SMC, Siemens, Linksys, or Belkin WAP??

[Apoptosis]

Just picked up a Belkin wireless laptop card and now I need to find a WAP. I'm looking for one that includes at least one extra port for wired networking. I've heard good and bad about all brands formentioned, but would like some advice (at least which ones NOT to buy)

Thanks in advance

 

[JackMDS]

If you need more wired ports, don?t get a WAP.

Get the SMC Wireless Cable/DSL Router (AKA Wireless Barricade). Ignore the Router part, and use it as a 3 ports Switch plus WAP. You can use the onboard DHCP and save yourself the IP grief.

If you shop around you will find it for the same price, or few $$$ more then a pure WAP.

 

[Apoptosis]

Thanks,

I've been looking at the SMC barricade model SMC7004AWBR. Comp USA has this for 129.99 after 50 MIR, but it is the old model (looks like a rectangle box). Not sure if there are any differences in the newer looking model or not. Link to SMC Compusa deal

 

[JackMDS]

The old Model is 7004WBR. (no A).

The new is 7004AWBR. Since the link says 7004AWBR, I assume that you get the new one.

The main difference is, the old has 64bit encryption, the new 128bit.

 

[Apoptosis]

Thanks again

My other option is to go with the Siemens ss2623, which Circuit City has for 159.99 after MIR Link to Siemens ss2623 at CC


Any thoughts on which one is better??

 

[JackMDS]

This is a Quote from PCMag.

The SS2623 and its very similar competitor, the SMC Barricade 7004AWBR, are the most flexible and easily configurable wireless gateways we tested; thus we awarded both our Editors' Choice in the home wireless gateway category. The SS2623 includes two antennas for improved coverage range. It also offers a printer port, a modem backup port, time-of-day and station-by-station control features, and a worthwhile logging feature (so you can see just how late the kids are staying online). The host of useful features, combined with a reasonable price, makes either of these wireless products a sound choice for the home network.

http://www.pcmag.com/article/0,2997,s=1610&a=21265,00.asp

I would not be surprise if actually they are the same OEM.

SMC has more firware updates.

As I keep saying for long time, No real differences between the Entry level stuff, it is your call.

 

[Bglad]

I tried the Siemens and it was my favorite because it was noticeably faster than the others and generally just seemed to work all the time with no problems with a dynamic ip.

Problem with the Siemens was that it didn't do very well with port forwarding. It could only forward 10 ports (NOT port ranges) and you had to use a trigger port to do it. You couldn't just permanently forward a port. This was a problem for me. If you use any special programs that need forwarding, you need to check into this.

This may have been rectified by a firmware revision also.

 

[Nighthawk69]

I recommend the SMC. Works great for me!