Networking Reviews

I purchased the Linksys 2-port KVM kit. The kit includes the two sets of cables.

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This unit does everything you'd expect from a KVM. I powered down my two computers, plugged the cables in, powered up and everything worked!!!

I've had no problems with it at all! I love the ability to switch between computers using the hotkey. Its CTRL-CTRL for the 2-port KVM. I understand the 4-port has a more complicated hotkey that may be harder to use.

I think this is an excellent product! Go for it if you need a KVM.

The device works well. I am using it at 1028x1024 connected to a flat panel. As long as I use good cables I don't get any ghosting. The manual is not on linksys website which would be a good way to really check out the product before buying it. You can switch between the two monitors by hitting ctrl twice in a row. People complain that this is a problem while gaming. The unit offers the ability to change the hot-key. Just hold down the button on the unit while hitting the key you want to act as the hot-key. I changed mine to the never used scroll-lock. Now I hit scroll-lock twice to switch to the other computer.

One downside I have noticed. When I use the unit, I have a slight delay in ctrl and shift for operations like multiple select. It does not matter if the app is explorer, imaging, or the xwindows cad software I use. I have to give a second of holding the key down before clicking on the second item. It also seems to have an effect on the repeat rate on the keyboard. I use a logitic wireless keyboard/mouse so it could be the combination, but the problem is not there when I plug directly into the computer. It can be annoying sometimes.

The Linksys ProConnect 2 port KVM is performing flawlessly for me. It came with the cable sets making it a real bargain. I have not found any glitches whatsoever. My wheel mouse and all it's extended functions are working perfectly. The cables are heavy grade and color coded. They are somewhat on the short side, but thats okay as the keyboard hotkeys work smoothly. I highly recommend this product.

The Linksys router did not have an account number or pin number in the box for the Net2phone service. Both Linksys and Net2phone blew me off after hours of phone holding, computer answered e-mails, and phone conversations. Both companies do not care to support this product, so save yourself some grief and time and stay away from it.

I bought this Linksys voice router last year so I could make cheap long-distance calls. This is an excellent router. I use it to interconnect 3 of my PC's on my LAN. Phone capability is good but don't dump your phone line just yet.

I'll focus my review on the Net2Phone technology of this router.

Pros: You get $0.04/minute rate anywhere in the US with similar rates to other countries (check http://linksys.net2phone.com for more information). I bought this router from Amazon, I hooked it up to my LAN, connected my phone, entered my credit card info with Net2phone and started making calls right away. Sound quality is generally good (reminds me of a typical cellular phone) but it doesn't compare to a landline on a corded phone. The unit works best with a corded phone and speakerphone. It's also compatible with a cordless phone, but there's more hiss. Also, unlike those 10-10 numbers, you don't have to pay a "connection fee" for each call.

Cons: I wouldn't recommend you dump your landline. Keep your cellular phone at the very least. First of all, Net2phone service has been shaky. In recent months, there have been a few outtages where I couldn't call parts of Eastern Europe at all. Second, you must have a fast Internet connection for this to work (DSL or Cable). In addition, you won't have a direct Net2Phone line that you could call home. There might be an 800 number that'll have your extension, but I haven't looked into it. Also, VoIP technology (voice-over-IP) won't allow you to make data calls (fax, ISP, etc.).

Overall: 4 stars out of 5. Excellent Linksys router. I deducted one start for no incoming calls capability and shaky Net2Phone service.

Easy to install, fairly fool-proof and reliable for those wanting a router with voice through capabilities. Net2Phone is more problematic, taking several calls and complaints to get them to fix the account...finally they did it. Phone works flawlessly (no echo)as does the router. I am very happy with the item.

I just recently baught a Mircosoft MN-730 wireless PCI adapter.
The product looks very nice, .. at first sight.
I tried to install it on a W2K Dell Dimension PC.
Installation seemed to work properly. However once you get to turning on the WEP you find out quickly that Micorsoft has not implemented all features of the 802.11g standard.

First the package advertises that the adapter can be secured using the new 256 bit encryption - well, .. the PCI dapater might be able to do that, the configuration utility (MS Broadband Network Utility) does not support it.

Next you find that installing the WEP key only allows you to use 1 key, other routers allow you to define 4 different keys. Who knows, what happens, if you select one of the alternate keys at the router. I tested it out - And guess what ... it does not work!! The Utility does not even permit me to select an alternate phrase to generate the WEP key myself.

Overall I have to say a very poor product. I have used the Linksys, D-Link, Netgear and US Robotics products in the past. Comparing these brands I am a clear favorite of Linksys, closely followed by D-Link.

