A Wireless Home Network for the Non-Technical Person--PERFECTLY SIMPLE!
Written: May 26 '03 (Updated Jun 27 '03)
Product Rating:
Ease of Installation:
Ease of Use:
Pros: Absolutely OUTSTANDING support from Microsoft; super-fast transfer rate; first-quality product!
Cons: My DSL service isn't compatible with it.
The Bottom Line: I loved everything about this router and the free support was FABULOUS! It would have been a breeze to set-up had I not had the compatibility problems.
briandalsmom's Full Review: Microsoft Broadband Networking MN-500 Wireless Bas...
WHAT IS A WIRELESS NETWORK AND WHY DO I NEED IT?
A wireless network is a way of connecting two or more computers, printers, or other devices by radio waves. What that means is that you can surf the net from two different computers at the same time, from anywhere in the house. Sounds good, huh! Well for me it seemed a must. Having two kids who need the computer for homework and me for my hobby, it seemed the computer was a hot commodity between the hours of 5pm-10pm--too many of us needed it at the same time. Since I had an older laptop and DSL modem I started searching for solutions. We knew we wanted wireless and none of us was willing to try to go into the crawl spaces—we have a tri-level so stringing wire is nearly impossible. Also, our main purpose was to share the DSL connection and the printer so my son’s could print from any computer in the house, not just the one connected to the computer.
The kids were all for it because it also lets you play multiple-player games online or within your own network—something they’ve always wanted to do!
After doing some online research I settled on the Microsoft product. It was reasonably priced, used just 2 pieces to network (most need 3), and was available locally—I wanted to install it ASAP. I visited my local Staples store and told the networking expert my set up—DSL cable connected with USB. He said, “No problems, this will be perfect!” If only that were true.
MY DSL PROVIDER BLUES
I brought my prize home only to find out that the USB was going to be a problem. It turns out the DSL HAS to have an Ethernet connection and mine didn’t—this is specific to Qwest service as they use a different protocol than EVERY OTHER service—go figure. I went to the excellent Microsoft Networking Wizard and put in all my information—it too said the pieces should work. I checked out their extensive online FAQ and couldn’t find my specific problem.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
I next called their Technical Assistance line where I got the very nicest representative (I wrote her name down—when I find it I’ll add it as well as e-mail her supervisor). After listening to my woes she apologized for the error on the site and proceeded to help me try to do a work-around to get it working with my DSL.
Absolutely fabulous! I can’t say enough about the free technical support offered—I was online with the most patient rep for nearly 3 hours, very late at night, and she was understanding, funny, and really knew her networking stuff! If I hadn’t had the DSL compatibility problem she would have had me up and running in minutes. For the support alone, this product is worth it!
After trying nearly everything I gave up and contacted Qwest. They have put into place a system that requires you to use ActionTec modems—you just don’t have a choice. I’m selling the Microsoft system on eBay but I’m very disappointed—it was perfect! The network worked brilliantly (we got the network up but couldn’t get it to share the DSL—again, a Qwest problem). I was sorry to see it go and HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who DOESN’T have Qwest service or those who just want to network computers and not share a DSL connection (if your DSL box doesn’t connect with an Ethernet connection—if you have an Ethernet connection this will work PERFECTLY for you!).
REGULAR SETUP
Microsoft uses a great setup wizard—I eventually used pieces of it to get the system working. It was extremely user-friendly even for those who are technically challenged. Everything is done in a step-by-step process so you can’t go wrong. Alternatives are given all throughout the process in case your system is put together differently and you’re prompted all the way to use the toll-free assistance if you get stuck.
THE SYSTEM
This is a 4-port base station which means you can accommodate as many as four additional wired computers using Ethernet connections. The data transfers at rates of up to 11Mbps for wireless connections and 100 Mbps for wired connections—that’s much faster than most broadband connections—another reason I chose this product. It comes with built-in security includes a hardware firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)* which is turned on by default.
