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Product reviews > Hardware > Routers
 Price: £79.99 inc VAT
This review updated: 06/02/2006 Featured in magazine: Issue 127 Manufacturer Contacts: Supplier: USRobotics Tel: 01628 640140 Web Address: www.usr-emea.com Getting a Wi-Fi network started is something that probably appears on a lot of new year to-do lists. If you haven't got round to starting yours yet, this combination of a wireless broadband modem/router and USB Wi-Fi adapter aims to keep the cost to a minimum. Features Unlike many wireless devices available nowadays, this pack uses the basic 802.11g standard, which offers network speeds of up to 54Mbps with no proprietary enhancements to boost speed or range. The router can handle all modern ADSL-type connections (those that come through your BT phone line rather than via your cable TV company) of up to 12Mbps and is configured through a web interface, so you may need to get your computer close to your phone socket while you set the router up. Performance Because there are now so many sophisticated wireless products available this device feels a little sluggish, especially if you're placing walls and particularly long distances between your router and your adapter. Putting these two devices together has its benefits though (see value for money, below), and as long as your computer isn't too far away from your router, you can still achieve a decent connection. Ease of use You need an Ethernet port (the standard type of network port) on your computer in order to configure the router for its first use. This is done using a web interface but it isn't particularly straightforward and the complete beginner might be overwhelmed. Some effort is made to streamline the process for subscribers to a handful of popular services like BT Broadband and Pipex, but those signed up to smaller ISPs may find themselves scrabbling about for set-up information. Getting the USB adapter going is less problematic but you have to install supplied software – it doesn't simply use Windows' own Wi-Fi set-up procedure. Value for money The price is probably the best thing about this package. If you take a leap up the scale into cutting-edge wireless technology, you will struggle to get a broadband router alone for the price of this router and USB adapter combo. This has been done by leaving out the non-standard speed-boosting technologies that most manufacturers now build into their top-of-the-range routers, but can only be used with compatible adapters, and knocking out unnecessary extras like multiple Ethernet ports – something that is totally irrelevant to most wireless networks anyway.
Verdict
More Routers reviews:
While you're not getting the cutting edge of wireless technology, the savings that can be made are significant. As long as you don't want to put too much distance or too many walls between your broadband connection and the computer you want to wirelessly connect to it, this shouldn't make too much difference. Be aware that you may need to know some technical details about your internet connection before you start setting it up though. Want to discuss this review? Voice your opinions about this and other products on our Readers Recommend forum
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