Antenna Kit for TNC Connectors HGA7T Review

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(More customer reviews)Folks, these antennas, as well as the stock antennas, have an omnidirectional (same in all directions) horizontal radiation pattern. This means that, when installed in a suitable location, the most significant reception gains will be seen with equipment that is on the same level as the router itself. Most of the "these did nothing for me" stories appear to be from people who have the router downstairs and the equipment upstairs, or in the basement. These antennas are NOT designed to improve reception between floors in a home.
2.4GHz signals are heavily attenuated by walls, foil-clad insualtion, and other building materials. Interference can also be present from cordless phones, microwaves, wireless cameras and other gear in this band -- adding an antenna can make these types of issues WORSE. Changing the channel your wireless router uses can help, since chances are most of your neighbors are using the same channel you are. Some routers have a built-in site survey utility to help you locate an unused channel.
If you are having trouble reaching a particular device through several walls, or between floors, try a directional antenna as these will concentrate the radio energy where they are pointed. Some reviewers have pointed to a site that illustrates how to make a directional antenna with index cards, glue and foil -- this is a rudementary directional antenna but will surprisingly provide excellent results in many applications.
In summary: If you purchased these antennas and they did not work or made the problem worse, you need to reconsider the type of installation (multi-floor, multi-wall, etc.), sources of interference, channel selection, blocking materials such as foil-clad insulation, as well as proper antenna selection.

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Netgear WG121 Wireless 802.11g USB Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this same product. I use it with a Netgear 802.11g router. I use all Netgear products to hopefully prevent any conflicts between hardware, but I'm not an networking expert so I'm not sure if that will really prevent any problems. But from my POV this is a safe buy. No problems so far. What I like about this product is that i can place it on a high shelf out of the way of metal objects and other stuff that would potentially interfere with the radio signal, because it's connected by USB.

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NETGEAR's 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter enables 54 Mbps wireless Internet access to either your desktop or notebook PC. New antenna technology delivers greater range so you can move extended distances without losing your connection. Setup is now made quick and easy with a new Smart Wizard install assistant. High-level WEP encryption shields your network from wireless eavesdroppers without sacrificing performance.

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TRENDnet 54 Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router TEW-432BRP (Blue) Review

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(More customer reviews)Upgrading finally from my B router. Probably the last one in the neighborhood to do so.
There are three versions of the TEW-432BRP (the outer casings look slightly different). They're roughly labelled A, B, and C. I wound up with the C one. Its the best G router i've ever seen, for a few reasons:
1. "Easy CD" actually worked and led me through a wizard that had me running in under 5 minutes. It was even intelligent enough to figure out that my cable company's router needed a reset.
2. When you go into the firmware, there are some interesting and unusual settings you can tweak. It has the usual things like 'dont broadcast ssid' and all the rest of it. But it also had unusual settings that I'd never seen before, like the ability to set the output of its signal at "full power" or "half power" or "quarter" or "eigth" or "minimum". Seemed like an interesting option; I usually sit 10 feet from it, maybe I can reduce the microwaves bombarding my brain? I tried it on the various levels and did throughput tests. Interestingly, it was at "quarter power" that I had the fastest throughput. I dont know why, but I can live with that. I was glad to have that option to reduce the output signal's power level in the router, though.
3. Excellent transmission spread, strong signal, and fast. I know the bottleneck is supposed to be the dsl/cable conneciton itself, but I would swear my browsing is faster and snappier now. And my connection speed to my local network drive improved five-fold (which was why I got a g router in the first place).
Its a great deal under twenty-five on sale.

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The 54Mbps Wireless G Router offers a complete wireless solution that allows you to share files, an Internet connection, or network resource while protecting your network using enhanced security features. Simply plug your workstations and your broadband modem into the Wireless G router, and configure your broadband connection using its built-in Web Interface. Use the Virtual Server feature to configure any workstation as a Web Server or FTP server easily, allowing users to view files from the Internet. You can also protect your Wireless LAN using 64/128-bit WEP encryption or industry standard WPA-PSK with TKIP or AES algorithms. Increase security by enabling MAC, IP, or Protocol Filtering as well as setting Firewall Rules to limit Internet Access or block malicious intruders from accessing your network.

