CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 12/21/2004
- Released on: 10/01/2004
The device shoehorns a 56Kbps modem and a Wi-Fi radio into a pocketable 6.5-ounce base station. Always On Wireless provides an optional dial-up acceleration from SlipStream that, in our tests, quadrupled the speed of dial-up Web browsing. The service costs an additional $49.95 per year, though.
Setup is pretty intuitive: Plug in the access point to your broadband modem, and it automatically begins transmitting a Wi-Fi signal. Next, launch your Web browser, which automatically opens the WiFlyer configuration-and-connection page. To establish the dial-up connection, first connect the access point to a phone jack, then enter your ISP account info and access numbers. Access numbers are automatically provided for users of AOL, EarthLink, and MSN; the WiFlyer does not work with NetZero/Juno accounts, however. After configuring the connection, a quick-connect button on the unit lets you connect and disconnect with one key press.
Although it's not as sleek as some travel routers, the WiFlyer does house the V90 dial-up modem in addition to the 802.11b radio. On the back, there are two Ethernet ports and an RJ-11 phone jack. The device has no protruding antenna, although it does include a connector, should you want to add an external antenna for longer range. The WiFlyer offers WEP, WPA, and MAC address filtering security, as well as a NAT and password protection for managing the base unit.
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