Senao Multi-Client Bridge/Access Point/ Repeater-NL-3054CB3 PLUS Review

[farhan]

SENAO Multi-Client Bridge/Access Point/ Repeater-NL-3054CB3 PLUS (Deluxe)

Reviewer Name: Farhan Mohsin
Date:1-05-2005

Product Description

Well this little gadget is quite a lot of wireless devices built in one. It is a Wireless Multi-Client Bridge/Access Point/ WDS (wireless distribution system).It supports upto 802.11g (54mbps) data transfer. It is an easy way to add wireless capability to your existing wired network, or to add bandwidth to your wireless installation. It also comes equipped with ability to encrypt all wireless transmissions through 64/128-bit WEP data encryption and also supports WPA. The MAC address filter lets you select exactly which stations should have access to your network.

Here is a little insight on how this thing can be utilized.

Network Configuration

To better understand how the wireless LAN products work together to create a wireless network, it might be helpful to depict a few of the possible wireless LAN network configurations. The wireless LAN equipment can be configured as:

a) Ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) for departmental or SOHO LANs.
b) Infrastructure for enterprise LANs.
c) Wireless routing and IP sharing.

Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer) Mode

This is the simplest network configuration with several computers equipped with the PC Cards that form a wireless network whenever they are within range of one another. In ad-hoc mode, each client is peer-to-peer, would only have access to the resources of the other client and does not require an access point. This is the easiest and least expensive way for the SOHO to set up a wireless network. This devices utility will be minimal (zero infact) in this kind of network.


Infrastructure Mode



The infrastructure mode requires the use of an access point (AP). In this mode, all wireless communication between two computers has to be via the AP. It doesn’t matter if the AP is stand-alone or wired to an Ethernet network. If used in stand-alone, the AP can extend the range of independent wireless LANs by acting as a repeater, which effectively doubles the distance between wireless stations.


Wireless routing and IP sharing

In infrastructure mode, in addition to acting as a Bridge between an Ethernet and wireless network, the AP can be configured as a wireless router and IP sharing device for Internet access as shown below. You don’t need to buy an expensive router. Nor do you need to buy several modems and set up phone lines. Just share one AP, one modem, a single dial-up account, and one phone line; dozens of network users can surf the Internet simultaneously. This kind of scenario is ideal for this device. It would be perfect for small office environment.


Testing Environment

Though the device is more suited to an office environment I tested at my home.

AP: After turning the device into Access Point mode I connected it directly to my cable modem. Then using a wifi device (a laptop and a PDA) I tested the range of the device and it performed quite well. It was placed in my room on the first floor of my house. And almost all my upper story was covered by the AP (radius of about 40 metres). I could connect (and remain connected) to the internet easily and browse and use MSN messenger. Downstairs the signal strength was low to minimal with many disconnections

WB: after switching the device into the bridge mode I connected it to a desktop computer. Then using another wireless router I provided a wireless network environment. And the bridge easily detected and connected to the wireless network and allowed me into the wireless network.


Features & Benefits

High RF Output Power - More coverage than regular multi-client bridge

High Speed Data Rate Up to 54Mbps - Capable of handling heavy data payloads such as MPEG video streaming

IEEE 802.11b/g Compliant - Fully Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b/IEEE802.11g compliant devices

Point-to-point, Point-to-multipoint Wireless Connectivity - Allows users to transfer data between multiple buildings

Power-over-Ethernet (IEEE 802.3afComplaint) - Flexible Access Point locations and cost savings

WPA (TKIP/ Pre-shared key) support - Powerful data security

Hide SSID (AP Mode) - Avoids unauthorized users from sharing the bandwidth and increases efficiency of the network.

DHCP Client/ Server - Simplifies network administration WDS (Wireless Distribution System) Configures wireless AP and Bridge mode simultaneously as a wireless repeater

MAC address filtering (AP Mode) - Ensures secure network connections

Seamless Roaming - Allows users to roam between APs without losing their network connection.

Detailed Specs

The Bundle

List of the stuff you will get this product

• CD-ROM with User’s Manual and Drivers
• WLAN Multi-Client Bridge/Access Point
• LAN Cable
• Power Adapter
• External Antenna

Price

The price for this product in the Pakistani market is set at Rs. 7000/-

Now this price, in my opinion, seems to be a quite high. Considering you can get a decent Netgear or D-link 802.11g router for less than this and these routers generally allow upto 4 wired connections as well as the wireless connections thus making them more useful for home users. A more acceptable price for this item would be in the range of Rs.4000.


Usage

Though I tested the device at my home but it would probably suite a small office hall or hotel lobby much better. There, its Wifi capabilities will be utilized to the max as many “on the go” people can easily connect to it and use the internet (AP Mode) or if its acting as a bridge it can link up wired and wireless networks.

All in all it is more suited to an unhindered open area.


Rating

Taking all the factors into account this device is given 6 out 10. It lost points due to its unusually high price and its little utility for home users (considering that most WCCFTECH members would use the products at home). The device itself performed its tasks aptly.









special thanks to HORIZON MARKETING for providing the samples

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