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Wireless routers

SMC 7904WBRA-N bundle   [Computer Buyer]
COMPANY: SMC PRICE: £77inc VAT  
RATING: ISSUE: 205  DATE: Apr 08
   
Verdict: Great price for a fast router and adaptor.

Supplied with a USB WiFi adaptor, this ADSL router has everything you need to set up a wireless network. Sadly, there's no CD-based setup wizard, so you'll have to follow the quick start instructions to access the router's web-based management page.

This provides a basic setup wizard, but it only covers your Internet connection, and doesn't help
 
 
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you configure a secure network. This is simple enough to do, though, as the web interface makes it easy to find both the security settings and more advanced features such as virtual servers.

The router supports push-button WPS, so you can automatically configure compatible PCs to use this type of security. Unfortunately, the client software for the bundled USB adaptor doesn't support WPS in Windows Vista, although SMC USB adaptors sold separately do support this feature.

Performance with our Centrino laptop was excellent. At 1m and 15m, speeds were about what we expected, but 11.24Mbit/sec at 25 metres was impressive. Switching to the supplied adaptor, we got around 45Mbit/sec up to 15m and a very good 16.24Mbit/sec at 25m. You should get a strong signal from this router anywhere in your home.

It might not quite have the speed or ease of use of Linksys' WAG325N, but SMC's ADSL wireless router bundle is excellent value.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Draft 802.11n (300Mbit/sec) 4x 10/100 Ethernet ports 1x ADSL2+ WAN port UPnP Size: 30x189x156mm Warranty: 3 years
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