Belkin F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router Review
November 21, 2007
Wireless routers are essential for getting wireless network to share not only data but also internet access. Now more manufacturers are interested to
manufacture unique models of routers with distinct features. Belkin is one of such manufacturers who have introduced a new model of wireless router in the name Belkin F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router.
With the support of Belkin F5D7230-4 Router users can share numerous documents or files or internet access to multiple computers without using a single cord. Most people feel difficult to create networks due to the usage of bunch of cables needed for it. But this product eliminates all the difficulties in creating a network.
• 802.11g Technology
Manufacturer has designed the device to function with the support of 802.11g technology. It is a simplest technology to create as well as to implement perfect networking. Therefore the users can share information to multiple peripherals like printers, scanners, DVDs and CD-ROMs. You can get startling networking speed which will be faster than 802.11b standard. This technology offers the users to get wireless coverage up to 2.4 GHz which is equal to 400 feet. It is possible to get faster wireless network as it supports even Wi-Fi networks.
• Ethernet Switch
The product is availed with 4-port 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch. It is essential for connecting networks between wired systems.
• Compatibility
Manufacturer has designed this product with backward compatibility therefore users can use it for all 802.11b devices.
• Easy Installation
Installation is simple with the support of Belkin easy install wizard. It will automatically detect the internet settings. Certain settings will be automatically adjusted for getting internet access that too within 3 minutes.
• WEP
Belkin F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router offers high security for your wireless network through WEP encryption with 64 bit as well as 128 bit.
• Firewall
As the device uses SPI and NAT firewall for protecting your private network from strange intrusions.
• Capability
The product has been manufactured with the compatibility to support both PC and Macintosh computers.
• Data Transfer speed
Users can transfer data with the maximum speed up to 54 MB per second while using this product.
• Interfaces
You can have 2 distinct interfaces in this product namely Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 and Radio Ethernet.
• Data protocol link
1. IEEE 802.11b
2. IEEE 802.11g
• Maximum Users
Belkin F5D7230-4 Wireless G Router has the potential to support a maximum of 253 users in Local Area Network and 16 users in Wide Area Network.
• Ports
1. Ports 4-10/100Base-T auto-sensing
2. Auto-uplink RJ45 ports
3. LAN 1-10/100Base-T RJ45 port
4. WAN
• Ability to support protocols
1. CSMA/CD
2. TCP
3. IP
4. UDP
5. PPPoE
6. UpnP
7. DHCP
Wi-fi thefts are on rise
November 17, 2007
The latest research by Sophos, IT Security experts shows that more than half of wireless broadband users have had access to someone else’s wireless connection by illegal means at least once in their life. The research which was carried out by Sophos for the Times magazine, estimates that 54 percent of internet users tried to get wifi access without subscribing to wireless services and indulged in stealing wifi access from their neighbourhood or wi-fi enabled places thanks to the inabilities of present system of inefficient of passwords and encryption.
Currently, Wi-fi is used both in homes and in offices. As significant portion of the employees of the businesses work from home, they are found to be more vulnerable to wi-fi thefts. Most offices have adequate wi-fi security features in office premises, however, they often fail to ensure that their mobile workers have the same kind of high protection in their homes or while they are on move. This often facilitates the easy accessibility of illegal wifi access by these wifi stealers. The survey of Sophos indicates that the businesses should focus their attention on providing better security measures for their mobile workers.
Graham Cluely of sophos says:
"Stealing Wi-Fi internet access may feel like a victimless crime, but it deprives ISPs of revenue. Furthermore, if you’ve hopped onto your next door neighbors’ wireless broadband connection to illegally download movies and music from the net, chances are that you are also slowing down their internet access and impacting on their download limit,"
Further he commented:
"For this reason, most ISPs put a clause in their contracts ordering users not to share access with neighbours - but it’s very hard for them to enforce this."
For better wi-fi security, Sophos suggests that proper encryption is used so that intruders cannot access your wireless connection to steal vital information like usernames, passwords and other personal information. Wi-fi connections without proper encryption is also vulnerable to malware which can potentially damage your system and steal anything from your PC. As far as configuring wireless router and other wireless hardware, it carries much more importance than anything so proper configuration of your wireless router often saves you from wifi thefts.
Other safety tips can also help you a great deal. When you choose a password, make sure it is not easy to crack so choose a strong password carefully. There is an inherent feature in your wireless router that can often safeguard you from wi-fi thefts. It is very simple and all you have to do is turn on the feature of comparing the MAC address of the devices in your wireless router. This will often prevent your wireless connection from being illegally used by other devices which are not in the list encrypted in your wireless router. Make sure SSID which bears the name of your wifi network is confidential and also choose a SSID which cannot be easily guessed by anyone.
There is another feature in a few wireless routers often protect you when you are offline. They allow you to deactivate the wireless access when you are not using it so you can make sure your wifi connection is completely secure when you are offline.
Be Box Wireless modem
November 13, 2007
Be offers wireless enabled Be Box modem with all its three packages – Be Lite, Be Unlimited and Be Pro. Basically, it is a DSL modem combined with VoIP functionalities keeping in mind the needs of home users and small businesses. Its 802.11 b/g wireless LAN interface, ADSL+2 compatibility and the auto negotiation feature to suit G.dmt or T1.413 Issue 2 are some of the additional features that make it quite impressive.
The 4-port 10/100 meg Ethernet switch provides ports for video, VoIP and for future use. Its routing capacity allows large applications to run smoothly and enable superb voice quality when you use VoIP.
Be Box also offers Wi-fi access with its 802.11 g interface which enables the PC to connect both with wire and without wires.
As far as security features are concerned, Be Box comes with firewall, capacity to guard your system from DoS attacks that include IP smurfing, fraggle, tear-drop and SYN Flood. It also has the feature to filter unwanted URLS using proper settings.
If you use Be Box modem to wifi your home or office, it provides excellent coverage area of 50 meters in outdoors and 20 meters indoors when you use 802.11bg standard. However, you will get better coverage when 802.11b is used.
Free wirelss routers with your broadband service
November 6, 2007
Many UK broadband providers offer free wireless router with their selective packages. When you sign up for those packages which nevertheless make you commit to a contract period (usually 12 months), you get this wireless support with firewall and other basic setting features.
Although you have an option to go for your own wireless router to wifi your home or office, getting a wireless router from your ISP have some advantages:
- Wireless routers are a bit expensive when compared with standard modem or wired router. When you offer a free wireless router, it saves money up to 50.
- Wireless routers supplied by your broadband providers are usually pre-configured with optimized settings. This makes the installation of routers simpler and easier.
- If you have problems with your wireless router/wireless connection, the technical support will be provided by your ISP.
- There may be options to upgrade your wireless router with your ISP. Although, you may need to spend a little for it, it is worth spending as you will get advanced features
Currently, almost, all major UK ISPs include wireless routers with their packages. Sometimes, you have the option to buy them from your ISP, however, at cheaper price. For example, UK Online offers Netgear Wireless router for 49.99 which is compatible with their ADSL+2 connection.
However, most ISPs would not charge anything for wireless routers when you take up a high-end package or you commit to a 12 month or 18 month contract. Be, the superfast broadband provider offers Be Box modem which you have to return to them when you leave them. BT, the largest broadband supplier in UK offers their Black Hub which is free for their Option 2 and Option 3 customers. There are such similar free offers of wireless routers from Pipex too.
Visit broadbandsuppliers.co.uk to know more details.
