Reviews about Misc. Networking

TheBard says "An Affordable, Reliable Network Adapter" about Linksys LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card

TheBard — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:03:34 GMT

Bottom-Line: If you need an affordable, reliable, easy-to-install and configure 32-Bit NIC look no further than the Linksys LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card.

For the past few months the unthinkable has been happening, my Intel Pro 100/1000Gbps desktop-class Network Interface Card (NIC) had been failing. I didn’t want to believe it, but the last few days it has been none too obvious.

The problem: every time I restarted the (file) server the NIC was installed in, the adapter flapped, that is the link was dropping for long seconds, then come back for a minute, then dropping the link again.

The solution: the Linksys LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card

The 411

The LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card is a high performance NIC designed for desktop computers with 32-bit PCI expansion slots. Right out of the box, the LNE100TX EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card is ready to run on both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX networks. The 10/100Mbps NIC can automatically detect your networks maximum speed and adjusts...

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tracyaugustus says "Trendnet, what not to buy" about TRENDnet TEW-423PI 54Mbps Wireless G PCI Adapter 802.11g/b

tracyaugustus — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:07:22 GMT

I am here to tell you why I don't like using this method of the wireless adapter's and am looking forward to using something way better. To start off, it starts up real slow, sometimes taking like ten to fifteen minutes just to get it running, to get you ready to go online. Then after I am online, it takes some more time to just get to my email to check it. It does not let me play many of the games that are offered to play and download of the internet. I also have trouble with everytime I go to change to a different screen I get this "not responding" and then it takes up to sometimes ten minutes to kick back into the right gear and start working again. I can't even download music, and sometimes I cant even download pdf files, it really stinks!!! So, now you know all of the reason's that I do not like of recommend the use of this Trendnet wireless, it did not make a believer out of me.

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carlie609 says "works,better hardware than software" about Netgear WG111v2 USB Network Adapter

carlie609 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:25:54 GMT

I have tried this item on various computers,mainly with windows xp,found that it pulls many wifi stations,and works with a laptop on libraries and many external locations.One of the flaws that i find is the design of the software,at the beginning it gives the option to set on Windows xp mode(which lists stations for easy connect and disconnect) and another propietary mode that seems more advanced ,but seems less friendly with windows xp/computer.It does not connect at the highest speed easily,sometimes it does in an erratic manner,back and forth,.It is good for the price,but considering the nature of the use and the varieties of wifi stations it is a good buy.

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TheBard says "This Card is a Keeper; Small, Lightweight, Affordable, Linksys" about Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GC

TheBard — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:01:47 GMT

Bottom Line: The Linksys (Cisco) Wireless-G WUSB54GC receives an A+ from me. I give the card high marks for ease of installation, configuration, and throughput.

There is something amiss with the (Broadcom) wireless Network Interface Cards (NIC's) Hewlett Packard (HP) is using in its Notebook products. I have had two simply stop working after the notebook reached about two years of age. The latest is in my Pavillion dv9000; the adapter has been working on and off for the last week. I use my laptop daily so being to connect to my home network is a must.

So, unable to nail down the immediate issue, I began my search for a replacement Wireless NIC and settled on the Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GC.

The all black WUSB54GC looks a lot like a typical USB flash drive and measure in at 1.1 x 3.86 x 0.43 inches. Linksys wisely thought to include a cap to fit over the USB (male) connector, and that coupled with its small size, makes easy to slip the WUSB54GC into an available pocket or...

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mpiche3 says "great extender" about Linksys Media Center Extender HD DVD (DHDMA2200)

mpiche3 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:14:01 GMT

I wanted to start by saying that I was a little skeptical of extenders, probably because I remember the first generation 4 or 5 years ago and how they just didn't perform well and were a bear to setup and use. I bought this for my wife, who likes to watch tv in our bedroom and records a lot of shows on our Vista PC downstairs. The setup was easy and although we don't use it everyday, it works well and I'm suprised at the quality of the streamed video and audio. I was expecting some blockiness and stuttering, but it seems to buffer all of that and it is the same quality as my direct cable feed. I did not pay full price as I bought this on sale for close to 70% off. I'm not sure it is worth full retail, but that is just my opinion. This is not a high end AV product, it is a very good extender for watching TV, movies, pictures, etc from a remote PC and I'm not sure that I would hook it to a 60" flat screen and use it as my primary input, but it may be able to handle that type of setup.

Overall,...

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mpiche3 says "great product" about Linksys Media Center Extender HD (DHDMA2100)

mpiche3 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:12:38 GMT

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medeiom says "Pretty good for the price" about Trendnet USB KVM switcher 209

medeiom — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:22:35 GMT

I also own an expensive Belkin 4-computer model (USB w/audio), but this one actually works better. The Belkin one breaks my multi-function KB, as well as preventing my monitor from sleeping. The TrendNET one works perfectly on both counts, I can switch from my PC to my Mac using ScrollLock+ScrollLock, and it includes the cables. (The cabling weighs about 10X the actual KVM ;-)

One small warning - a Mac cannot use the ScrollLock+ScrollLock keystroke to switch between inputs, so you have to be able to reach the physical buttons.

