US Robotics Wireless 54MBPS Starter Kit

Wireless networking was hugely popular last year but getting it up and running will still cause problems for those who are inexperienced in Wi-Fi. This starter kit from US Robotics aims to help such novices by providing everything you need for sharing files and an internet connection between two computers.

The box contains a router, which lets all computers on the network talk with each other, and an aerial or wireless adapter that plugs into a spare USB port. The router doesn't have a broadband modem built in, so one will have to be attached to its Ethernet socket. Instructions on how to do this are included in the box.

You don't need to install any special software on your PC to change settings as the router uses built-in web pages which can be accessed through your web browser. This is a simple approach we wish everybody would use.

There is a setup wizard that will get you started but you'll need to use the advanced setup to access the wireless options of the router. This is more complicated to use, although there are some help files included on the router's built-in web pages. You can also make a backup of your settings in case you ever have to reset the router.

The router can automatically organise a network itself, which saves time and makes setting everything up much easier. If you already have a wireless network you can use the router as a repeater to increase the wireless range to other PCs. You can't wall-mount the router, though.

A firewall is switched on by default, something we recommend you leave that way. If you are concerned about people accessing unpleasant websites, you can block access to them or allow users to access the internet only at certain times of the day.

The wireless adapter is quite small, but there is no USB extension cable supplied so it could block a second USB port. The supplied software is easy to use and displays a clear list of available networks when they are detected.

Overall, it's a nice package for a very reasonable price. It's easy to get going and does its job well. It's just a pity there is no integrated broadband modem included.

Contact:
US Robotics 01628 640140
www.usr-emea.com

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