Best Data CMX300 SmartOne Cable Modem Review

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(More customer reviews)I have actually had a CMX300 for some time - probably about 5 years or so. For a reason I forget now, I bought a Motorola SB5120 about two years ago and it seemed a little faster so I put the Best Data on the shelf. A little over a year ago, Time Warner (Roadrunner) replaced Comcast in my area, and I began having intermittent connectivity problems. Naturally I blamed Time Warner. I had to reset the cable modem sometimes 10 times a week. Well, recently, my service went completely out and was out for several days while I waited for Time Warner to come figure out what the problem was. I don't know what made me want to try the old Best Data modem, but I figured "what the heck" and plugged it in. Wouldn't you know, it worked, I called Time Warner with the "new" MAC address, and here I am writing this review. The old standby to the rescue. I may at some point replace the CMX300 again, but I think I'll continue to hold onto it for its reliability and the fact that it has never let me down completely like the Motorola did.

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The Best Data Smart One CMX300 Cable Modem is a high-performance, CableLabs-certified device that ensures service providers achieve seamless installation and proven performance.With the USB port, you get plug and play installation, no complicated hardware settings to adjust and you don't even have to open your computer to obtain high-speed Internet access.

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Motorola DOCSIS External Cable Modem (SB4100) Review

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(More customer reviews)This was standard issue for the now defunct Excite@Home. I received this cable modem when I signed up for Excite@Home and still use it now that I'm on another cable service.
The small form-factor leaves a narrow, tiny footprint on a desk and the base is wide enough to make it stable and balanced.
The LEDs flash to show activity and a combination of different lights (read the manual) helps when trouble-shooting connectivity problems with your ISP. I've been using this for over a year and it functions great and hasn't let me down.

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The Motorola SURFboard SB4100 cable modem, which is DOCSIS 1.0 CableLabs Certified and Excite@Home Level 2 approved, features both Ethernet and USB interface connectivity to help ensure compatibility with almost any PC or Macintosh network-ready computer system. What's more, a front-panel standby switch has been added for additional end-user security. It disconnects the USB and Ethernet connection to the computer without disconnecting the cable modem from the network, providing security, flexibility, and performance.
The SB4100 is compatible with Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, and NT, as well as Mac OS and Unix platforms. It supports up to 32 users (1 USB and 31 Ethernet) and is ideal for home and small businesses. Its vertical design requires minimum desk space.
The SB4100 comes with a one-year warranty.

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USB MODEM UTSTARCOM 175 BROADBAND ACCESS PHONE CARD VERIZON CDMA Review

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(More customer reviews)Living out in the sticks, dialup internet access was what I had to live with for ages. When Verizon added a tower that improved my cell phone coverage, I started wondering if it was an option for my PC as well. I'm not an early adopter of new technology and waited until neighbors had tried various options before I was willing to try this service. I've been using an extra phone line for the computer, the removal of which will save me half what this service costs monthly. Still it's an extra thirty bucks, so it has to be worth it to me.
Some neighbors are using the satellite service but aren't completely satisfied. The only negative comment I got about this little modem and the service was that there is a limit on how much access you get--5 gig/mo--which means you won't be downloading movies or playing internet games much, if at all. Since this isn't an issue for me, I decided to give it a try.
It is definitely faster than dialup access even at the fastest dialup modem speed. I use AOL and the TCP/IP connect is about 3-5 times faster, then all that stuff they display loads much faster as well and I can go about my business without waiting for more than a few seconds. That said, the transfer rate doesn't compare with the Comcast speed of my daughter's setup in town. This service is faster than dialup, but not 'blinding' by any means. As an example, in the past when I tried to download something, I noted the transfer rate on dialup was something like 4-6k per second. Sigh!! Things took forever and sometimes wouldn't download at all. I downloaded the update for my Kindle last night with this little modem and noted 50k/sec transfer rate. Certainly a lot better.
The speed does seem to depend on 'how crowded the air waves' are (or however you'd say that in technospeak :) and how many bars you get. I've found the number of bars is the same as what I get on my Verizon cell phone. Where my desktop PC is located, it varies from 0 to 2. I have ordered the antenna in hopes of boosting that.
Installing the little modem is as easy as running the CD installation disk that comes with it and then plugging the modem into a USB port when prompted to do so. It also comes with a cable in case you want to plug into a port on the back of a desktop PC and set the modem somewhere with easier access. You can leave the modem attached all the time if you want. It turns off when you turn the PC off. When on, it flashes a blue light, which means it's ready to pick up a signal. To connect your computer to the broadband service, you use the modem software (push the 'connect' button), which to me, seems to be equivalent to turning your cell phone on (the modem has a phone number). It is then ready for you to 'make a call', i.e. connect to the internet using some software such as Internet Explorer or AOL.
You can leave the modem connected all day like you would leave your cell phone on and not affect the data limit since that only happens when you are connected to and using the internet. If you use the internet with your cell phone, you know there is a data limit with it as well. This is sort of the same thing.
The modem software will show you what your usage is each time you connect so you're aware of what you've used so far. Sending emails, Facebook updates, photos, etc uses part of your allocation, as well as downloading files, photos, etc. Various internet screen refresh activities uses some. Watching streaming video or playing games uses a lot. Listening to internet radio uses enough that you probably won't want to do that all the time. For me, after 5 days of email, Facebook postings, attempting to watch some short videos and listening to the AOL radio one day just to see what impact it would have, plus downloading the Kindle software update, posting a few Amazon reviews, and the like, I've used about 225mg, or about 50mg a day, so I should be able to stay within the limit easily with no change to my regular internet activities.
I still cannot really watch streaming videos such as those on YouTube with my 1-2 bar connectivity, without breaks while it reloads the next bit. Even though it reloads faster than before, I have to want to see it pretty badly to put up with that.
One concern: This morning there seemed to be a problem with the modem connecting to Verizon. It was resolved within half an hour and it is Black Friday, which may or may not have anything to do with it. I will update if that happens again, but otherwise it has connected fast and remained connected without problem.
Bottom line: It is definitely better than dialup--for me about 5 times faster. That's not seriously fast, but acceptable and worth the extra money to me, especially since I don't have any options other than satellite which is affected by weather, trees, and costs more as well.