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D-Link DWL-520 Wireless PCI Adapter, 802.11b, 11Mbps Review

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(More customer reviews)The following answer on the D-Link tech support site says it all: "The DWL-520 requires a PCI 2.2 compliant motherboard (3.3v) in order to function. If your PCI slot is 2.1 compliant, or if the PCI slot is using 5v, then the card won't be detected by Windows and unfortunately will not work." And how will you know if you have a PCI 2.2 compliant board? Essentially, you won't, until you try the card or dig deep into the specs on your computer's motherboard. I have a very reputable ASUS Pentium III motherboard, that won't recognize this card. Very frustrating...

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Cisco-Linksys WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Router Review

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(More customer reviews)Got the Linksys WRT110 because my Netgear WGR614 has been acting funny (will only connect to one wireless device at a time). I chose to do a manual install/configuration of the WRT110 and skipped the disk install completely. Setup the encryption (not WEP, by the way) and other settings, and I had the wireless router working in 10 minutes (it actually took less, but I was tutoring my 17-year old nephew on how to properly install a wireless router, which was why I skipped the disk install version). Afterwards, I searched the available wireless network, found the router SSID, typed in the password for network security (a definite must-do in San Francisco), and I was wirelessly connected! Still connected after 3 days, too.
I gave it a 5-star rating because it worked for me out of the box and without the disk installer. No glitches, and the device was current with the latest firmware. The router is on the second level, and I have decent signal (24-54 Mbps) in all the rooms on the same floor, and a stronger signal than the previous g-router on the other floors (18-24 Mbps with WRT110, -vs- 0-12 Mbps with WGR614). Internet is not affected, since my DSL is only 6 Mbps, anyway.
I picked the WRT110 over the WRT54G2 to try out the MIMO technology. I will update this review in a few weeks after I've completed my testing. Stay posted.
After configuring it as a stand-alone router, I then put it to the test by adding it to my LAN. I have a special configuration, which is a bit more advanced than those of a typical user. I have a D-Link DIR655 (Gigabit Wireless N router) as my DHCP router and is set as N-only mode. I have the WRT110 as wireless-g device hooked to this router which transmits at g-only.
"Why do I have two routers, when the DIR655 is backward compatible with G as well as N?" one might ask. The reason I have it with this configuration is because I have three wireless-N devices and four wireless-G devices. The G devices drops the DIR655 down to wireless-g whenever they are wirelessly connected to the DIR655. So, I have a wireless-G router hooked to the DIR655, the wireless-G computers are connected to the WRT110 and the N devices are connected to the DIR655, and all the devices are working to my preference.
Update:
After having this router for a week, it has stood up to the test and consistenly maintained its connection. My test is basically to bring two laptops (both wireless-G) one floor up and on the other side of the house where the router is located. Both laptops connect fine, and consistently maintain 8-24 Mbps, wheras connection with the old router is still hampered and drops connection every now and then. So either the MIMO function works as noted, or this is just a better router all together. I do not have the WRT54G2 to compare (with and without MIMO), but I'll try to get my hands on those and do a side-by-side comparison.
UPDATE 2 (2009-11-02):
After having this router for over a year, I am still surprisingly very pleased with it. I say "surprisingly" because the reviews for this router on Amazon.com is all over the board. I may have been one of the lucky ones with this router, because 1) I have never lost connection (wired or wireless) with this router, 2) I have never had to restart (in fact, I completely forgot I had this router, since I am running two different wireless routers), and 3) it is small enough to fit on top of a cabinet so that I don't see it. I have three computers (two notebooks, one desktop) connected wirelessly, and two wired PC computers (acting as file servers). It has worked so well for me that I bought one for my father-in-law, and one for my brother. After I set up their WRT110 routers, they have reported NO problems thus far (a year coming up in December). Overall, I am VERY pleased with this router, and fully deserves the initial 5-star rating I gave it.
UPDATE 3 (2010-11-03):
I've had this router for over two years now, and I stand by my initial 5-star review. I have never had to reset/restart this router since my last review a year ago, I've never dropped a connection when connected to this router, I have various things connected wirelessly to this router with no issues (4 desktops, 4 laptops, several iPods, my blackberry and Droid, my HP Ipaq, Iomega ScrenPlay TV Link, and whenever guests come over). I am able to stream video in DVD quality with no stuttering or lag. I do not have an extensive HD video collection, but with the home HD videos, the playback quality depends on the computer I am using, and ranges from perfect to acceptable (which tells me it is a hardware issue related to the computer, and not the wireless router).
I had to post an update because I've been reading some of the recent negative (one-star) reviews, and maybe I got lucky with my unit because it has been as reliable as my D-Link DIR-655 router. One possible explanation is that maybe Cisco-Linksys QC is slipping a bit with the newer products. Another is that the components are different, and not as reliable as the initial batches. Whatever the cause, I know I have been quite happy with this router for over two years.

