SMC's 2870W Wireless Ethernet Bridge is a versatile device designed for a variety of networking duties.

Like Buffalo's WLA-G54C wireless repeater bridge, the SMC 2870W utilises WDS (wireless distribution system) to expand a wireless network -- it relays data between other access points and computers that would otherwise be outside a LAN's coverage area. The device also lets you wirelessly connect two wired networks -- and even individual Ethernet hardware -- through a procedure known as bridging. That's plenty of functionality for such an affordable device and, thankfully, the SMC is no slouch when it comes to real-world usage: in our Labs tests, the unit impressed with its long range and solid 802.11g throughput. Factor in WPA compatibility and easy setup, and the SMC 2870W should suit many small and medium enterprises which seek added security and increased wireless bandwidth but at a reasonable price.

Setup And Ease Of Use
The 2870W comes in a sleekly sloped plastic grey enclosure with two antennae sprouting at its sides. Sporting a minimalist look, the unit features three green LEDs on its front indicating the power, wireless connection and Ethernet link. A reset switch is located on the rear panel, together with a solitary Ethernet port. Unlike its older 802.11b counterpart, the SMC 2671, the 2870W's Ethernet port does not have a normal/crossover switch -- SMC includes a crossover cable in the package but you'll have to purchase a separate UTP cable if you want to connect to a hub or router instead of a computer.

Installation is an easy process involving the supplied software and SMC's built-in Web-based interface. Unfortunately, users will have to go through the hassle of running the configuration software to decide whether to run the device in access point, repeater, or in Ethernet bridge mode -- the 2870W has no built-in hardware switch for instant toggling between the various modes. The software will then install the appropriate operational firmware according to your choice. Although this does not compromise the functionality, a preferably convenient alternative would be to implement the selection through a Web-based interface or, as we mentioned earlier, via a hardware switch.

Features And Security
Security forms an integral core of any Wi-Fi hardware and the SMC 2870W Wireless Ethernet Bridge, like most devices we've recently tested, doesn't disappoint on this account. Among the settings (besides standard 40- and 128-bit WEP) are MAC filtering and WPA encryption. The latter is more secure than plain-vanilla 128-bit WEP, and in testing, we found it easy to use and it imposes minimum overheads on traffic.

The 2870W's WDS supports connections with up to six other SMC WDS-enabled devices such as the SMC7404WBRA Wireless Broadband Router. With WDS enabled, the repeater functions as an access point that can transmit data to standard Wi-Fi adaptors making it easy to expand your wireless network coverage into the areas you need it most. Disabling the repeater's WDS operation lets you use the device as a standard bridge.

Performance
With the SMC 2870W configured for optimum compatibility, connecting the device to our existing network was breeze. Access Point/Repeater mode worked flawlessly with a range of b and g cards (we tested with 3Com and Belkin adaptors), and the SMC 2870W's Bridge mode seamlessly connected an Xbox, a print server and an Ethernet subnet to our wireless network. Signal strength was generally good through concrete walls and glass, with an estimated range of 25m indoors.

In testing with NetIQ's QCheck software and SMC's own Wi-Fi card, our performance evaluation, too, showed a good, consistent 22Mbps throughput (in 802.11g setting) even in WEP mode. WPA mode caused a slight performance hit with throughput averaging around 17Mbps. Running in mixed-mode, however, took the heaviest toll on the device's throughput as speeds dwindled to an average 9Mbps.

SMC EZ Connect G 2870W Wireless Ethernet Bridge
Company: SMC
Price: AU$246
Distributor: IT Wholesale
Phone: 02 8748 6700

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