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The UTStarcom UM175 USB Modem for Verizon Wireless is a convenient and flexible data card for use with PC or Mac USB 2.0 ports. The UM175 is small, slim, and compatible with almost any computer; if you have a USB port, this card will help you get online from anywhere with download speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps and upload speeds of 153 Kbps. Simple to use, the UTStarcom UM175 USB Modem lets you surf the Web, send and receive email, and connect to your company's remote network.

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Cisco-Linksys HPRO200 HomeLink Phoneline 10M Cable/DSL Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the Linksys HPRO200 Phoneline 10M Cable/DSL Router and am very happy with its' performance. Although I did have a little trouble configuring Internet Connection Sharing, the Tech Support at Linksys was able to get me up and running after less than 5 minutes on the phone.
I previously purchased the Linksys HomeLink Phoneline 10M Network Card Kit from .... I have a Windows 2000 system networked pier to pier with a Windows ME system. Although I was able to share files between both computers, I was not able to share my Broadband Cable Internet connection.
With the Linksys Phoneline Cable/DSL Router I am now able to share my Internet Connection between both computers and I don't have to leave a "host" computer constantly running, as you would if using Internet Connections Sharing via a proxy server software program(or Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing).
In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is interested in sharing their Broadband Internet Connection between two, or more, computers. You won't have to pay for additional IP addresses, as most Cable providers suggest in order to share your connection. You will also benefit from the Router's built-in NAT Firewall.

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The HomeLink Phoneline 10M Cable/DSL Router provides the perfect solution for connecting to high-speed broadband Internet to both your Home Phoneline and Ethernet networks. The Phoneline 10M Cable/DSL Router from Linksys acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your Local Area Network (LAN) and can be configured to regulate internal users' access to the Internet and serve as an Internet firewall against unwanted outside intruders.Do you want to share your cable or DSL modem on your HomeLink Phoneline network? Add a PC anytime by simply connecting it to a telephone jack in your wall, providing for instant communication throughout your home. The groundbreaking technology inside every HomeLink Phoneline 10M Cable/DSL Router delivers Internet and network connectivity to your HomePNA or Ethernet networks.

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8dB Novatel Verizon USB760, Sprint Ovation U760, MC760 USB Modem External Antenna w/OEM SMK TS-9 Review

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(More customer reviews)packaging is rather amateur - but it works well and gets us a much better signal on our virgin usb key modem

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8dB Novatel Verizon USB760, Sprint Ovation U760, MC760 USB Modem External Antenna w/OEM SMK TS-9 Adapter Cable. Our Military Grade Magnetic Mount External Booster Antennas - Approved / Purchased by US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Other Federal, State & Local Agencies Nationwide / Worldwide!! Portable Design Allows Use On Vehicles / Boats / Trucks / RV's / Home / Office / Camps etc. - Use It Anywhere!! For Maximum Reception Place On Metal Surface. Nationwide Service - Lifetime Warranty!!

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SMC SMC7008BR Cable/DSL Router with 8 Port Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been through the whole progression of sharing the cable modem at my house for 5 home PC's and my work laptop. I started with the Microsoft solution of ICS (I specifically upgraded to Windows 98 SE to get that feature). I used thinnet on my home network and it worked ok but having to have the one PC on for the rest was awkard and it was slow for the kids multiplayer games. I then moved on to a SMC 7004BR router and it was bliss. Easy setup except the printer sharing. Even there I called their support and they walked me through it. I have since stepped up to the 7008BR for two locations I manage and these are better than the 7004BR (Faster too). I cannot recommend them enough.

