router

Why I hate Wi-Fi

Not long ago, I purchased a Netgear WGR614 wireless G router. It's a new router and the G flavor of Wi-Fi is relatively mature so I didn't expect any problems. Silly me.

I set up the wireless network to use WPA-PSK-TKIP and connected to it just fine from my Windows XP laptop. A relative came over and their Windows XP laptop also connected to the Wi-Fi network. But, a few days later a third person tried it and their Windows XP laptop, a ThinkPad T60, refused to make a connection.

Perhaps, the vendor software managing the network connection … Read more

Inside CNET Labs 3: This is not virtual...this is all real life

Eric is very excited about Diablo 3; Dong, not so much. Dong IS excited about a Linksys router with a very long name. Also, laundry room etiquette? Stealing Internet in Denmark? We've got it covered!

Listen now: Download today's podcast Episode 3

Linksys's newest router: If only I could call it just 'sexy'

Linksys announced its latest router today, the WRT610N, and it might just be the first router that offers everything you would want and then some.

First off, it's a true dual-band wireless router. This is important because I've run into not-so-true dual-band wireless routers before, like the D-Link DGL-4500 or the Netgear WNDR3300. The D-Link can only work in either 2.4Ghz frequency or 5ghz frequency at a time making it not so much of a dual-band router. The Netgear, on the other hand, can work in both frequencies at time, however, in dual-band mode only its 5Ghz … Read more

Linksys courts Mac users with a OS X version of its popular setup wizard

Linksys today announced its one-step-further support for Mac by releasing its OS X version of the Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) setup wizard. LELA is a desktop application that helps take away the hassle and complexity of setting up a router by using easy-to-understand terminology and illustrations to guide consumers through the process.

This is great news for Mac users, especially those who are used to setting up routers using a desktop application rather than the Web-interface. I personally have met a lot of Mac users who somehow believe that Mac computers only work (well) with Apple's AirPort products because … Read more

Sometimes the Internet just breaks

Last night and this morning I couldn't get to my personal website. Other websites and email worked just fine. The website itself wasn't broken ("down" is the official nerd term), the Internet was.

A great service for pinpointing a problem like this is available at siteuptime.com. Their free Quick Check (shown below) can be used to test the availability of a website from New York, Chicago, San Francisco and/or London. The HTTP (website protocol) tests of my site showed that it was fine when accessed from all four cities.

As a politician referred to … Read more

First look at the T-Mobile @Home service

The news has broke that T-Mobile will be offering a VoIP service called T-Mobile @Home in select cities nationwide. However, yours truly had a chance to get some hands-on time with the specially built T-Mobile HotSpot @Home HiPort wireless Linksys router made especially for this service. T-Mobile also sent me an optional VTech cordless phone so I can test it out.

Setting up the router is the same procedure as setting up any other router, save for one difference: You need to install a SIM card. T-Mobile provided me with one, which I then snapped into place in the back … Read more

New DNSChanger Trojan variant targets routers

Secure Computing researchers have discovered a new variant of the DNSChanger Trojan in the wild that attacks routers, meaning any Web surfing computer on that network could be at risk of being redirected to a malicious Web site.

The DNSChanger Trojan changes the DNS settings to point to a host Web site address supplied by the attackers, Sven Krasser, director of data mining research at Secure Computing, said in an interview with CNET News.com on Tuesday.

"Your network is essentially reconfigured to do all the (domain) name resolutions over this malicious name server," he said.

The DNSChanger … Read more

Setting up a WiFi network - the hard part is judging advice

I have, in the past, been critical of computer articles in the newspapers I regularly read, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Often I've warned that you don't read PC Magazine for mutual fund advice and you shouldn't read the Wall Street Journal for computer advice. Yet, the reporters in these newspapers are significantly more technically qualified than the Orlando Sentinel.

Today, I'm in south Florida, where the Sun Sentinel is the local paper. They reprinted an article by Etan Horowitz (no relation), Set up a home wireless network, that originally appeared last … Read more

Linksys home networking made easy and stylish

As the nerve center behind a home network, the WRT54G2 is Linksys' latest out-of-the-closet wireless "G" router featuring three key unique propositions: Attractive design, ease of use, and built-in antennas. It's sleek and tastefully designed, at home with any A/V product such as your flat-panel TV and home theater, thanks to generous curves and a matching piano-black finish.

Its software has an intuitive graphical user interface for an instant snapshot of your overall network, equipment, and operating status. The system is even smart enough to alert you when there are Linksys firmware updates.

Unlike competing products, … Read more

Linksys' new design for Wi-Fi routers flies in

Linksys has launched a completely new design for its upcoming routers, and today I got my hands on the first one: the RangePlus Wireless Router (WRT110).

Out of the box, I loved it! It immediately reminded me of a flying saucer (not that I remember the last time I saw a real one), though the router is not exactly round. The new design boasts a sleek and futuristic look. It also has a much smaller footprint and is lighter than the previous models. Still, it feels solid and the thin plate-like shape makes it stay more grounded on the surface, … Read more