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3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway (08/28/2002)

3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway

Entered CNET Catalog: 08/28/2002

SKU: 3CRWE51196

Manufacturer: 3Com Corp.

Content [Hide]
  1. Manufacturer's description
  2. Product summary
  3. Editors' review
  4. Users' opinions
  5. Blogs
  6. Keywords

Manufacturer description

The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway lets users with wireless-enabled 802.11b-equipped PCs and laptops access the Internet economically, from any point in the office. It's ideal for working from conference rooms, lobbies, or temporary offices. Up to 32 wireless users or up to 253 total wireless and wired users can share access to a single cable or DSL modem, so an entire business can use a single Internet connection. The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway lets small businesses and branch offices scale a single-user broadband Internet connection to more than 250 users. The gateway connects to an existing cable or DSL modem via an Ethernet cable, and contains an integrated 802.11b access point, plus a four-port Ethernet/Fast Ethernet LAN switch. Wireless users with 802.11b PCs can join the wireless LAN from conference rooms, lobbies, temporary offices or other points in the building not previously wired. A wireless LAN enable/disable feature lets administrators control user access to the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway. The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway conforms to the Wi-Fi industry standard so is compatible with other Wi-Fi products. Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through conceals remote access applications from outside view, while Hacker Pattern Detection automatically blocks malicious intrusions from the local network. Browser-based user interface, sensible preset defaults, device-discovery capabilities, and simple setup wizards ease installation, configuration, and administration. The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway contains many of the IP routing and privacy features of a full-scale router. It uses standard DHCP server facilities to supply IP addresses to users, and it employs Network and Port Address Translation (NAT and PAT) to con-serve expensive public IP addresses while hiding users from outside probes. The 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway is easy for non-technical administrators to set up and maintain. Automated features and preset defaults guide them through set up, while on-line upgrades and a browser-based interface simplify ongoing maintenance.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Solid performance; easy installation; lifetime warranty; built-in mounting bracket; separate on/off switch for wireless interface.

The badThe bad: No external antenna connector.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: With its simple installation and low price, the OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway is among the best Internet-sharing solutions for home or small-business users.

Average user rating: from 32 users
3.5 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 08/27/2002
With the 3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway, you can easily create a wireless network without spending a fortune. It offers plenty of performance for most small offices and includes a built-in firewall to protect against hackers. Plus, 3Com backs the product with an incredible lifetime warranty. With the 3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway, you can easily create a wireless network without spending a fortune. It offers plenty of performance for most small offices and includes a built-in firewall to protect against hackers. Plus, 3Com backs the product with an incredible lifetime warranty.

Easy setup
For $202, the 3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway comes with everything you need to set up a wireless network. In addition to the gateway, the box includes a printed, foldout installation guide; an Ethernet cable; and a CD that contains a comprehensive, 88-page user guide and 3Com's Gateway Discovery application software. With its small footprint and four rubber feet, the gateway fits easily on a small table or shelf. The OfficeConnect also features a sturdy, built-in mounting bracket on the bottom of the chassis, so you can easily hang it from the ceiling or the wall. The back of the device sports two adjustable antenna, an Ethernet cable/DSL port, and four 10/100 LAN ports.

No experience necessary
Like most gateways, the OfficeConnect features a Web-based configuration tool, which you can access through a standard Web browser. However, because this involves messing with your computer's IP settings, 3Com developed a much easier approach. Just insert the included CD, launch the Gateway Discovery application, and follow the onscreen instructions. The program automatically finds the gateway and opens the Web-based configuration screen--a convenient feature for the TCP/IP challenged.

In addition to a setup wizard, the Web-based configuration tool includes some wireless LAN extras. For example, you can view a list of connected devices, a table of your current network settings, or a log of network and security activity. But perhaps the best feature is the check box that lets you disable the wireless network. By switching off the gateway's radio, you eliminate any wireless security threats.

To serve and to protect
In CNET Labs' tests, the OfficeConnect performed well. It delivered 4.8Mbps on its 802.11b interface, on a par with competing devices such as the Belkin wireless cable/DSL gateway router.

The OfficeConnect offers some of the best security features in its price range. The built-in firewall recognizes common attacks used by hackers and automatically blocks access to the offending party. It also lights an LED on the front of the gateway for two seconds--a nice touch. Of course, we would prefer that it stayed lit much longer. In addition to its NAT abilities, which hides your computer's IP addresses, the gateway blocks inbound pings on the Ethernet cable/DSL port, so hackers will have a harder time detecting your device. You can also assign network privileges to connected computers, restrict network access using Mac addresses, or set up one or more computers to act as a virtual server. The gateway offers VPN pass-through support (IPsec and PPTP) but requires an additional server to initiate and terminate connections.