Overall it seems to me that Micorsoft cut some coners with their wireless products. This is not the way to gain market share in hardware devices. I recommend they stick to software.

A frustrated Wireless Networker

This Product is great. I used to use an MN-510 USB Adapter from Microsoft that worked so-so, often losing connection, and when i had a connection is was good to very good, till it finally stopped working. Then I bought one of these and I haven't had a problem yet. The signal is always Excellent, even when the Base station is downstairs on another wing of the house. It's antenna is even detachable to fit better. This product is 110% better than the USB adapter. A must buy for any wireless network.

Installaion is easy with accompaning setup disk. Works best when coupled with all Microsoft hardware. Mine setup with MN-700 Microsoft Wireless Base Station. Connectivity is fast and, appropriately positioned, at peak 54mbps connection speed. My first wireless network and I expect to keep it for years and years.

What a headache, after hours of pulling my hair out, the dongles were bad. I purchaced two of these cards and both dongles were defective right out of the box. It seems this is a common problem with the Netgear PCMCIA cards. Sure they were under warranty but who can afford the down time of constant dongle replacement. Avoid this item and get a 3COM product, they never fail.

This is a really good card, easy to install, and is very reliable. The only bad thing is that the Wire connected to the card is fragil, and will break off eventually. I read about this problem before buying, but I figured, if Im extra careful, it wont happen to me.. but it does, and will... Ive had it for over a year now, and havent had to replace it yet, but any day now I will.. a slight bump to my laptop and the cord falls out.. Other than that problem, I recomend this card, if your not always on the go with your laptop... Z

This is a great product. I just got it in today and within five minutes it's installed and on the network. I reccomend buying this product and other netgear products before even thinking about buying Linksys products. I bought a linksys PCMPC100 for this laptop and it turned out to be faulty. I sent it back for another and it was bad as well. Now I have this card and it works like a charm.

This card does not even deserve one star. 3Com no longer supports this card, so there are no drivers for Win 2000, etc. Avoid this card!

AMAZON shoppers beware of the cheap NIC trap. Opt for a NIC that is both dependable and configurable. That card is the 3Com SOHO100. A 10/100 Meg card with virtually everything going for it: Built-in encryption, on-board auto-configuration, and an Microsoft and user-friendly interface to adjust to your networks specific settings. Easy to install and extremely dependable. These cards work!

The is no justification for buying a bad (or "value-priced") NIC card. Buy a dependable 3Com and your network will thank you!

3com is the name of networks in terms of NICs and connections. If you want easy, reliable network connections for now and the future, you want this. Everything you need is in the box. Just install, turn on your system, and use! It's that simple. The product isn't listed for Win2000 anyway, so if you are running 2000, don't buy this! (Anyway, 98SE rox!) So in the case of the Win2000 complaints, It's your own fault. 3com does make a NIC for you! Just go and search some more! Also, if you do buy this, I do believe that 3com does have drivers updated. Anyway, it's a terribly wonderful product! Go 3COM!

Purchased for use with my HP Jornada 568. Because of a raised bevel on the front of the card - it will not fit in the CF type II slot on the Jornada 568.

I took the advice from the other "electronics fan" viewer and got it from eBay. It indeed worked "out-of-the-box"! Sharp should really include this in their accessories list in addition to the other landline modem from Pretec.

If you're looking for a CompactFlash modem for your Linux based Zaurus SL-5500, look no further. I tracked down some brief information stating that this modem worked "out-of-the-box" with the SL-5x00 and, indeed, it does. As soon as I plugged it in and configured my PPP connection I was online in seconds. The only issue someone might raise with it is the dongle; which does not bother me a bit since it has a filter built into it for digital lines...

I have/had been using the juice since October of last year. Worked great until the AC portion stopped working a couple weeks ago. DC portion still works. I noticed Targus makes a similar unit and user feedback for that unit indicates a similar problem. Contacted Mobility customer service for assistance and they were very helpful. Can't do an exchange though since they need a receipt and I got the unit from work (no receipt).

The Juice eliminates two adapters on my trips, as I have two cell phones. It works great and is lighter than the adapter that came with my IBM Thinkpad. Haven't had the need to use the air and car adapters but know I have power if I need it.

I've been using the juice iGo system for about 8 months. It is a real space and weight saver for the frequent traveler. I have used is successfully with my Toshiba Portege 3505, my Sony Clie, and Sony T68i cell phone including the bluetooth headset. I can travel with one charger instead of three and it easily plugs in to the adapter outlets on airplanes as well as in automobiles.

I can keep my laptop and cell phone or PDA charged at the same which is especially helpful in hotels with limited power outlets.