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The RangePlus Wireless Router is really three devices in one box. First, there`s the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect to the network without wires. There`s also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. With the Linksys RangePlus Wireless Router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games, and run media-intensive applications at incredible speeds, without the hassle of stringing wires!

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Cisco Aironet 2.2dBi 2.4GHz Dipole Antenna (Standard Rubber Duck) with RP-TNC Connector ( AIR-ANT4941 ) (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This has fit every Cisco AP I've tried to use it on. It is OEM and is designed for the Cisco wireless access points.

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Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're having trouble setting it up, definitely call the 800 number as opposed to going online. I tried with three different people through their website online and none could help. Right before I sent it back I decided to try phone support and it got the expander a reprieve. I've copied some instructions that Y.A. Escalante was kind enough to leave in his review, but corrected and elaborated some of the items based on my experience. I would've given this 4 stars, but I deducted 1 for it not having clear enough instructions with its initial shipping. (Would've saved Linksys some headaches)
Here goes:
1-Disable WEP on your Router or AP
2-Hold the auto-configuration button for 30 seconds(if everything goes well both lights on the expander will turn blue) and unplug while still holding button. Plug back in after 10-15 secs.
3-open your Internet explorer browser and type 192.168.1.240 (default ip of expander), a window will pop up. leave the user name blank and put admin as a password (this is default password).
4-make sure that the default gateway and subnet mask settings are identical with your Router or AP,change password on the expander if desired & save settings. (all settings should be correct due to auto configuration)
5-Enable WEP on the expander, once again remember use same settings as in your Router or AP, save settings again.
6-Go to your Router or Ap settings and enable WEP. Bang you're DONE. Enjoy
Hope this helps some of you...if not call the 800 number on the box and be patient. :)

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Expand the range of your wireless network The Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander is the easy way to increase the effective coverage of your wireless network. Unlike adding a traditional access point to your network to expand wireless coverage, the Wireless-G Range Expander does not need to be connected to the network by a data cable. Just put it within range of your main access point or wireless router, and it bounces the signals out to remote wireless devices. This relay station or repeater approach saves wiring costs and helps to build wireless infrastructure by driving signals into even those distant, reflective corners and hard-to-reach areas where wireless coverage is spotty and cabling is impractical. The Range Expander is perfect to help cover large areas in multi-story homes, warehouse environments, public spaces, wireless Hot Spots, and outdoor venues -- anywhere you need extra coverage for your wireless network.

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Belkin F5D6231-4 Wireless Cable/DSL Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I was initially very pleased with this router. It was reasonably easy to set up, although I configured it by hand instead of using the Easy Install Wizard so I can't speak to the quality of the Wizard. The 76-page manual is good, though missing an index.
The web-based interface was very very nice (at first, but more on this later). I was able to enter my settings quickly, and there appears to be a high level of customization possible. This router comes with firewall capabilities that are not necessarily advertised, which was a welcome surprise.
Things worked well for the first day, and the range on the wireless was quite good. At that point I decided to increase security. I disabled SSID Broadcast so that the ID of my network would not be spuriously broadcast...however, a new laptop immediately saw the network. So I'm not sure if SSID broadcast disable works, or if I made some mistake.
Then I tried to filter MAC addresses (which ensures that only specified computers have access to the router). For several hours I tried to enter a list of 5 MAC addresses into the router, but it would not take any more than one! This was a maddening experience. Finally, I decided to try using Internet Explorer to access the web interface, instead of Netscape. Suddenly, it worked. It seems likely that Belkin did not adequately test the product with Netscape.
During the above process, I had tried to check the firmware revision (I have 1.00000000, and no new firmware is yet available). I clicked on the button to check to see if there's an update, and the interface hung every time. So that feature doesn't work right, either, in either browser.
The next thing I did is try to confirm that MAC Address Filtering (above) was actually working properly. I enabled the feature, and removed a few computers from my access list. But they could still access the internet! I then removed all computers but one from the list, and still, no filtering. I called tech support. To give them credit, I only waited on hold a few minutes. But the person I spoke with was clueless. He was probably so used to people having trouble getting the internet to work, that he couldn't process the notion that my problem was that the security features were improperly permitting network access to unauthorized computers. I believe he didn't even know how MAC Address Filtering is supposed to work. When I was finally able to make the problem clear to him, he said someone would get back to me. But that won't be before I return this router for a refund.
In summary: the router has good potential. But the fact that MAC Address Filtering simply doesn't work, and Disable SSID Broadcast may not work either, means that this router is missing at least one of the fundamental security features. There are other firmware problems, too, which don't speak well for Belkin's Quality Control. My advice is not to purchase this router, at least until the firmware is revised.