Like most 802.11b products, the OfficeConnect includes both 64- and 128-bit WEP--useless against a skilled hacker. Other manufacturers, such as D-Link, offer 256-bit WEP encryption, but don't be fooled. WEP is intrinsically weak, regardless of the bit count. Nevertheless, with WEP turned on, you've placed a hurdle in the way of hackers. If you need better wireless security, consider devices with support for 802.1x.

A lifetime of service
3Com's support policies are a mixed bag. The company backs its gateway with an excellent lifetime warranty but limits its free phone support to just 90 days. 3Com also collects customer and product information when you first call or register online. To avoid having your personal information strewn about, be sure to opt out via the company's Web site.

Small-business users with little or no networking experience will find the 3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway very appealing. It offers good performance and decent firewall protection at an affordable price.

Throughput tests
Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance)
 Chariot Ethernet   
Chariot 802.11b   
NetGear MR314 cable/DSL wireless router
88.3 
4.9 
SMC Barricade wireless broadband router
88.3 
4.9 
3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway
88.3 
4.8 
Siemens SpeedStream DSL/cable router
87.9 
4.9 
Belkin wireless cable/DSL gateway router
79.5 
4.9 
 
Response time
Measured in milliseconds (shorter bars indicate better performance)
3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway
3.0 
NetGear MR314 cable/DSL wireless router
4.0 
SMC Barricade wireless broadband router
4.0 
Belkin wireless cable/DSL gateway router
4.0 
Siemens SpeedStream DSL/cable router
11.0 
 
How we tested
For practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot software as our benchmark. For our wireless testing, the clients and routers are set up to transmit at short ranges and maximum signal strength. CNET Labs also runs Chariot software using the TCP protocol in response-time tests. Response time measures how long it takes to send a request and receive a response over a network connection. Throughput and response times are probably the two most important indicators of user experience over a network.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Relentless mystery problems D:by bbcedman - July 19, 2006

Pros: Available at most good hardware outlets!

Cons: Badly programmed firmware

Review: When you get your new 3com OfficeConnect home and set it up you will notice that it doesn't work. Despite the home network having been set up perfectly with a proven physical connection and proven PCI cards, the wireless network won't be detectable. Then you try to call tech support. In vein.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

A class product for bargain priceby - September 1, 2004

Pros: Easy to install using the built in wizzard Reliable Keep it simple

Cons: None for in home use

Review:
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Best so far!by - October 25, 2003

Pros: You can access the internal web page from anywhere on the Internet, wireless can be switched on and off, host anything through DMZ, lots of security features, A TRUE WORKHORSE!!!

Cons: Firewall needs to be stronger.

Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Faster than linksys routersby - June 24, 2003

Pros: The 3com wirless router ripped up my linksys wireless router in web surfing activities. The 3com was around $60 cheaper.

Cons: It did, however, have just a tad less range and fewer features than the linksys. (Most users won't use forwarding etc. that the 3com lacks)

Review:
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Good Wireless, Bad Network Supportby - June 18, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This router does not include a switch, so when I tried transfering files between two computers, the router crashed. Additionally, the maximum throughput on the router is 500 kbps, so if you have broadband (I have 10mb Internet), you only get to use a portion of your bandwidth. Finally, I had to wait for the router to power up before plugging in my ethernet connection because the device sent errors to my ISP and they temporarily disabled my access. The wireless is great, but the unit lacks serious administrative features. I recommend it for people that are new to wireless, but if you have any computer experience, just buy a linksys, like I should have.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Good Product...good supportby - March 31, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I bought the 3CRWE52196 (the silent upgraded model) and it works great...had a couple of issues and tech support was great...they even called back to see if their fix was working right. Well worth the money
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Great Gatewayby - March 7, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I use it with my adsl-connection! I had it working within minutes! Good Userinterface! Highly recommended!
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Fast and easy!by - February 5, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Got the 3com Office Connect yesterday and was up and running in less than an hour. I'm using this with a Proxim Orinoco PC card and am getting fast connection with no drop-off so far. Install instructions were easy to follow. I'm very happy with this product. Two thumbs up!
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Couldn't imangine it being simplerby - January 28, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Love the way 3com has kept the web interface and first-time setup wizzard intuitive and simple as can be. users familiar with 3com ISDN OfficeConnect lan modem should choose this hands down.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Excellent performance, easy to use, secureby - January 15, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Great product! I was able to get it working within 15 mintues! Very good performance... outside and all the way to the pool! I like the hacker protection feature. Also tested the FW on-line port scanners and everything came back clean and secure. WEP encryption was easy to use.
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Great equiptment, just forgot somethingby - December 31, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: 3com did a great job with this gateway. Excellent range and good speed. The only problem I had was that the "patch" cable they sent with the gateway was not the correct cable for my DSL modem. I was lucky enough to have a crossover cable handy otherwise the DSL wouldn't work at all.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Overall A Great Productby - December 27, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Excellent setup instructions. The web-based setup software is absolutely very user-friendly. I have a Dell Latitude C600 with Orinoco Gold wireless card. Other than having to get a firmware for my wireless card, the whole set up went very smoothly. I was even able to activate the WEP without a problem. For a typical house, the range is great. I received a strong signal in every room of the house (5+ thick walls)with the exception of the basement, where I got a "Good" signal strength - however, I never noticed a degradation in transfer speed. As for the firewall/router I have to admit it is a huge plus. I have used Symantec website to check for open ports, etc. in my network and it didn't. Before I bought, I checked with our IT gurus. Some had Linksys (which they suggested simply for the price advantage), but they all said for the quality, 3Com is great product. I have to agree.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Once you buy it you on your ownby - November 20, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: The toll call bad support not worth it. Buy a wirless gatway from a company that will support you.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

