CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 03/25/2005
- Released on: 09/01/2004
The diminutive Wireless Traveler's Kit is no bigger than a standard deck of cards. It includes a full-size Ethernet jack on its back edge, along with a power port and a reset button. The top of the device features three informative status lights, indicating Ethernet, wireless, and power connections. The unit has a handy mounting bracket built into the bottom for hanging high on a wall, where you're likely to get a better signal, which is really valuable only if you use the device in a fixed location. The Wireless Traveler's Kit ships with an Ethernet cable, a small AC adapter, and a USB cable, should you want the device to draw power through your computer's USB port rather than a standard wall power outlet. The adapter and all of its accessories fit inside the included carrying case, which is relatively small and not too bulky for traveling.
Setting up the SMC is about as easy as it gets for a wireless device. The installation guide gives a nearly complete explanation of all steps, which involve little more than plugging the device into your PC's Ethernet jack, installing the router's configuration utility, and syncing up your computer's IP address to the SMC's. You can then alter the kit's modes (client, access point, repeater, point-to-point bridge, point-to-multipoint bridge) and corresponding security settings via the typical browser-based tool. Though it lacks the extensive settings of more full-featured wireless APs and routers, the SMC still covers the security basics. Depending on which mode you're in, the device includes WEP and/or WPA support, as well as SSID shielding and MAC address filtering.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Throughput in Mbps |
(Range 200 feet)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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