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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 02/04/2003
- Updated on: 02/11/2003
- Released on: 01/07/2003
To get started, simply plug your cable/DSL connection into the router's WAN port and any wired computers into the four Ethernet ports located on the back of the router. For wireless and power-line connections, just screw in the included wireless antenna and remember to outfit each computer with the appropriate adapter. (To activate the power-line network, simply plug in the router.) The glossy quick-start guide offers useful step-by-step instructions but lacks screenshots or basic troubleshooting tips. If you need help, you'll have to claw your way through the detailed, cumbersome, 84-page electronic manual.
The setup wizard makes installation easy.
If you're running Windows Me or XP, which both support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), your PC should automatically detect the router and place a shortcut to the device's Web-based configuration tool on your desktop. (If not, you can also get to the configuration tool by typing the router's default IP address into your computer's Web browser.) Next, the setup wizard automatically launches and asks you a few questions about your Internet connection. Once you complete the wizard, however, we recommend that you immediately change the router's default SSID and enable WEP via the Web-based configuration tool.
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 External antenna connector. |
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If you're interested in sharing wireless broadband, the SpeedStream 2524 features a removable antenna. If you want to extend your range, you can easily add a directional antenna, such as the SpeedStream 6dBi wireless directional indoor antenna.
The SpeedStream 2524 offers many advanced features, which you can access via the Web-based configuration tool. For example, you can configure the firewall to allow for special applications such as Internet games or conferencing apps that may require open ports and multiple connections. The Access Control screen also lets you grant users permission to surf the Internet, while denying them access to your LAN. This works great if you want to set up a public hotspot but keep your LAN safe from wayward hackers. In addition to support for dynamic DNS and virtual servers, you can also set up one PC as a DMZ host.
Access Control screen.
The SpeedStream 2524 also offers the standard security features. It supports 64- and 128-bit WEP for wireless clients and 56-bit DES for power-line clients. But although it supports VPN connections, the SpeedStream isn't compatible with the IEEE 802.1x standard, which lets you manage network access between a client and an access point using an authentication server.
In CNET Labs' tests, the SpeedStream 2524 power-line wireless DSL/cable router delivered top-notch performance. At 4.9Mbps, its 802.11b throughput compares favorably with that of the HP wireless gateway hn200w and the Belkin wireless cable/DSL gateway router. And while most 802.11g-draft-compliant and 802.11a products clock in with four and five times as much throughput, respectively, the SpeedStream 2524 still offers plenty of speed for Web-surfing couch potatoes. Throughput over the power-line interface hit rates of slightly more than 5.8Mbps in our tests, making it a great solution for those hard-to-reach areas of your home. In range tests, we managed to maintain a connection with the SpeedStream at distances of a bit more than 100 feet in a typical office environment, making it a solid choice for most homes.
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Chariot 802.11b throughput tests Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance) |
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Chariot power-line throughput tests Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance) |
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Chariot 802.11b response time Measured in milliseconds (shorter bars indicate better performance) |
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Chariot power-line response time Measured in milliseconds (shorter bars indicate better performance) |
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Range test Relative performance in typical office setting |
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For practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot 4.3 software as its benchmark. For wireless testing, the clients and routers are set up to transmit at short ranges and at maximum signal strength. CNET Labs' response-time tests are also run with Chariot software using the TCP protocol. Response time measures how long it takes to send a request and receive a response over a network connection. Throughput and response time are probably the two most important indicators of user experience over a network. For more details on how we test networking devices, see the CNET Labs site.
Siemens support page.
The SpeedStream 2524 power-line wireless DSL/cable router comes with a measly one-year warranty, which is light compared to D-Link's three-year warranty and 3Com's lifetime pledge. You can double the standard one-year warranty, but you must register your product online. (The registration form asks for your name and address--nothing too threatening.) On the plus side, Siemens offers toll-free, 24/7 phone support for the lifetime of the product. You can also find firmware upgrades, up-to-date troubleshooting tips, FAQs, and user manuals on the well-organized Siemens Web site. In addition, the Web site contains a networking knowledge section with brief overviews on wireless, power-line, and Ethernet technology, along with links to SpeedStream products.
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