It has held up well on countless trips and I have had no issues to date (no breakage like some other reviewers for example). If you are looking for a second power adapter for your notebook I would highly recommend this for its flexibility and convenience.

I have had problems with this thing since purchasing it - it frequently drops off of my wireless network for no apparent reason, intermittantly becomes unavailable on the ethernet LAN, and at times cannot be seen by any of my wireless laptops even when they are sitting several feet away from the unit. After speaking with Buffalo tech support several times, upgrading the firmware, resetting factory defaults and resetting all of my network settings the last tech support representative explained to me that I must simply have a defective unit and that there was nothing he or the company could do about it. This would normally be believable except that this is the third Buffalo wireless product that I have purchased and the third that has been "defective" (the other two were a wireless LAN card and a wireless print server). I have come to the conclusion that Buffalo simply makes shoddy wireless products and as a result I will simply no longer be buying anything made by them again. My advice to you the consumer is to save yourself the trouble and money and to do the same. Linksys, here I come!

Works flawlessly if you are within 10 feet. As soon as I left room where WBR-G54 was located, signal dropped to almost nil. Too bad, because I liked the upright design that fit so neatly next to the cable modem, and the easy setup with both pc and Mac. Buffalo should include an external antenna like all other manufacturers, rather than charge extra for one. Experimenting with Linksys WRT-54G. So far so good.

Setting up the router wasn't as easy as the instructions said. There was alot of missing information, but when i called tech support, they walked me through it and i was connected immediately. For comcast users tech support will give you a specific code to enter during your advanced set-up. Second, the router signal worked great when i was using my laptop on the same floor the router was located, but when i took my computer upstairs (1 floor) the signal was on and off, and sometimes would accept my password. For the most part it stays connected, but when i called tech support they said i needed to buy a multi-directional antenna to get a better signal. Not being a techie, i'm not sure which one to buy, and according to the buffalo website, they only have 2 that are available, one that is directional and increases your signal 200%, while the other one that i need to buy only increases the range by 20-25%. There are other antennas out there and i'm not sure what's compatible with my router. Not sure what to do now- any tips are appreciated!

I bought this card to put in an existing PC, but the PC has PCI version 2.1. I could not get it to work. The computer wouldn't even boot up when the card was in, and I tried this in two very different computers. Same thing happened. Finally, after much online research, I discovered that the computer must support PCI version 2.2 and above. Since I waited to install it, I cannot return it now so I'm stuck with an unusable card.

I ordered the NETGEAR WGT624 Wireless Router, and this card as a PCI connection. However, the card and the router were incompatible, which was an irritating waste of my time. I saved time by going to a brick and mortar store, locating the compatible card, and buying it there. Don't misunderstand me -- it works great now, and I'm very happy with the ease of installation. I just wish someone would have warned me that not all NETGEAR products are compatible with one another, even when they are so close to being identical.
Just for the record, I ordered the WG311 54 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter, and needed the WG311T 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter.
If someone can explain why I should have known they are incompatible, other than the adapter cannot utilize the full range of the router's capability, I'd appreciate the insight.

After a considerable amount of time, I decided it was time to augment my home network with a wireless system. I decided that there was no other option than to select hardware that supported WPA encryption. The WEP encryption is very weak (I have heard that it can take less than thirty seconds to crack), and the piece of mind is well worth the extra money. The Netgear router and pc card I purchased (WGR614v4 & WG511v2 respectively) have worked flawlessly. The security upgrades to enable WPA were available on the Netgear site were easy to install, and once again - worked flawlessly. My disappointment came when I found that the pci card I purchased at the same time to use on a PC that was too difficult to wire in, was not going to work. The WG311 was supposed to have a firmware upgrade to WPA in the 'February timeframe' according to Netgear. This target has obviously come and gone. I have emailed Netgear several times, but they have not emailed back. In respect to the setup, design, functionality, and ease of use - I am impressed with most of my purchase. The unfortunate thing is that when this company fails, it does so in a big way.

I have linksys 4-port router and 8-port hub at home. Both has the capacity for 100MB ethernet. But when I transfer files from two computer locally, the maximum speed I can have is 10MBit although the 100MB LED indicators are on for both computers. I tried to call Linksys many many time, but never got through. I really hate their customer service. It seems they never want to provider technical support to customers. I strongly recommend not to buy any network products from Linksys.