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Belkin 802.11b wireless networking provides the perfect solution for the most advanced, cable-free installations. Our 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway Router (Router) uses the 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard to let you share a broadband Internet connection among your computers-without cables. The Router features an integrated 4-port 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch that allows you to connect wired computers for all the advantages of networking. It makes sharing files and peripherals, such as hard drives, printers, CD-ROMs, DVDs-and more-easier than ever. The Router offers advanced features for the highest level of flexibility. Using its firewall, the Router protects your network from outside intrusions by hackers. Its IPSec pass-through allows you to work from another location using Virtual Private Networking (VPN). DMZ hosting lets you play accelerated games over the Internet.

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TP-Link TL-WR541G 54 Mbps Extended Range Wireless Router with 1x 3dBi Antenna Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this router for about a month. It was easy to set up and its range is outstanding. I set it up at one end of the house and it works perfectly throughout my home as well outdoors (in my yard).
The reason I purchased this product over some other better known brands was because it had such great reviews (on other web sights)...and that it is the most sold router in China. At this point there are no negitives to this product. Also price was a major factor in my decision.
I would encourage anyone looking for an excellent router at a great price...to consider the TL-Link WR541G Wireless Router. You won't be sorry.


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Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm using the unit in a REPEATER mode. My house have 3 floors and my router (WRT54G) is located in the basement. I get a signal of 11 Mbps on the sec flr using a centrino powered notebook. The signal would drop to 1 Mbps after some use and the only way to get the signals back is to to reboot the notebook for some reason or go to the first flr. Hence, decided to get this unit and use it as a repeater.
Steps that worked for me are as follows:
01. Disable any security you have on the router (I'm using WEP) and enable SSID broadcast prior to any configuration .
02. Configure the unit using the setup disk and provided the ff:.
---- Provided a different SSID (or you can provide the same SSID) with enabled broadcast.
---- No encription
---- The same transmission channel (Chan 11) as with my router
---- New password
03. Exited program setup. Run browser and connect to the AP interface using the default address [...]
04. Configured the AP in REPEATER MODE placing my router's wireless MAC address as the repeated source signal.
05. Saved the setup.
06. Test if working by removing the wire behind the AP. On your PC/Notebook, open up a command window (START,RUN, type in "cmd" and click [OK]). Type in "ping 192.168.1.245" and press [ENTER]. You should see something like "Reply from 192.168.1.245 bytes=32 time=3ms TTL=225". If you get a "Request timed out." then that means your AP cannot be seen in your network and was not configured successfully go through STEP#1 again.
07. If successful, you need to enable security back (NOTE: At this point, the AP is running stand alone with no wires connected at the back from the router). Since I'm using WEP, connect to the AP using a browser at [...]
Go to wireless security and enable WEP and add the key codes and save your setup.
08. Now enable security back on the router with same key as you have on the AP and save your setup.
09. Test connection again by running STEP#6.
10. Place the AP where you want it to.
11. With a wireless PC/Notebook, scan for wireless networks. You should see the new SSID as well as the old one. Connect to it so that your PC/Notebook would save that information.
12. Connect to your AP, disable SSID broadcast, save setup.
13. Connect to your roter, disable SSID broadcast, save setup.
14. You're done!I placed the WAP54G on the third floor. After all is said and done, my signal was boosted to 45 Mbps (max at 54 Mbps). Works like a charm!!!
NOTE:
- These procedures is specifically if you want to configure your AP as a REPEATER.
- If you configure the AP with WEP security on the get go, you will never be able to get it to work!! I spent hours on this to no avail.
- You can use the same SSID. I used a different one because I want to see what wireless unit I am connecting to when i transfer from floor to floor.
UPDATE 031810
The unit I believe is starting to die on me. My internet access will get cut off all of a sudden and it has been happening frequently (like 4-5 times a week). I have to unplug then plug it back to make it function again. I might upgrade my system to the WRT610N and WAP610N soon.
UPDATE 033110
I decided to get a new WAP54G instead since reading through the WAP610N manual, there is no provision for a REPEATER mode. I placed the old one on the first floor. So now, I have the WRT54G on the basement, my old WAP54G on the first floor and my new WAP54G (with a NETGEAR 5 port switch connected to it) on the 3rd floor. I noticed that with the new one, my web browsing is a lot faster compared to the old one!
UPDATE 041110
So I had the NEW WAP54G for a couple of days since my last update and I still had the same problem of getting disconnected intermittently. I tried shutting down the OLD unit totally but the issue persists with the new unit so it looks like the AP is not the problem. Now, my IPOD TOUCH 32GB 3Gen needed repair and has been out of commission since last Friday 04/09 (bought this last January). And guess what? I have had no problems with my WIFI connection since then (both APs running). I have to see if the replacement Ipod screws up my wifi connection again but I do think I found out the culprit for my WIFI issues.
UPDATE 042510
I got my new replacement Ipod Touch a week ago. My WIFI failure started again but not as frequent. Now, I always turn off the Ipod's Wifi when I'm not using it. I guess I'm stuck with it.
UPDATE 072610
When I got the IOS 4 software update for the Ipod Touch, my WIFI issues disappeared. :)

