Get a FREE fully-working copy of Steganos Security Suite 7 (worth £49.99) when you sign up to the Practical PC Newsletter. Review: Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter
Don Bradbury looks at an inexpensive USB device for effective networking
| Product | Wireless G USB Network Adapter F5D7050uk |
|---|---|
| Company | Belkin Corp |
| Web | www.belkin.com |
| Price | Around £15.12 |
| We like | Simple software installation |
| We don't like | Rather unstable stand |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
When it comes to networking in general, and adapters in particular, Belkin Corp always seem to have something to hand. Here you have the option to use a USB port, running under any Windows version from 98SE, to connect a Desktop or Notebook PC to an existing wireless network.
Installation of the software was easy and adequately described in a leaflet, and when completed, and the adapter plugged in, you find a Taskbar icon, plus a Desktop shortcut, by either of which means you can configure the connection.
The adapter comes with a desktop stand attached to which is a flying lead some 56 inches long. Slip the adapter into the stand, plug the lead into the USB port, and Windows detects and loads the required software. The adapter then detects any wireless networks that are within range, reports their presence and identifies them. An icon is presented in the Windows Notification Area, in blue if the connection was successful, or red if not.
The flow of data was represented with a live graphic showing moving data, and the flow from the router to the Internet was shown as live as soon as the Browser was activated.
An information chart showed the connection details when you double click the icon, including signal strength and link quality indicators. If either is below par, try moving the adapter to a different location, perhaps raising it somewhat, though we found good connectivity throughout the building. The information in this chart was extended when you click on the "more" tab, then adding details of the DHCP status, the current IP, subnet mask, default gateway, and your DNS Server(s).
The flying lead was adequate to raise the adapter a decent height above the computer, perhaps onto a monitor if you're connecting a Desktop machine. On the other hand, you could forget the stand and slip the USB adapter itself into a free port if detecting the network was sufficiently easy.
This adapter comes with a cap for storage, and an installation CD and leaflet. There's also a second leaflet addressed to Vista users. So although no mention is made of this OS on the packing, we take it that having Vista installed on the machine to be networked will be supported.
Network standards supported include IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g, with a claimed 54Mbps connection using the latter. That's what we got, as shown in the graphic. An operating range of 300ft or 100 square meters may be a little optimistic in typical surroundings - though we found good connectivity - and security with 128-bit WEP encryption should prove adequate.
In conclusion
Adding a computer to an active network was easily achieved with this good value USB device. First time networkers may think the explanation of functions is a little brief, but if your base unit computer and router setup are correct, and connection to the Internet is active and stable, there's no reason that the networked unit should not give excellent service and let you actively share the Internet connection with others on the network. Not the most elegant of designs, perhaps, as the unit rather easily tips over if there's any tension in the cable when using the stand, but just sticking the USB business end itself into a free port worked well enough without the stand.
Stumble It!