Linksys is an extremely unreliable company that does not want your business. I would never recommend a purchase of any product from Linksys. I purchased a Linksys Etherfast 8 port 100 Base-TX Hub Model No: FEHUB08W that recognized both my computers, but not my SURFboard cable modem. So, I think to myself, "This has to be a compatibility problem."I began by checking the Linksys web site. I could not find any indication that there might be compatibility issues with this hub. It was then, at about 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 6, that I decided to call the technical support number. I called the technical support number - which by the way is not a 1-800 number - and got the message that things were busy, "please hold." I patiently waited on hold for several minutes when another message informed me that technical assistance is very busy. They would return my call later. I was given the option to leave a message, or to remain on the line and speak with an operator. I decided to remain on the line and talk with the operator. The phone rang for the operator several times and then went to the message system. I was determined to speak with someone in person, so I hung up my phone and called back. The phone rang. I again got the message that the technical support people were busy. After several minutes I was again presented with the option to leave a message or speak with the operator. I again selected to speak with an operator. When the operator answered the phone he did not say, "hello." The line was simply open, so I spoke to see if anyone was there. He stumbled several times, placed me on hold and then finally came back to get my information. Interestingly, he called up my record from the previous fall (I was impressed), called me by name and I gave him the details of my new problem. He assured me that someone would return my call. I asked how long the return call would take, figuring that I could give him my work number for a call-back the following day, but he assured me that it normally only took a couple of hours. And so, I confirmed with him by saying, "Someone will call me back this evening?" He replied, "Yes." I kept the phone line open all evening, but I did not receive a return phone call. At about 9:30 p.m. that evening (February 6) I decided that I would also send an email in hopes that it would prove more efficient. At least I could more completely explain my predicament. I also included on that email my home phone, work phone and email address. The return phone call from the Linksys technical support finally arrived the following day, Wednesday, February 7 at 3:22 p.m. Eastern Time. The message said, "Linksys technical support returning a call for Bill regarding the hub. If you're still having a problem give us a call back. As a reminder always verify that you're getting a link light on the hub and that you're using the category 5 straight through cable. If you're still having problems give us a call back. Thank you." Well that seemed pretty straightforward. I was using a category 5 straight through cable and my problem was that I could not get a light at the uplink port on the hub. I decided that I should call back, so at about 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 7 I made another long distance telephone call to Linksys technical support. Yes, you guessed it. I waited again patiently only to discover that all the technicians were busy. An operator came on the line and offered to take my message. I explained to this young lady that I had called the previous night. She was unable to find my information, so she took the information again. I asked her how long it would take for a return phone call. She responded that I should receive a call in about an hour. I chuckled, but took her at her word. At 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 7, I decided that I was not going to receive any assistance from Linksys technical support. I decided instead that I would go online and purchase an Asanté 10T Hub/8 of my own. I had borrowed an Asanté hub. It worked like a charm. It might be older technology. It might be a slower hub technology, but it's hard to beat success, right? I did receive a return call from Linksys technical support finally. They called me back this morning Friday, February 9 at 11:15 a.m. Unfortunately, I was at work and so I discovered the following message on my answering machine when I returned home this evening. "Hi this message is for Bill. Bill this is Linksys tech support Call us back at 1-800-326-7114 reference number 0103-0337 and when calling us back please have the model number of the Linksys product ready." Well, finally a 1-800 number to call and actually, I'd already supplied the company's technical support personnel with model number of my Linksys hub three times now. My new Asanté 10T Hub/8 arrived and it works fantastic, so I packed up my Linksys hub accompanied by a long letter detailing my experiences and I mailed it to the company president, Mr. Victor Tsao, on February 10, 2001. Guess what? I have never received a response from him either. Linksys is an unreliable company and it does not want your business, so I would never recommend that you purchase anything from Linksys.

First of all, the current picture of a black hub is mistaken - the box looks like the other current linksys routers / hubs with the bright blue and black plastic box design.

That having been said, this hub worked perfectly out of the box. It is used to network among machines running Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Linux, using a variety of ethernet cards (3Com, Linksys, NetGear). It has been used several weeks now without a problem. Setup took minutes!

Besides this item, I have bought and used several Linksys products before, including several 4-port hubs, a 4-port router, PC network cards and a laptop card. All of these have worked flawlessly with the other network equipment I have used. In some cases they replaced an item that cost 3-6 times more yet did not work as well!

I noticed some other users have had issues with this product, so here are a few pointers about networking that might help:

1) Hubs allow computers to talk to connect to each other on a local network. All a hub does is allow a computer which is set up to be on the network to talk to another computer.

2) To create a local network that can talk to the internet, you either need to buy an IP address for every machine and use a hub, or use a router to allow multiple computers on the internal network to look to anyone on the internet as having a single IP address. (Don't forget the cable/DSL connection & modem.)

3) The maximum speed that the hub supports may be 100 Mbps, but the speed is limited by the speed of the ethernet card as well! Some ethernet cards are only rated for 10Mbps - so that is the maximum connection speed you'll get using them.