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The Linksys Wireless-G access point lets you connect Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) devices to your network. Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate your network clients to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.
For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table: To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G access point can encrypt all wireless transmissions. The MAC address filter lets you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.
Wireless-G is the upcoming 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country--but since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.
Future-proof your wireless network with the Linksys Wireless-G access point. You'll enjoy Wireless-B connectivity today, and be prepared for a high-speed Wireless-G tomorrow.
The Linksys Wireless-G access point is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP.

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Linksys Wireless-G 2.4 GHz Wireless Router Review

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(More customer reviews)Set-up was a bit dicey as there weren't really any instructions and the disc that came with it didn't work. However, we did some google searches for set-up directions, made a call to a techie friend and had it up and running in a little over an hour. Sent an email to the seller and they promptly responded but we'd figured it out at that point. Haven't had one problem with it since. Thanks so much!!!

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Wireless G Access Point w/ P.O.E. and Rangebooster. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I needed to wirelessly network a Brooklyn Brownstone approximately 45' long by 100 feet tall 4 floors. Initially started with the Netgear
RANGEMAX WIRELESS ROUTER Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router (WPN824)because of the advertised (last year Sept)
-MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology boosts network performance with up to 10x the speed and 10x the coverage of Wireless-G
Result: Signal traveled straight up to the upper floor without a problem, but could not reach the rooms from the middle to the front of the house 2nd ,3rd ,or 4th floors (Comcast cable modem placed on the second floor back). Mysteriously connections would drop without reason from time to time. Theory Comcast equipment was causing that problem, too, wireless phone and fax interference too being the possible gremlins.

Phase 2-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
used 3 Linksys Wireless G Extenders to act as repeaters on the upper floors. Could only manage to get a strong signal partially to the second floor but signal was intermittent. Could only link two extenders but the second, again dropped the signal intermittently and the dreaded `limited or no connectivity' message began. Observation proved these messages materialized while roaming-connecting to the second or third node (first node being Netgear WPN824). Though the signal was seen (in some cases very good) Netgear had a time issuing IP addresses past the first node.
Phase 3, after spending 1 whole day surfing the net for info. I decided to start anew....after much comparing and no reviews to go by. I decided on the Linksys WAP 200 because of its versatility and advertised signal strength - it could be an accesspoint, a repeater, or a bridge...and because I had the G extenders from Linksys that I became familiar with....
200AP2 Linsys WAP200
Setup 1- Continue the Netgear as the Ethernet to cable box, wireless access point, with DHCP server, using the 2 200's as repeaters. The main problem, after becoming familiar with the WAP200 was still the `Limited or no connectivity' message. I `trial and erred' the settings ,I observed a correlation between RIP and the error msg.I also noted the msg occurring much more on my older lap (XP home), vs my girl friends newer (XP) lap.
Setup 2- using the Netgear as the DHCP server, Ethernet to cable box SWITCH. One of the 200's would account for a wireless access point (located on the second floor, 2 ft from the Netgear), the other a 200 a Repeater (3rd floor hall...I added a Hawking Technology's HAI15SC,Hawking HAI15SC 15dBi Hi-Gain Directional Corner Antenna 2.4GHz Hi-Gain Wireless Corner Antenna, boosts your wireless signal strength from 2dBi (standard) to 15dBi to the second floor 200...didn't think I needed it). This configuration covered the whole house, there were a few low signal readings at the extreme ends on the 4th floor 3ft from the front window , which I intended to eliminate with the Linksys G Extender.
Which brings me to the only concern- AP Mode gives you the opportunity to use the 200 in either 1 of 3 modes
AP Mode Screen
Use this screen to configure the Access Point mode. The three available modes are Access Point, Wireless Repeater, and Wireless Bridge.
The 200 that was used as the wireless access point needed the MAC address of the 200 used as a Repeater (in Repeater mode-- max 3 MAC addresses). Adding the address of the second wap200 (as Repeater) was'nt an issue, all worked perfectly. When I added the MAC addresses of the G Extenders `Limited connectivity' messages again appeared, I tried various combo's including changing the order but always a problem...perhaps the repeaters have to be legit repeaters or WAP200's...anywho I found this interesting and will be taking the 3 extenders back to Best Buy
Conclusions-
overall I found the Linksys WAP 200 a really good product. I don't believe you have to know the nuts and bolts about networking to get the WAP200 up and running. The documentation will not be of help to a newbie, but if you google your concerns you may learn a thing or two. $124 is a really good price for the endless possibilities one could use this 3-in-1 wireless network product......btw I speed tested the connections, watched video (google video, Youtube) while roaming around the house and it never dropped a signal.
it is now 11-28-2008 and this product has been running non stop since the original review..
asH