10 minute allround setupby - November 3, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: One line summary says it all. 10 Minutes to get the network up and running, including WEP, firewall settings etc etc. Only problem is the low trhoughput of the wireless network (around 3 Mbps)
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

D-link 713p is better equippedby - October 31, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I would still buy a D-link dsl router since it has the excellent printer server built into it. But 3Com generally have trustworth products
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

No signal at 56 feet around one cornerby - October 24, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Had previous experience with the 1st generation 3Com AirConnect wireless AP, and knew about short range and line-of-sight limitations. Expected that current WiFi-branded products would be better. Had an easy shopping experience at PC Connection, and products arrived in 2 days. Using the 3Com GW and a 3Com 3CRWE62092B NIC, performance was perfect at 8 feet with direct line-of-sight. Walking out of the room where the GW was installed and around one corner, at 20 feet the signal was intermittent. At 56 feet away from the GW, the signal was zero. Sent everything back.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Good but not perfectby - October 19, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I started buying som WAP11 clones, but had trouble with them. This one is better, stronger signal, and you can configure it from any platform. Took a look inside. It has a PCMCIA card inside with 2 antenna jacks, so it should be possible to upgrade it at a later stage. Features I am missing: Ability to turn off SSID broadcast. Ability to say that the wireless is the external hostile network.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Incredibly easy to set upby - October 10, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: All I did was snap the cables in and fired it up. I set up one desktop using one the ethernet ports and two laptops using the x-jack wireless cards and it was all very simple. Even getting encryption going took less than 10 minutes. Works great now.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Hassle free setupby - October 8, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I use this product to share and ATT broadband connection between pc's at my house. Having no experience in setting up home networking whatsoever, my network was up and running in a matter of minutes. I can definitely recommend.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Never got it to work, tech-support the worst.by - October 4, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I spent 2 days (mostly on hold) with 3com tech support, and they never could figure out why this would not work. It was hooked up correctly, my computer was configured correctly, and I could get as far as running the Configuration Wizard, which also indicated that everything was correct. However, I could NOT then get on the Internet. Never did. Do NOT call 3com tech-support unless you have several HOURS to wait on hold while you are bounced from person to person. A recording will tell you that it is a 2-minute wait, but it will actually be 25 or 30 minutes EACH time. You will then get a live person, only to be told you have the WRONG person, and be transferred again, and again and again.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Even I could hook this one up!by - September 30, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I have had a lot of problems with hackers lately and they have even broken in to my Linksys Router and changed the password. And I was not able to fix it. That is when we went with the 3com office connect and it works great. Bye By Hackers get a life a job and throw in a Salad.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

There is only a 90 day warranty!by - September 30, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I bought this because CNET reported it had a lifetime warranty. It only has a 90 day warranty. One other problem: 3com has changed its support numbers around so it took me 1 hour to finally get to tech support. Once I got there though, the support person was *very helpful*. I had to cut short my tech support call because I ran out of time after 1 hour 15 minutes, so my gateway is still not working. But I hope it will work when I call back.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