MANAGEMENT
Uses Microsoft Broadband Network Utility--it constantly monitors the network and lets you know when it sees trouble and then offers assistance on how to correct.
SUPPORT
Toll-free product support-- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Auto Update Service--A great way to keep your network up-to-date—you’ll receive automatic update information. No guessing—click on the icon that pops up in your system tray and you’re directed to the Microsoft website and the update you need. If you don’t want to use the automated system, you can opt out and manually chose any updates to download.
Online FAQ & User Manual--Everything you need can be found online, including the manual—it comes in handy when you’ve misplaced the original.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED
• Computer with a network adapter to configure base station
• External broadband (cable, DSL, or other) modem with Ethernet port (not compatible with dial-up modems) –our USB DSL modems as I found out
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or later to view and use the Base Station Management Tool (the Setup Wizard will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components, if necessary, but will not displace your primary browser)
• Available 120 V AC power outlet
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (SETUP WIZARD AND BROADBAND NETWORK UTILITY)
• Computer running Microsoft Windows® 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me), Windows 2000** Professional, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP Home Edition operating system
• 28 MB of available hard-disk space if you are already running Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0; 132 MB of available hard-disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time
• 4x or faster CD-ROM drive
• VGA or higher resolution monitor
RECOMMENDED
• Computer with Ethernet network adapter for easiest base station setup
• Mouse or compatible pointing device
• 3.5" high-density disk drive
WARRANTY
Two-year limited warranty
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
• Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station
• Base Station Stand—a small piece of molded plastic that allows you to place the router vertically so it takes up less space. (detachable)
• AC power supply
• Ethernet cable
• Start Here guide and User's Guide
• Setup CD-ROM
• Blank floppy disk for saving base station settings during setup
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 1.2” x 5.3” x 6.8”
Weight: 10.55 oz
Transmit Power: Greater than 15 dBm; less than 20 dBm
Standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi™-compliant; TCP/IP; NAT; DHCP; UDP; FTP: PPPoE; PPPTP; L2TP; HTTP; DNS; IPSec/VPN Pass through
Ports: LAN Four 10/100 Mbps Switched Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 ports; RJ-45 connectors; UTP/STP Cat 3 or better cabling required for 10Base-T operation; UTP/STP Cat 5 or better required for 100Base-TX operation; WAN; One 10 Mbps Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 port; RJ-45 Connector; UTP/STP Cat 3 or better cabling required for 10Base-T operation
Wireless Data Rate- 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps with Auto-fallback support
Data Range
11Mbps up to 900 ft in an open environment, up to 160 in a closed environment.
5.5 Mbps up to 1100 feet open, up to 200 closed.
2.0 or 1 Mbps up to 1500 feet open, up to 300 feet closed.
Channels- 1-11 United States, Canada—be sure you’re not on the same channel as your cordless telephone—if you have a cordless you may want to call tech support before setting up to determine which channel you should install your wireless networking to.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
If you DON’T have a USB DSL Modem then BUY THIS PRODUCT! Seriously, I love it and I tried everything to get it to work but Qwest has their own wireless modem that I HAVE to use and I have to lease it on top of that. Go figure. While I had it installed it worked beautifully for sharing files and printers, had great transfer speed, and a great range. I worked from bed, two floors above the base unit, with absolutely no problems. Uninstalling went perfectly so you can be confident if you experience problems like I did you can remove it safely.
I’m looking forward to going wireless again soon—when I finish installing the mandatory equipment I’ll do a review on it as well. It’ll be interesting to see if the quality is the same. I’ll do a review on that one as soon as I’m done installing it.
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LINKS
Learn about Networking - http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/learnmore.aspx
Microsoft Networking Wizard – see what will work for you:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/networkguide.aspx
ENDNOTES:
* “A network key—called a WEP key—encrypts, or codes, data so that it is readable only by other computers that have the key. The WEP key is stored on each networked computer, so that data can be encrypted and decrypted as it is transmitted over the network. “ – From the User Manual
** Setup features and functionality are limited on Windows 2000.
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