My only complaints are minor. One is that the cables come off of all 4 sides (which I knew from the pictures), making it very difficult to look nice. You might need some cable ties.

The other complaint is that all of the cables in included are proprietary on the KVM-side - you cannot replace them with your own cables or longer ones. Even the audio cables use a mini-USB connector instead of miniplugs (why?), and the video AND USB ports come off of the VGA connectors!...

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niceguy27834 says "Better Than The Rest" about NetGear

niceguy27834 — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:37:19 GMT

After playing around with several types of routers over the years, I finally found one that works the best in my opinion. The netgear N router is the most powerful that I have found to date. The other models, I'd be lucky if the signal made it across the room, much less into another room with a wall in between. When I plugged in this unit, I thought it was gonna be just like the rest. Much to my surprise all 4 of my PC's connected right away and never had a signal drop. One of them is clear on the other side of the house and it still made a great link to the router. The unit has 3 ports for basic wired set up and 2 wireless ports built into the device. One thing that basically made it the brand of choice was when I called tech support for a basic question, I actually got someone who was in the US and not somewhere overseas with an accent that you couldn't understand if your life depended on it. This brand is the way to go!!

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baybae says ""NETGEAR RangeMax" Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter WPN111 Works Well" about NETGEAR RangeMax

baybae — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:24:13 GMT

We recently moved into an apartment that provides WiFi. My desktop requires an adapter for use in the new apartment. Blainey, my son, wanted to give me a sort of house-warming gift, so he bought me a Netgear RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WPN111) to get back on-line. You'll have to forgive my lack of techese as I review this exceptional device. Bottom-line, it got me back on-line. I can surf the net, stream music and make internet calls if I want. It was easy to install and has what it calls "Smart Wizard" installation software. It can be used on notebook or Desktop PCs and is Super-G Compatible/108 Mbps Speed. I does work on Windows Vista too. This device gives me 10x the speed and 10x the coverage, and doesn't drop my connections. I love it. Gear up and get on the Net! I highly recommend it....

looneebin says "Wireless Networking for Dummies!" about D-link DKT-360 Pre-802.11n Wireless Adapter

looneebin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:16:02 GMT

The D-Link (n) Wireless Router was on sale and looked like the other "good" wireless router that was available (n), so I bought it, same functions and quality, lower price.... looked great to me.

This equipment far exceeded my expectations! It was the easiest equipment I have ever had to install. Within minutes I had a secure network set up in my home so we could use all our wireless capable equipment on it. After messing with, and constantly messing up, wireless networks for years, this was a blessing. Worth more than what I paid, and will be what I buy if I ever need another.

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shigadeyo says "Good way to extend your network for Internet access" about Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge

shigadeyo — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:35:45 GMT

I thought for sure that I would have problems with these. The building that I currently live in is a house that was built in around 1912 and is divided into three units. It has a mixture of original wiring, new wiring, some two prong only sockets, and some grounded sockets. In addition, my incoming Internet connection is broadband via the power line, so I thought for sure that would conflict with the Netgear ethernet over the power wires. Much to my surprise, I hooked my DSL/Cable router to one of these and plugged it in the wall and one of my computers to another one and plugged it in the wall. In a few seconds they had negotiated the connection and I was off and running. I was able to access the Internet and my local domain server with no issues. Apparently there was no conflict between the Netgear Ethernet through the power wires and my incoming broadband Internet through the power line. I was also able to VPN out to work over the connection without a problem. I installed the Netgear...

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joegabber says "Works great and never stops ticking." about NetGear

joegabber — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:53:30 GMT

I love using Netgear equipment. It runs great and I it is affordable. The products have been easy to setup and they are stable when I use them at home. I would recommend you try their products. I've used many of their products such as their routers, wireless cards, storage units, and media players....

RudiXeno says "Awfully hard to argue with free!" about Verizon Wireless USB720 EVDO Rev A USB Modem (Verizon Wireless)

RudiXeno — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:43:08 GMT

Just yesterday I reviewed Verizon's Wireless Broadband service. In a nutshell, I like it. It free's me to connect to the Internet pretty much wherever and whenever I want and I pay $59.99 a month for the service.

Of course, to connect to the service you need a special modem. Verizon gives you some alternatives. you can connect with either a PC Card or an Express Card Modem. Verizon offer's them on their web-site for $99.99 with a $50 instant rebate. So, you're looking at a net price of $49. Not bad. Or, you can purchase a USB modem like the Verizon Wireless USB720 EVDO Rev A USB Modem which at the time of my purchase was $49.99 with a $49.99 instant rebate. Net, net, it was free. Hard to argue with free, so I guess you know the road I chose to travel.

What I Like
Well, I already told you it was free and since I haven't changed my view in the last few seconds, I'm kind of fond of free.

The modem seems well constructed and it's been failure free since I've begun using it.

What I Don't......

