SMC 7004AWBR Wireless Router $152 ***172 - 20 MIR from SMC =$152***

[manly]

I tested this thing today with a Linksys PC card. Linksys has gotten some pretty sketchy reviews overall for their wireless products (i.e. check out the Amazon comments on the WPC11 card and the WAP11 AP). Which is why my friend went w/ the SMC router instead. As for the Linksys card, it was by far the cheapest available recently w/ a Staples rebate, so it's worth a try.

Anyhow, I don't have much to say about the router, it seems to work fine.. I didn't do much testing of the range; the throughput was okay from the short distance I tested at. The SMC Barricade web interface was easy to use. I'll add it supports both 40 and 128 bit WEP, so the security-conscious should be satisfied. The only thing possibly missing is that the ports might not be switched. The unit does get warm because it doesn't have any fan for cooling. The construction (IIRC) is solid metal, and the unit can be mounted flush/flat to a wall if space is a consideration. I read somewhere that your range is improved if you place the access point high, but I can't vouch for that.

I was quite pleased at the small size of the unit (personally I own a chunky D-Link 16-bit hub and a huge 3Com sharkfin cable modem). In summary, if you're a laptop user, and you have high-speed Internet access (i.e. DSL or cable), this is a great way to allow yourself to stay connected anywhere in your home.

 

[Rally1]

want better range?

how about 9 miles?

BTW it is a hardware switch.

 

[tubs]

Would this deal work at a Staples B&M?

 

[Rally1]

no they dont carry it in stock, i dont think they can order anything in that they dont normally stock. (could be wrong)

 

[JasonK]

The 9 mile antennae, can only be hooked into a ap unit, not any of the barricades, because the bunny ears are not detachable.

 

[Rally1]

BUMP for me getting it already!!! 12 hours?!

now i need to find some cards and get this project started! No more work today, ha.

this thing is small... almost as small as my normal barricade.

 

[Rally1]

DOA, thing wont even power up. SMC tech support closed, sweet.

and www.smc.com down

lie. from website: (unless they count email as tech support?!)
"SMC Networks provides comprehensive, toll-free technical support, 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. You can reach us at 1-800-SMC-4YOU, option 1 or by e-mail."

I called staples, and they will send a replacement, and then I ordered another one for a total of 2.

 

[gr8snakee]

ouchm, mine is here today too. but i wasnt at work

 

[gr8snakee]

sTILL hERE

 

[jlv]

You're saying to PM Staples with Outpost, making it $199.95 (with free overnight shipping). There is currently a $30 off $150 at Staples, making it $169.95. Staples has free shipping on orders over $50 (at least from Staples.com). I'll have to pay %5 MA sales tax, so that's $178.44. $20 rebate makes it $158.44.

Not bad!

 

[Rally1]

add 1c to use the $40 off $200 and the rest is right.

 

[RossMAN]

Wonder why I didn't check out this deal sooner it seems smokin', a couple questions first.

1) I don't own a laptop yet, could pose a problem. I'm tinkering on the idea of getting the IBM T20 for $1309 or T21 for $1649.
2) Which 802 protocol does this function on?
3) Will this interfere with my roommates 2.4GHz Toshiba Digital Spread Spectrum phone.
4) Is there any reason why I shouldn't buy this other than I don't need this?

 

[gr8snakee]

hey rossman...wassup. Yes, this is 80211.b and yes you need this. we all do HEHEHE


its a good deal from a good source. I got the linksys pcmcia card couple weeks ago. staples screwed up the rebate thing, and my order....SO they did the rebate instantly for 50 bucks. I pmed amazon and got the pcmcia card for 34 shipped. gotta love those csrs sometimes.


laters


gr8

 

[RossMAN]

gr8snakee - Thanks to people like you this has happened to me!!!

Will this interfere with my roommates 2.4GHz Toshiba Digital Spread Spectrum cordless phone?

 

[gr8snakee]

If all the peoples on anandtech invested the money they blow imagine the return! LOL in one account. HEHEHE paypal it to the account.

Im not sure about your 2.4 gz phone. My guess though is no. Diff channel security.

 

[Nack]

Does anyone know if this one will clone the MAC address of your network card? The linksys will. If this one won't, I'll have to get the linksys, but it sure would be ince to save $90 AND get a better router.

Nack

 

[todays]

I know the regular SMC router will clone the NIC. With the Linksys you can enter any number you want. I found this out when I was going to try the SMC and couldn't get it to clone my Linksys Router only the NIC. LOL - I didn't feel like calling Mediaone to change the MAC address again.

My guess is it will

 

[Rally1]

It will clone, page 27 of quick install guide

I had an email conversation with Tim Higgins (of practicallynetworked.com) and he said Linksys cards are the worst of the bunch (of course for $50 who cares). That said, mine cost $80 so I might return it to staples, there is another no name brand out there that I can get for $60 that have same guts as SMC card, might try them.

BTW i have yet to try router yet, it arived DOA, waiting for replacement.

2.4 Phone, just dont put the two close together, or put your router near anything else really.

 

[JasonK]

2.4ghz phone will cause problems. They are on the same spectrum. Will get random disconnects, or signal degradation.

 

[Rally1]

i second that :

"HomeRF is also pretty much unaffected by microwave oven and 2.4GHz cordless phone operation, where 802.11b networks can be slowed when you decide to heat up a burrito and temporarily shut down if you want to talk on your 2.4GHz phone."

Tim @ practicallynetworked.com on this page

 

[JasonK]

One more thing, for those of you that have awbr model. Go get the newest firmware version 1.93a1. This firmware adds additional 10 slots in the virtual server settings, and also adds mac addressing feature for the wireless portion. Allows you to control which mac addresses are able to use the wireless portion and which are not able to access the wireless portion. Very handy feature for those of you who want to prevent neighbors from getting in on your net.

 

[lex]

Cool. Got in on the deal at staples. On hold for 10 minutes while pricmatching.

learned all staples coupons that start with a "9" is designated as a ".com" coupon.. So found one with a "7"

I used the 40 off 200 coupon from the from the forums here

total was $176.72 (after taxes) - $20 = $156.72. (CA tax)

Hurry Rebate expires 6/30/01!