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Computer Specials |
Asante FriendlyNET FR1104-G Wireless Firewall Router (cont.)Advanced Features: In addition to all the standard router features, the FR1104-G is also equipped with some pretty advanced stuff. Starting with Wireless security. While most mainstream routers feature 64 and 128 bit WEP protection, the FR1104-G also features 256 bit WEP protection. In addition, there is WPA and 802.1X RADIUS authentication. If that is not enough, the FR1104-G can limit access to only registered MAC addresses and hide the SSID (disable SSID broadcast) so the wireless network will not be causally picked up by neighbors. The latter two alone should be enough to provide a secure network without decreasing performance.
The advanced features of the FR1104-G are more than wireless security. Under the Forwarding Rules menu, there are settings for Virtual Server, Special AP, and some miscellaneous settings like setting up a non-standard FTP port. The special AP settings allow some special applications like Quick Time, Battle.net, PC-to-Phone, and Dialpad to work with the router. Some internet security features include packet filtering, domain filtering and URL blocking, all very handy for parents and administrators. Other advanced features that have less to do with security include: sending system logs to a dedicated host and/or emailing the log to specified email addresses. More advanced features are dynamic DNS, SNMP, dynamic and static routing (allows multiple routers and subnets to communicate with each other), schedule rule (for packet filters and virtual server), and the router's time. Finally, the FR1104-G has some miscellaneous features located in the Toolbox menu such as: view log, upgrade the firmware, back up the settings to a file, reset settings to default values, reboot, waking up a WOL device by entering its MAC address, and a ping test for domain name or IP address. Performance: Performance testing will be done with the antenna that is provided with the FR1104-G. For those seeking greater performance, the router can be upgraded with a better antenna. Because a network involves two points, there is no way to isolate and report the FR1104-G's performance; therefore, the following tests are really a reflection of both the router and the wireless card I am using. The wireless card is a Linksys WMP54G. All tests were done with no security (WEP disabled).
At a close distance (3 feet) the signal strength is excellent at the reported max speed of 54Mbps. Network Stumbler reports the Signal/Noise ratio to be at about -50 dBm.
Moving to about 50 feet with two drywall walls in between, the reported speed dropped to a solid 36Mbps. Network Stumbler reports the Signal/Noise ratio to be at about -80 dBm.
Overall, the FR1104-G’s wireless performance performed quite well. The Network Stumbler readouts were done with the Hide SSID disabled since when enabled; the program could not detect the network (which is a good thing).
Conclusion: While Asanté may not be the first name you think of when considering network equipment, this does not make them any less of a choice; especially with a product like the FR1104-G. Whether for home or business use, the advanced security features will keep your network secure against all but the most skilled and dedicated intruders. In addition to security, the FR1104-G's plethora of other features will insure that, among other things, all your wireless equipment will work with it. For anyone planning to build a wireless network, or looking to upgrade their current equipment, the Asanté FR1104-G should be seriously considered. Pros:
Cons:
Ratings:
(Ratings Possible Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent) |
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