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Designed for small to midsized offices, the SMC cable/DSL router combinesa multifunctional broadband router with a seven-port 10/100 Mbps dual-speed switch, a built-in print server, an RS232 COM port for modem connections, and an Internet firewall for extra security. A WAN port along with Network Address Translation (NAT) extend simultaneous Internet access for up to 253 PCs on a LAN. The router also supports VPN tunneling via PPTP/IPSec pass-through, allowing remote users secure access to their corporate infrastructure.
With auto-assigning of LAN and IP addresses, the SMC7008BR enables multiple users to connect to the Internet using a single WAN/IP address.
Included software ensures instant, self-configuring installation or your money back. The SMC cable/DSL router comes with a limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support.

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Netgear RT311 DSL/Cable Internet Gateway Router Review

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(More customer reviews)The RT311 is a simple, easy-to-install solution for sharing a broadband Internet connection for small office / home office (SOHO) users. It's about as close to plug and play as you're likely to get.
Most situations can be covered with the Windows-based installation tool. You'll need all the pertinent info from your provider (IP address, gateway address, DNS address, netmask, etc.), but with this in-hand, the graphical installer makes it easy.
More advanced needs, and people who frequently play online multi-user games, will need more expertise to use the RT311. Advanced configurations can only be made by telnetting to the box itself, or by connecting a serial cable and using a terminal program. This won't be an easy task for average users, and while the manual is well-written and thorough, it can't (and doesn't) train newbies on the basics; some level of skill is assumed.
Its "firewall" security is centered around NAT (network address translation), which does afford some level of security for your network. (It's also what makes connection sharing work.) In short, private IP addresses are assigned to PCs on your network, and the RT311 remaps connections to a single public IP address assigned by your provider. In this way, your PC is not directly accessible from the outside world, since by default, unsolicited incoming TCP/IP connections are denied access to the network. That's fine, but for real security, look to a SonicWall or something more advanced. The RT311 won't likely do much for certain types of hacker attacks, like Denial of Service (DoS), "ping of death," IP spoofing, and the like, which some more sophisticated solutions do address.
NAT also causes problems for some applications. For example, IRC will be tough to use, because most IRC servers require IDENT, and IDENT requests won't pass through the device to your desktop. Dialpad.com, Napster uploads to other users, and a variety of other applications will not work in the RT311's default configuration. You'll need to configure "SUA" for this (i.e., port remapping), but again, that requires telnet or a terminal program, and non-technical users will likely find this a challenge (at least at first).
In addition, your port remapping capabilities are limited. You have your choice of remapping everything to a particular machine on the network (not a good idea, and defeats all firewall security, so use it temporarily and sparingly), or mapping selected ports by number. But you can configure a maximum of only six (6) of those, which may not be enough for power users or networks with many users and applications. (The D-Link and Linksys solutions that compete with the RT311 offer just slightly more flexibility here.)
Using a hardware solution like the RT311 is, in my experience, far better and more reliable than software-based solutions like WinProxy. (But of course, WinProxy offers web caching, content filtering, and other features that the RT311 and its competitors do not. But I favor the reliability of a dedicated piece of hardware to loading down my PC with yet another task.)
Otherwise, the unit does as advertised. It's economical, well supported, well warranted, and well built. Its manual, which is supplied electronically, is as good as they come. And most everything you'll need is in the box (including the basic required cables).
One final note: Be aware that this is a real, Ethernet-based solution. You'll need a 10-Base-T or 100-Base-T local area network (LAN), including hubs or switches as needed, and your DSL or cable modem will also need 10-Base-T Ethernet for hook-up. (This box is not really the right choice for sharing dial-up or ISDN connections.)

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Netgear's RT311 Internet access gateway router allows up to 32 users secure admission to the Internet from a single ISP (Internet service provider) account. It works in conjunction with DSL or cable modems for high-speed Internet access.
Compatible with 10/100 Mbps networks, the Netgear RT311 establishes a firewall that prevents hackers and unauthorized users from interfering in your business. NAT protocols hide the local IP addresses from outside Internet users. Port forwarding and customizable filters allow only authorized users to gain access to your site and files.
The Netgear RT311 is compatible with Internet conferencing, RealAudio, RealVideo, and most chat programs. FirstGear, a Windows-based configuration tool, enables simple installation. All the necessary cables are included, as is a setup guide.
Netgear provides a five-year warranty on parts and labor.