DSL/Cable Gateway does not support Cable or DSL.by - September 29, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Here you have a DSL/Cable Gateway only it does not support connections to Cable or DSL.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

reliable connectionby - September 27, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: it's been very reliable. no hang-ups since i bought the thing. and i have owned more expensive wireless nodes before, like the smc access point. i can't really rate the support but it is a very easy setup.. easy instructions to follow, even though the instructions were in a cd.. buy this for reliability of connection..
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Out-of-the-Boxby - September 20, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Easy to install. Got it running in 30 minutes with little configuration. Have yet to test the wireless. User friendly interface.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Works Great. To bad there's no external antenna SMAby - September 19, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This is a great product. It is easy to install,works very stable, is really fast. But as an RF engineer I've wished to know more about its output power and I really mis a extrernal SMA connector for the antennas.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Great hardware AND SOFTWARE!by - September 19, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This is a very neat little router. The hardware is solidly built with excellent wireless speed and range. However, were this router excels is in its set-up software; specifically its web based set-up program to configure the router. Far better than similar products I have used from Buffalo Technologies, Link-Sys, and D-link. If you are in the market for an 802.11b router you can't go wrong with this product. It is 3COM after all....
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Wow...it's so easyby - September 15, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I've never used, much less installed, anything wireless before, yet I completed this installation in about 15 minutes. I installed th unit in the basement of my townhouse and it runs just as fast in the attic (3rd floor) as it does in the basement. Cool.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

A quality product from a quality vendor!by - September 15, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Way to go - this product rocks! This is one of the easiest to setup products I have seen. In combiation with the wireless XJACK PC Cards (the cards where you can put the antenna inside for transport) 3Com is currently selling this is my favorite wireless solution. As a certified reseller for many wireless vendors I would recommend this combination first.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Easiest trouble free setup I've ever had !by - September 10, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Ordered this product plus the 3com wireless PCMCIA network card because of the easy of setup and access speed. Both products exceeded my expectations. Within 45 minutes I had both the gateway and the Wireless Network card setup and running. Range is not an issue up to 100ft (Excellent within 100ft) and the speed is as expected. Excellent job 3com.......first time setting up a home network/computer network configuration has been this straightforward. Even a non-computer related person ccould do this......its great.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Extremely easy to useby - September 5, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I bought this product so I could use it with my cable modem. I couldn't believe how easy it was... I literally plugged it in and it was working, and I didn't even have to set anything up.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 32 user reviews

Love this router...by - September 3, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This router performed as expected, the wireless through put was greater than tested by cnet (5.5MB) i do however have a problem that i thought was limited to my last router but seems to be more of a router in general problem, if you run a web server you can not access the web server by its web address from the machine running the web server. may need a route command setup, other than that this unit is rock solid!

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3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway specifications

  • General
  • Depth 5.3 in
  • Height 0.9 in
  • Weight 1.3 lbs
  • Processor Memory / Storage
  • Hard Drive none.
  • Floppy Drive None
  • Optical Storage None
  • Storage Removable None
  • Networking
  • Form Factor External
  • Connectivity Technology Wireless , Wired
  • Data Transfer Rate 100.0 Mbps
  • Line Coding Format CCK , QPSK
  • Data Link Protocol IEEE 802.11b
  • Switching Protocol Ethernet
  • Network / Transport Protocol TCP/IP , UDP/IP , PPTP , IPSec
  • Remote Management Protocol HTTP
  • Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
  • Max Range Indoors 300.0 ft
  • Max Range Open Space 1500.0 ft
  • Status Indicators Port status , Alert , Link activity , Power
  • Features VPN support , Firewall protection , Dynamic IP address assignment , PAT support
  • Encryption Algorithm 40-bit WEP , 128-bit WEP
  • Authentication Method PAP , CHAP
  • Antenna
  • Antenna External
  • Antenna Qty 2.0
  • Expansion / Connectivity
  • Expansion Bays None
  • Expansion Slot(s) None
  • Interfaces 4.0 x Network - RJ-45 - 4.0 , Network - RJ-45 - 1.0
  • Compatible Slots None
  • Connections None
  • Miscellaneous
  • Cables Included 1.0 x Network cable - 3.3 ft
  • Power
  • Power Device Power adapter - External
  • Power Consumption Operational 6.5 Watt
  • Power Provided 11.0 Watt
  • Battery
  • Type None
  • Environmental Parameters
  • Min operating temperature 32.0 °F
  • Software / System Requirements
  • Software Included Drivers & Utilities
  • OS Required Microsoft Windows 2000 / NT4.0
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Service & Support Details Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days - Carry-in , Limited warranty - Parts and labor
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