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Alfa 9dBi WiFi Booster SMA OMNI-Directional High-Gain Screw-On Swivel Antenna for Belkin - F5D8230zh4, F5D7233zh, F5D8231zh4, F5D6001, F5D7000 and F5D7001 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a Linksys Windows media center extender 2 floors above where my wireless router is. Before I got these antenna, the media center extender would drop its network connection frequently enough to be quite annoying. With these antennas replacing the ones on the extender, I have not had another dropped connection. Still get slowdowns in video every so often, though not enough to really bother me.

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Buffalo Technology AirStation High Power N150 Wireless Router & AP WHR-HP-GN (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're not a geek, this router is awesome. It comes with a CD which guides you through installation and secure setup. (The #1 problem with wireless routers is security, and the setup process is the solution.) It supports WPS, which means, you can hold down a button on the router for a few seconds, and then your devices (laptops, many Blu-Ray players) will automatically and securely negotiate connection to the router (no more entering crazy-long passwords).
If you're a geek, Buffalo actively supports DD-WRT (you can download it from their web site). In addition, the specs are great: 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash space.
For more information on why I chose this router, see [...]

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Buffalo Technology Wireless-N 150 High Power Router & Access Point WHR-HP-GN (White)

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Wireless USB2.0 WiFi High-Gain 23dBm 802.11g Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased for use with a laptop that has 10.04 Lucid Lynx installed and it was pure plug n play! The reception is awesome. I expected it to be weaker than the installed internal wi-fi card on the laptop. 5 starts for the price! It does get very warm, but I use a cooling pad that is blowing on the laptop so it has not been an issue. Since I am using Linux I cannot comment on the install for Window$, but it did come with a driver CD-ROM. Shipping was fast too, I would buy again!

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Cisco-Linksys WUSB54GSC Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, like any product, there are those who love it and those who hate it. Our family likes this wireless G adapter. My husband bought it, and he doesn't know much at all about computers. He plugged it in and Voila! He had internet upstairs and the wireless router is downstairs. He has used it for about 9 months now with no problems and we are buying one for our son's laptop becuase the internal in his just went bye-bye. Based on our experiences with this item, I recommend this as a low cost way to get wireless on your desktop or laptop.

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Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the Linksys Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster. Using your high-speed USB 2.0 port, this Compact Wireless-G Adapter delivers incredible data rates without the trouble of opening up the case of your computer.
This Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G, using SpeedBooster technology to increase your real-world wireless network performance by up to 35 percent, so you will see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices. Easy to install, you simply plug the adapter into an available USB 1.1 or 2.0 port (2.0 ports will yield the fastest speeds) from which it gets its power, eliminating the need for a power cord. This Linksys adapter is extremely easy to configure, with a new push button setup feature that allows you to just push the button on the Access Point, and on your other Secure Easy Setup-enabled wireless device, to automatically create a safe connection that is protected by the iron-clad security of 256-bit Wireless Protected Access (WPA2) encryption.
With this Linksys USB Network Adapter you can put your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle of drilling holes and running cables to access your network or the Internet. This unit operates on both the 802.11b (11 Mbps) and 802.11g (54 Mbps) protocols with 11 channels, and features both WEP and WPA encryption at either 64 or 128 WEP key bits. This adapter measures 1.1 x 3.86 x 0.43 inches (WxDxH), is FCC and Wi-Fi certified, and is backed by a manufacturer's limited three-year warranty.

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