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Cisco-Linksys WPC300N Wireless-N Notebook Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)Linksys WPC300N Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
The Linksys WPC300N has some nice features in a PCMCIA card. Unfortunately, many high expectations based upon the wireless N standard will leave a lot of people disappointed. I'm going to discuss Windows XP and Vista separately, since I bought the card a long time ago and have used it on both.
First and foremost, this card was created when the Wireless-N standard was still in draft form. In fact, I have had this card for more than 2 years, which tells you just how long ago that was. There's nothing wrong with that, just be aware that there are several limits in this card.
First, this card can be configured to achieve greater throughput by setting up multiple data channels. That's the `MIMO' technology that uses multiple radios, which they vastly over-hype on the packaging.
However, the improved range of the wireless N standard as compared to wireless G just never materialized. That's because this is still a 2.4 GHz card. Newer wireless N products with 5 GHz capabilities are on the market which give much better range than this.
Second, the firmware AND software for this product initially were each very buggy. I first installed this product on Windows Vista and have tested it on some 2003 boxes. All of those required multiple reinstalls and driver downloads. In the end, the GUI configuration tool is very limited in explicitly give you the information you need to know whether you are getting a faster connection with this device. So if you're not techy, this can be a drag.
The wireless security support of WPA2 is nice, and most legacy cards don't have that. It gives you stronger encryption (256 bit). But this only really works if your access point is configured that way too. Linksys WRT300N Wireless-N Broadband Router And in that case, there are newer cards and access points that give you this and more.
Still, I can say without a doubt, that when I needed to add another wireless connection to my Vista Ultimate box, this guy worked much better.
Bottom line, there seems to be a lot of people clinging to XP. If you're one of those, plan on downloading and updating your driver software and firmware before even testing this card.
If you are a Windows Vista user, only get this if you need a spare card for backup machines or multi-card setups. If you need something for your primary wireless access, you may want to avoid this and the WPC600N Linksys WPC600N Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N PC Card altogether and go with the 5 GHz Netgear line. NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111)
Pros
+ Works well on Windows Vista
+ Does give you MIMO support for greater capacity
+ Once you set it up, seems to work well with Wireless G
+ PCMCIA slot saves you from using a USB port
+ Nice WPA2 support
Cons
- Doesn't give you full Wireless N capabilities (only 2.4GHz, no 5GHz)
- Legacy OS users need to download and install many updates
- Price is still surprisingly high
- Somewhat buggy software requires frequent shutdowns
- Better options available for the price
This card might be worth looking into if you can get it on sale and need an extra one for an older laptop.
Enjoy!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys WPC300N Wireless-N Notebook Adapter

The Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is the simple way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity in your notebook computer. Just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy incredible high-speed wireless network access while retaining true mobility.
The Wireless-N Notebook Adapter uses the very latest wireless networking technology, Wireless-N (draft 802.11n). By overlaying the signals of multiple radios, Wireless-N's "Multiple In, Multiple Out" (MIMO) technology multiplies the effective data rate. Unlike ordinary wireless networking technologies that are confused by signal reflections, MIMO actually uses these reflections to increase the range and reduce "dead spots" in the wireless coverage area. The robust signal travels farther, maintaining wireless connections up to 4 times farther than standard Wireless-G.
With Wireless-N, the farther away you are, the more speed advantage you get. It works great with standard Wireless-G and -B equipment, but when both ends of the wireless link are Wireless-N, the throughput can be increased even more by using twice as much radio band, yielding speeds up to 12 times as fast as standard Wireless-G.
Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. Your wireless connection is protected by industrial-strength 256-bit encryption. The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step.
The incredible speed of Wireless-N makes it ideal for media-centric applications like streaming video, gaming, and Voice over IP telephony, and gives you plenty of headroom to run multiple media-intense data streams through the network at the same time, with no degradation in performance. Get your notebook connected to Wireless-N, Wireless-G, and Wireless-B networks with the Wireless-N Notebook Adapter from Linksys.

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D-Link VWR-VR Broadband Telephone Adapter with Wireless Router for Vonage Review

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(More customer reviews)My issue is that this router loses it's security settings every time it's rebooted. This happens a lot in my area because we have power outages a lot, so it powers back up, doesn't reload the security settings, and thus leaves a security hole in my home network. Kind of a bad design in my opinion. Doing a manual reset to the correct security settings is certainly possible, but seems to be finicky (it requires a login to a web-based utility) and usually takes me a few tries to get it working correctly. Drives my wife and I crazy.
Instead of an integrated wireless/VoIP solution, I'll spend about the same money and get a better standalone wireless router and a better standalone VoIP adapter. This one isn't worth your money.

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D-Link VWR-VR broadband telephone adapter with wireless router for Vonage Interent phone service lets users connect up to 4 computers wired or wirelessly to surf the web, check e-mail and share files. Vonage is an all-inclusive Internet phone service that allows unlimited local and long distance calling anywhere in the US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. To use Vonage Internet phone service, simply connect the D-Link VWR-VR broadband telephone adapter with wireless router to a broadband modem and plug in a touchtone telephone (corded or cordless). The VWR-VR is equipped with two telephone jacks so users can connect existing phones or a phone and a fax machine. Additionally, the VWR-VR can virtually be taken anywhere there is an available high-speed Internet connection to make or receive calls using the same phone number. Includes stand, telephone cable, ethernet cable, power adapter and software.

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Virgin Mobile Wireless Network Router MiFi 2200 Review

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(More customer reviews)Everywhere that we have used our Virgin Mobile Mifi, it has worked great. $40 a month unlimited internet with no contract, and the ability to only pay for it the months you use it, is the best deal out there. I highly recommend this device.
One note that you might not be aware of. None of the Mifi 2200's (for any carrier) can be used while they are connected to a computer's USB. The data connection to the computer shuts the Wifi off. There are three solutions. 1) If you use the Mifi on battery this isn't an issue (obviously) 2) If you use the Mifi plugged into a wall or car charger, with no data connection to a computer, this isn't an issue. 3) If you buy a "Power-Only", no data, USB cable, or modify your USB cable to remove the data connection, you can power it off your computer and still use the Wifi.


