Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I have this product connected to my directv hd receiver to download VOD content. If the installation software is not able to detect the device during the installation process, then follow these steps (I had to perform these steps when I called Linksys for assistance. I wish they had just documented the steps instead):
1. Quit out of the installation software (keep the adapter connected to your pc)
2. Assign a static IP to your pc (if you do not know how to do this, then call Linksys or google it). The static ip settings should be:
ip: 192.168.1.50
subnet: 255.255.255.0
gateway: 192.168.1.1
leave dns settings as is
3. Open up your browser and type http://192.168.1.250 in the address bar. You will now see a log in page
4. Log in with admin/admin
5. Now assign a static IP to the adapter
ip: 192.168.1.250
subnet: 255.255.255.0
gateway: 192.168.1.1
6. Now go to the wireless settings tab and enter in your SSID and WEP/WPA Key. Make sure you select the correct authentication type
7. You will now need to reboot the adapter (it will ask you to do so)
8. Once the device is back up, go back to the http://192.168.1.250 page and log back in. Double-check to make sure your settings were entered in correctly. The wireless light should light up on your adapter.
Tip: Before you connect it to your console/receiver, you can test to make sure the adapter can connect to the internet. Switch off your wireless connection on your pc/laptop and connect the adapter to your pc via the ethernet port. Try accessing the internet and if you can, then the adapter is all set.
Good luck.
p.s. the main reason I detailed out the steps for the "advanced setup" is so that people know that it is still a straight-forward process, so no need to be afraid if you won't have the plug-and-play experience.
another tip. if you are still having issues, then try changing the channel on your router (although you should not have to if all your other wireless devices are working well on that channel).

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Actiontec MegaPlug A/V 200 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)Years ago, I purchased one of the first through-power-line Ethernet kits on the market. At the time, the claimed throughput was low (say, 10mbps), and the actual throughput was ridiculously slow. Not to mention the fact that the connection seemed to hang inexplicably with great frequency. In a word: Not ready for primetime, not ready for anything, really...
Fast forward nearly a decade. By now, wireless Ethernet routers are cheap and easy to use and just about everyone has one.
Into this environment, Actiontec has dumped their new MegaPlug "200 Mbps" powerline network kit.
Your first question, and it's a good one, is: "What's the point?" And for many people the answer will be "none, really, in your situation."
BUT there are two sets of people for whom something like this--if it works--is a godsend.
First off, there are those who simply cannot set up something like a wireless router. It's not hard, but there are still a lot of complete tech phobes out there. Think: your Grandparents, or maybe even your parents. Sure, you could go over and set things up for them. But then what happens the first time the router goes down and needs to be rebooted or whatever? Panic calls at midnight are not most people's idea of bonus time.
The second set of people who could use something like this, if it works, are those with wireless dead spots in their homes. There are a lot of people like this, actually. No matter where you set up the wireless transmitter, some places just get no signal, or a very lousy one. Now, you can--if you are technically inclined--set up a wireless repeater to address issue. But it's a bit tricky for most people who don't relish spending their Friday night shopping the halls of Frys, Microcenter or BestBuy. This kit offers a simple alternative to a wireless repeater.
OK, enough on who might want this. On to the more significant question: Does it actually work, and how easy is it, really, to set up.
I'll answer the second question first. It is ridiculously, stupidly, unbelievably easy to set this up. Plug one unit in one wall outlet. Run ethernet cable from unit to your router. Plug second unit into another wall outlet anywhere else in your house. Run either cable from unit to the device you want to talk to router. And you are done. Even if you have trouble figuring out how to open the door of a refrigerator, it can't take you more than 5 minutes to set up.
And how does it work? SHOCKINGLY well. In a three story home with about 20 separate circuits (lines on their own circuit breakers), I was unable to find two outlets that could not communicate with each other at a reasonable speed, and without any disruptions. You aren't going to see 200Mbps in the real world, but I saw between 24Mbps and 34Mbps, depending on where I placed the two outlet plugs. Before you sneer, this compares to a normal transfer rate of about 18Mbps for a GOOD wireless G connection. In other words, the Actiontec kit gave transfer rates that were between 33% and 90% FASTER than wireless G!
I can recommend this unconditionally to those who need an alternative to standard wireless with one caveat (and it's a big one): This kit is quite pricey. It runs over a hundred bucks at the time of this writing, as compared to a good quality wireless G router, which can be purchased for as little as $30. In addition, this kit is good for connecting only one location to another single location, whereas wireless is...everywhere.
But if you can get past the price, this kit is terrific.

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