So here I am, completely frustrated that my D-Link wireless router and wireless card aren't working. About 15 calls to D-Link resolves nothing. They tried to blame to on my 2.4 gHz telephone system, my satellite dish, my microwave, and I think they mentioned something about the color of my car.

In either case, I had had enough. My DSL provider (Earthlink) had recommended 2Wire, but wanted to lock me into a year-long service contract for $120 to service the network. Forget that! I bought the 2Wire 100W from my local Staples, and within about 10 minutes, I had internet access through my router to the computer it was hard-wired to.

Instead of doing a wireless connection to my desktop computer #2, I decided to do the HPNA (phone-line networking) instead. I had to download the XP driver from the 2Wire website, and upon installation, it promptly crashed the system.

After talking to a couple 2Wire techs, I found out that the USPB port on computers can only handle a certain amount of power, and combining the adapter with the USB keyboard overtaxed the system. Plugging into the front USB port resolved the issue. IT WORKED!!

One last thing: Still wanting wireless capability for my laptop computer, I took a risk and bought a Netgear wireless card. Installed the card, inputted the security code, and BOOM! Connected! And I was about three times the distance from when I tried the D-Link equipment!

2Wire's router looks like it might not do the job because there are no exposed antennas. Don't let looks deceive you-- it works!





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 199.00
Driver Availability: Windows and Linux