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You can connect to 5 WiFi enabled devices.Can be used with both Windows as well as Mac.

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Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router For Mobile Broadband For Use With Verizon Review

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(More customer reviews)About EVDO card compatibility:
Other reviews and several Internet forums discuss compatibility problems with Verizon's EVDO cards (e.g., wireless broadband cards).
According to Linksys, the newest version of the WRT54G3G-VN's firmware only supports three Verizon Wireless EVDO PC cards: Audiovox PC5750, Novatel V720 and Sierra Wireless AirCard 595. (As of this writing, Amazon sells the PC5750 and the AirCard 595.) Other sources suggest five cards work with this router; that was once the case, but only for previous firmware versions, which are no longer available from Linksys. (My router, purchased in April 2009, came with firmware version 2.01.6, dated May 6, 2008 and likely the last firmware release Linksys will offer.)
If you insert a PC card other than those into the WRT54G3G-VN, the card will receive power but the router will not recognize the card or connect to Verizon. I had to visit my local Verizon Wireless store to change cards (I went with the PC5750); they called it an "upgrade" and gave me the card for free in exchange for extending my service contract by two years.
About technical support:
Linksys places a large orange sign in the WRT54G3G-VN's documentation, suggesting customers call Verizon Wireless for support. Verizon will not support this product, don't bother calling.
Linksys will provide tech support for this device, but only over the phone (i.e., no live chat via the Web site). Expect several transfers and to be on hold for a while. It took three support people and about an hour to get from Linksys tech support the compatible cards for this unit.
About the unit:
The WRT54G3G-VN's best selling point is that it's a standard Linksys WRT54G wireless-G router that happens to have a PCMCIA slot on the top, into which you stick an EVDO card.
That means the familiar Linksys administration panel and approach to home routers is in full presence. If you want simple routing, the guided setup CD-ROM will have you up and running in five minutes. If you want advanced routing -- port forwarding, VPN tunneling, MAC address restrictions, DMZ, etc. -- they all can be set in the admin panel as they would on any other Linksys router.
The back of the WRT54G3G-VN has four standard Ethernet switch ports and an Ethernet uplink port to connect to a DSL or cable modem. Therefore, you could use this router for network failover; simply connect it to a cable / DSL modem via Ethernet, add an EVDO card and configure the router to connect to Verizon only when the cable / DSL modem doesn't work.
This unit only provides 802.11g wireless LAN access. Most laptops made in the last five years or so use wireless-G; older computers that use 802.11b and newer ones that only support 802.11n will not be able to connect to this router wirelessly.
Overall assessment:
Linksys has the lion's share of the home networking market for good reason: they build reliable, affordable equipment, and the WRT54G3G-VN is no exception. It's simple to administer, has more configuration options than most people need and runs rock-solid.
I purchased this unit to replace a Kyocera KR-1 EVDO router purchased five years ago, when it was the only game in town. There's no comparison: the KR-1 (manufactured by D-Link), while adequate for the simplest home networking application, may have settings for port forwarding and VPN tunneling, but the router simply will not support either feature. The Linksys WRT54G3G-VN is hands-down a superior unit, one made by a familiar manufacturer with a proven track record.
In short, there may well be other wireless broadband routers that are as good, but there sure aren't any that are better, so why risk using something that isn't familiar?
Final notes:
-- As others have noted, you need to activate your EVDO card in a laptop PC before it will work with the WRT54G3G-VN. The only way to activate the card is in a PC Card-equipped computer with a fresh install of the VZ Access software. Verizon Wireless will not activate the card for you.
-- It's becoming increasingly difficult to find PC EVDO cards. You'll want to ensure you can purchase a compatible EVDO card first, and keep in mind that in two or three years, you may not be able to easily purchase a replacement PC EVDO card if your card suffers a malfunction.
-- The unit comes with a wide, sturdy stand; it can also be wall-mounted by screws, which are not provided.
-- There's a 3-foot-long, yellow Ethernet cable included in the box. In spite of the odd jacket color, it's a standard, T-568B straight-through patch cord.
-- The power supply cord is about four feet long. The cord has an inverter built into the plug; while it's not heavy or hefty, it may take up two outlets on a power strip.
-- The WRT54G3G-VN is basically the same as the WRT54G3G-ST (Sprint) and WRT54G3G-AT (AT&T Wireless). The only difference is the firmware, which controls what EVDO cards work with the router. It is possible, therefore, that you could use a WRT54G3G-ST with a Verizon Wireless PC EVDO card, or a WRT54G3G-VN with a Sprint card, provided the router's firmware supports the EVDO card you use.
It is also possible to download, for example, the Verizon Wireless firmware from the Linksys Web site, then "flash" a WRT54G3G-ST router with the Verizon firmware, basically turning it into a WRT54G3G-VN. I don't advocate doing that, especially if you are not skilled in computer hardware and networking, but it is possible.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router For Mobile Broadband For Use With Verizon

The Linksys Wireless-G Router for Mobile Broadband is really three devices in one box. First, there`s the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network. Second, it¿s a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Thirdly, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a mobile broadband Internet connection (requires a mobile broadband data card). Alternatively, you can also connect a cable or DSL modem to the Ethernet port and access the Internet via your available broadband service.

