Lose the wires, keep the security: 6 wireless access points tested

  Wireless security
  Introduction (cont.)

  ANTLabs
  D-Link
  Netgear
  Nortel
  SonicWALL
  3com

 Specifications
 How we tested
 Sample Scenario
 Final words
 Editor's choice
 About RMIT
Netgear
WG302 ProSafe

The WG302 from Netgear initially struck us as a basic 802.11g standalone access point with no redeeming security features. The only inbuilt security was WEP, which has been proven time and time again to be very easy to compromise.

However, we discovered the firmware on the unit we had been shipped for testing was only version 1.0.2, while the latest version was 2.0.3. This firmware adds a lot of security functionality such as WPA, WPA-PSK, RADIUS server support, and Netgear's 108Mbps top speed (Super-G).

Updating the firmware was no walk in the park, however credit must be given to Netgear's online instructions that were relatively simple to follow for someone who is technically literate. There were a few potential pitfalls, but luckily we avoided these and managed to get the updates completed with the minimum of fuss. The rest of the configuration was fairly straightforward using the well designed Web interface.

Overall this unit has very similar features to the D-Link DWL-7100AP, however the Netgear WG302 lacks the dual-band capability.

Netgear
Product Netgear WG302
Price Access point AU$579
Vendor Netgear
Phone 1800 502 061
Web www.netgear.com.au
 
Interoperability
Supports 802.11a,b, and g; no real support for central management.
Futureproofing ½
Supports all the latest security standards and speeds of up to 108Mbps.
ROI
Comparable with similar products and better security than cheaper access points.
Service ½
A three-year warranty is good for an access point.
Rating ½

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