Wordz says "Works as advertised right out of the box" about Netgear WG111v2 USB Network Adapter

Wordz — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:42:09 GMT

I purchased this with the wireless Netgear Router. Installation was a snap: Load the software, plug in the adapter and it's ready to go. It gets pretty warm but not being familiar with this kind of device that may be normal. It has a blue LED indicator to let you know it's recieving power from the computer and that it's working. It also came with a protective USB connector cover and a nice little stand if you want to use it. Also included is a USB extension cable in case
you have a tight fit plugging the device in directly.

It functions as advertised and the price is fair....in my mind that deserves a 5 star review.
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mrspb says "Provided my desktop computer a wireless connection" about eHome EH103 USB Wireless Adapter

mrspb — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:17:57 GMT

I have this device attached to my Sony Vaio desktop computer running Windows XP Media Center Edition. When we moved into our current home, the lines for the modem connections were not in the office, so connecting wirelessly seemed like a no-brainer.

I have had problems with this device, although I cannot be certain that it is the device and not other computer issues (it seems I'm always having some sort of computer "issues"!)

Two main concerns...the connection is often lost temporarily...it sort of cycles on and off. And if I ever unplug the device from the usb port and then re-plug it back in, I have to completely reinstall it every time! ugh.

Otherwise, it seems to function about what we had hoped. It does not, though register as strong of a signal as our wireless laptops.

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bains4u says "Great buy for great price" about D-link MediaLounge™ DSM-520 Digital Media Streamer (790069283451)

bains4u — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:03:22 GMT

I loved my DSM-520 media lounge. I had it before the Apple TV arrived in the market and I would say that at the fraction of the cost of Apple TV, DSM-520 is a great hardware.

Very easy to setup, considering you already have a home wireless setup and working. High-Definition allows you to view HD videos. All you need is the TV connected to DSM-520 in one room and your Computer running the D-link Media Software in another room and the DSM-520 will stream videos, Audios and pictures from your computer wirelessly onto your TV.

If you dont want to use the computer, just connect an external hard drive to this unit using the front USB port and watch media contents stored on your hard drive on your TV.

Support of new Active TV Software allows you to watch You Tube and other online media contents free of cost

In a nutshell, this device does what it is intended to do.
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SteveB says "TV on my pc's and PSP..but you may need help setting it up." about Sony LocationFree® LF-B20

SteveB — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:04:10 GMT

After looking at the Sony LF-V30, I decided to purchase the previous model. Not cheap, just thrifty; there didn't seem to be that many advantages to the V30. I found it on eBay for $120, including shipping.

The Quick Start guide is not at all a quick start, and the documentation on the CD was not a big help. After going through the initial configuration (it has to be hard wired into your network for this), I plugged it into my wireless network to continue the setup, and I found that my router didn't support Universal Plug and Play (uPNP; it would have been nice to know network requirements before I started), so I had to abort the installation, download and install the firmware upgrades for my router, and continue the installation.

If any of the above paragraph sounds too tech, but you still want this product, get tech help.

After I got the base station set up, it was easy to register (connect) my wired pc and my wireless laptop to it. Remember, you can connect several devices, but all have...

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pawpaw says "great adapter for a reasonable price" about TRENDnet wireless LAN USB Adapter TEW-424UB

pawpaw — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:00:24 GMT

purchased this wireless adapter in a local independent computer store for about the same price it would have cost me to have it shipped to my home. this trendnet wireless usb adapter hooks up easily to my wireless router with no dropped signals and a very good signal and it stay hooked up.

other reviewers have complained that this adapter runs very hot but i have not experienced any of those problems. I am using it on my desktop and it works very well and i am extremely happy with this adapter. i had previously purchased another trendnet wireless adapter before this one (802.11b) and it worked very well so that is why i stayed with this brand. i would highly recommend this usb wireless adapter.

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ramonv says "Couldn't be easier!" about Actiontec MegaPlug™ (789286806239) Network Adapter

ramonv — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:11:30 GMT

I recently purchased the Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit. You can buy this as a kit, or you can buy them individually. But you need at least two to start with, so unless you have one already, it's cheaper and more convenient to buy the kit.

What this item does, is it allows you to effortlessly connect any network-enabled item in your house to your existing internet connection. You can connect a laptop, desktop, Xbox, Playstation, Wii, etc.

I bought it to connect my son's desktop to our existing DSL service. I received the package, opened it, and then plugged one adapter into a wall socket in my office, running a provided ethernet cable from the adapter to my modem/router. Then I went to his room, and plugged the other adapter in, near his computer. I ran the other provided ethernet cable from that adapter to his PC's ethernet plug, and voila! he was connected to the internet. No software needed, nothing to install on either pc at all! It does...

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pawpaw says "excellant way to go wireless" about TRENDnet wireless LAN USB Adapter TEW-229UB

pawpaw — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:27:27 GMT

Purchased this a couple of years ago and it has worked very good for me. It always hooks up with full signal strength anywhere in my house, and as a matter of fact will pick up the neighborhool networks that the other two computers in my home normally do not see.

I couldn't be happier with this product and it doesn't get too hot to touch.

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