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Cisco-Linksys WRT300N Wireless-N Broadband Router Review

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(More customer reviews)The WRT300N works flawlessly "out of the box" in wired configuration. It does not work at all "out of the box" in wireless mode.
Now, having made that harsh statement as if it would apply to every user in every case, some qualification is certainly in order.
I unpacked the router and took extreme care to follow the setup instructions PRECISELY.
I was connected to the internet the second I finished running the configuration utility from the installation CD - but the catch is that the setup utility has to be run with an ethernet cable connected.
Once I removed the cable and tried to connect to the internet in wireless mode - the end of the line had arrived. There was no connection. Period.
I could connect to the router via its built in config (HTTP) utility and I could ping the default gateway (in the router) but I could not get past that point.
After a couple of hours of fruitless trial and error, I gave up and called Linksys tech support. You know what that means - you get to talk to a person who knows next to nothing about computers or routers. But, they do have their scripts to follow and if you are patient with them and endure the mindless, mostly just plain useless instructions they give you and don't offend them, they will eventually let you talk to a Tier Two person who actually does know something about routers.
To end a very long story with a quick summation, after reaching the aforementioned Tier Two person, I learned that there are arcane, obscure settings buried deep within the router's config menus that you will never find without help (and even if you did find them by accident, there is no chance you would know what to do with them). After changing 5 of those settings, the wireless functionality magically worked and I was connected.
The router is fast. My cable provider only grants me 8 megabit service and the router handles that with ease - wireless or wired.
This would be a 4 or 5 star appliance if it arrived on your desktop with working settings. I doubt that anyone who is not a Linksys or Cisco Systems engineer will actually be able to get it to work in wireless mode without a call to Linksys tech support - unless those units manufactured more recently than mine (April 2006) are shipped with valid settings.
Normal users can stop reading here, but for those who are interested in the technical details, here is a summary of the settings I had to modify in order to get the thing to work:
Router web admin page - Applications & Gaming - QOS - Enable "WMM" and Enable "No Acknowledgement" (the factory default settings are "Not Enabled")
Router Admin Page - Wireless - Advanced Wireless Settings - "Fragmentation Threshold" was changed to 2304. "RTS Threshold" was also changed to 2304. The "Beacon Interval" was reduced to 50 from its factory default value of 100.
Here are a couple of sincere questions for you. Even if you are a "Power User" would it have occurred to you to check your Beacon, RTS and WMM settings, among others, when you realized that you did not have wireless connectivity? If you say "yes," would you really have known WHAT settings to replace the defaults with?
Other than that, it's a really nice router.
**Update 5/21/06**
After using the router for a few days now, I have some follow-up comments to make. Several times a day my laptop will "lose" its IP assignment from the router. Right-clicking the wireless connection in the systray and electing to "repair" the connection restores the IP address, but that is a real bother and it should not be necessary. This never happened with the wireless router I replaced with the WRT300N. I suspect Linksys will be releasing a series of firmware updates for this model until they finally get all the "quirks" (let's not call them bugs) worked out.

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The Wireless-N Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, theres the WirelessAccess Point, which lets you connect to the network without wires. Theres also a built-in 4-portfull-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Routerfunction ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internetconnection.With Wireless-N, the farther away you are, the more speed advantage you get. It works great withstandard Wireless-G and -B equipment, but when both ends of the wireless link are Wireless-N,the router can increase the throughput even more by using twice as much radio band, yieldingspeeds up to 12 times as fast as standard Wireless-G. But unlike other speed-enhancedtechnologies, Wireless-N can dynamically enable this double-speed mode for Wireless-N devices,while still connecting to other wireless devices at their respective fastest speeds.

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Cisco-Linksys Cable Modem with Ethernet USB Connection Review

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(More customer reviews)My Motorola Surfboard would come and go. It was not dependable. So I trotted down to OfficeMax and bought this Linksys modem. It was a snap it install. No software needed unless you use it with USB, which I don't.
I called Cox and gave them the numbers off the box and was online fast. No more being knocked off when I least expect it. In fact, I haven't been knocked off at all.
This is a great modem. I use it with a Linksys N router and Cox Communications.
Not much you can say about a modem. It either keeps you online or not. This one does.
Highly recommended.
-Susanna K. Hutcheson

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Experience the savings of owning your own cable modem! The Linksys Cable Modem is an easy and affordable way to get a blazing fast connection to the Internet¿far faster than a dial-up, and without tying up your phone line. The "always on" connection eliminates dial-up wait time and busy signals. Web surfing and your e-mail areinstantly available, anytime. And with the extra speed, online gaming is a whole new experience, and download time on big music, video, and other files goes from minutes to seconds.

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Linksys by Cisco WRTP54G Wireless-G Broadband Router for Vonage Internet Phone Service Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't write reviews on products very often. I'm more of a passive observer when it comes to on-line products. But my experience from this device has led me to (or should I say forced me to) write this review!!! I've been a network engineer for 5 years and I've also been a long time owner of the Linksys BEF11WS4 which proved to be a very worthwhile investment. I also setup Vonage service for my mom's home and for well over a year been totally satisfied. So when I saw this product, I thought to myself obviously why not get this as it combines the two very satisfying experience I've had. And so the nightmare begins.
I've had problems from wireless dropouts to the router freezing to the phone port not working. I have no idea who made this but it sure doesn't seem like it has the Linksys quality that I've been used to. Thats where I learned that if you want support for this hardware you have to call Vonage, not Linksys. I don't know how Linksys/Cisco got their name on this thing but it doesn't seem like it is from them. Neither is the quality on par with Linksys nor is the support provided by them. I've tried upgrading the firmware (this is sometimes done for you automatically by Vonage), I've upgraded the driver on my laptop's wireless card, tried dozens of different configurations through the web interface. NOTHING!!! Still get wireless dropouts, router freezes, and headaches to top it off.
If you are bent on buying this device please do some research on the web about it. You will find a plethora of information on it from a few websites and you will see my frustration in many others. I kept the router as it seems like Vonage is pushing it very hard from a marketing standpoint so maybe a real fix will be coming soon. But I decided to buy the WRT54G model which from the first few minutes of setting it up I can tell that this is a true quality product from Linksys. One thing I noticed right away is that the WRT54G operates a lot cooler than the WRTP54G. And ofcourse its been solid in its performance so far. If you decide to buy this, good luck, you'll need it.

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All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54 Mbps Wireless-G Access Point.Features 2 phone jacks to enable feature-rich Internet telephone service and advanced security: WPA and a powerful SPI firewall.The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really four devices in one box.First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network.There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly, or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need.The Router function lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The fourth function is the phone adapter which enables high-quality feature-rich telephone service through your high-speed connection even while you're surfing the Internet.There are two standard telephone jacks, each operating independently -- like having two phone lines.With Vonage Service, you'll get low domestic and international phone rates, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, Call Forwarding, Distinctive Ring, and lots of other available special phone features.

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Cisco-Linksys EZXS88W EtherFast 10/100 8-Port Workgroup Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great little box for connecting a small network without breaking your bank.
The EZXS88W has a great work/size ratio. It's small enough to set on top of a computer case and provides eight ports of full duplex, 10/100 networking.
It has a very informative display to give out info for connection speed, duplex connection and collision. The setup is as simple as plugging in the power and network cables. I have yet to run into any problems with this unit and would recommend it without a second thought.

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The EtherFast 8-Port 10/100 Workgroup Switch is a quick and easy way to boost your network's performance while migrating to the power of Fast Ethernet. With support for half- and full-duplex speeds, the switch allows your network to run at 10 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 100 Mbps and an incredible 200 Mbps.
The 8-Port Workgroup Switch is designed to meet the needs of small-business and home networks. The eight-port rack-mountable switch is great for enterprise and medium-size business use.

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Vonage VDV21-VD - Router - VoIP gateway - desktop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In fairness, I am a new Vonage customer, having signed up April 27, 2009. Within 48 hours after signing up, I received this new adapter (paid $9 and change for it - was a Vonage deal) and hooked it up to an ethernet switch. Hooked up a corded phone to the device, and had dial tone. I kept this hook-up for 3 weeks, making LOTS of phonecalls and sending faxes to be sure I was ready to say bye-bye to my Verizon landline ($42 a month and never touch the phone for an outgoing call because of the costs involved). I have a networked setup: Modem --> Wired Router --> Ethernet Switch --> Vonage adapter. (I also have a wireless access point connected to my wired router,just to be precise.)
There are 3 PCs hard-wired and 1 wireless laptop. My cable provider is Cablevision (Optimum Online) at 10Mbps down and 3Mbps up.
Service is great. You could not tell between Vonage or the landline. The only issue I had was with faxing via my Canon MP780 all-in-one (outgoing faxes would not complete), and that wound up being just a matter of shutting down and re-starting my Canon. If you have this issue, please do not make yourself crazy changing your fax baud rates or ECM to off until you shut down your fax, remove all cables, replace cables and restart your fax. When I changed my baud rate from 33000 to 9600 because of many, many threads on the net, my fax capability was completely crippled. Now, it works great. And I don't have a dedicated fax line, it's done through my regular voice VOIP line.
After the 3 weeks, we cancelled the landline, disconnected the incoming Telco lines from the house, and then plugged the Vonage adapter into our phone jacks which back-feeds the signal through all of the phone jacks.
I have spoken to customer service for matters relating to my office (which also uses Vonage on 3 lines) and customer service has always been helpful and polite and there pretty much without a wait. Nice to have them available 24 hours, 7 days a week, if you did need them (better have a cell phone too though -- duh!)
I also have the line split and going to my Dish Network ViP722 DVR, which enables the ViP722's on-screen caller id. (So it is compatible--could not confirm this prior to trying it myself.)
As for complaints from others about bad sound quality, please realize that the service will be as good as your internet connection. If you don't have a stable, strong connection -- do not bother with VOIP. And, DSL filters can interfere with the signal, so read up on that. And never, ever plug these adapters into telephone jacks that still have Telco lines connected to them outside -- you can short out your equipment.
I got the $9.95 a month for 3 months deal, and thereafter it will be $24.99 (approx. $32 with tax). I did not port my home telephone number because the Vonage site informed me it was not available, but I was able to search through loads of telephone numbers and pick one that was memorable. Yes, I am in it for 2 years or I will fax a $39.99 disconnect fee. But, as far as I concerned, Verizon violated me for years with its fees and nickel-and-diming for every feature and call. I have to say that I wanted to try Vonage when it first came out, but was hesitant. Since my office has had it for over 2 years now, I decided to just do it myself.
Besides the many features listed on the website, you have access to alpha features like Vonage Fax (free outgoing faxes through your PC) and Vonage Talk.
Also, others here have complained that your trial starts as soon as you order, even though you don't have your adapter yet -- but you immediately can make calls through your computer with a headset. They assign a temporary number if you are porting your own, and the service and online features are instantly accessible.
And, as for the disconnect fee of $39.95, it's still less than what your cell phone provider would charge, so what's the big deal? You can't have everything.
Oh, the adapter...forgot what I was reviewing! The adapter is great. You have an orange backlit screen that shows the date and whether you have missed calls. It has built in caller-id, and you can initiate a call-back right from the adapter itself (your home phone will ring to tell you it's calling the number back). It has some other features too, like calling weather and traffic for free, and you can call your voicemail too.
Highly recommended. If you want to try it, try to do so without porting your number (check if you can port it free after you're sure it works well for you.) Try it risk-free (but keep an eye on the calendar!).


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VoIP gateway and single port router combined in 1 deviceConnect up to 2 Vonagelines through your high speed cable or DSL internet connectionIncludes power adaptor 1 RJ45 cable quick start guide features and FAQ document and warranty card

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Cisco PAP2 Phone Adapter for Vonage Internet Phone Service Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am going to strictly comment on the Linksys PAP2. A lot of the reviews on here have been for the Vonage service. The Linksys PAP2 is NOT THE Vonage service, but one of many adapters you can use.
I am extreamly satisfied with my Linksys PAP2. It is small, light weight, and perfect for those who need to travel. The voice quality is excellent and people say I do not sound like I am talking over VOIP. There is no line noise, static, popping, etc.
I am giving this product 4 stars. Why? Because there is only ONE ethernet port. If you have a router, just connect the PAP2 to one of your available ethernet ports and you are good to go. If you do not have a router, consider getting another Vonage phone adapter with built in 4-port router. There are several.

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With Vonage, you can make calls through the Internet, potentially save on long-distance charges, and access a rich assortment of call features. Plans start as low as $14.99 per month, and the Premium Unlimited plan offers unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada for only $24.99 per month. And it's easy to use: For making and receiving calls,Vonage works just like a traditional phone service; no special access codes or account numbers are required.

All Vonage plans let you enjoy the call features you've become accustomed to—call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, call forwarding, three-way calling, call return, repeat dialing, and reliable long distance—plus other features that may be new to you. For example, you can receive your voicemail as an email attachment, and you'll have a phone number that travels with you.Visit http://www.vonage.com/amazon to see which plan is best suited to your lifestyle and budget. The low monthly rates are quite reasonably priced,in our opinion, and with them you may save considerably compared to traditional phone service. International calls are available for additional low fees, with one economical exception: calls from the U.S.to Canada are treated like domestic long distance calls, rather than international. Vonage also supports short-form emergency 911 services, where available. (Dialing 911 requires activation and operates differently than traditional 911. See Vonage's website for details.)
This Vonage Internet Phone Service Starter Kit is quick and easy to install in your home or business. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection (cable or DSL modem) and a touchtone phone. Setup is simple: Just connect one end of the included Vonage-certified Linksys PAP2 phone adapter to your Ethernet router or gateway and the other end to your telephone. Then sign up for Vonage phone service. An extra port on the adapter allows you to attach an additional phone or fax machine.You'll have instant access to both phone lines, each with a separate number, and you can even assign them different area codes (subject to availability).You can still surf the web while talking on the phone or receiving faxes. The phone adapter includes a generous three-year warranty from the manufacturer.
What's in the Box Linksys phone adapter, power adapter, user's guide on CD-ROM, network cable, quick installation card, Vonage Internet PhoneService Starter plan, support information and promotional offers, registration card

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