Lucent Orinoco RG-1000
By Les Freed
The Lucent Orinoco RG-1000 combines an 802.11b wireless access point, a network-address-translation-capable IP router, and a V.90 modem. The Orinoco RG-1000 can be used with conventional dial-up ISP connections, or to share a broadband DSL or cable modem connection. The Orinoco RG-1000 is housed in a sleek sliver-grey plastic case that stands upright on a desktop (and also comes with fittings for wall mounting). A cable cover hides the connectors on the rear panel, allowing a neat installation. A single CD-ROM contains installers for both the client software and the Orinoco RG-1000 setup program. The Orinoco RG-1000 must be configured from a wireless laptop, so the setup wizard first guides you through the client software installation. The client software is identical to the software provided with Lucent's enterprise-class products; it includes the same excellent diagnostic and configuration tools, including the ability to switch wireless profiles on the fly.
We configured the Orinoco RG-1000 to work with a DSL connection, and we also tested it with a MindSpring dial-up account. Both worked flawlessly. When you use the Orinoco RG-1000 with a dial-up connection, the client software shows an animated modem icon on the tasktray to let you know you're connected.
Although the Orinoco RG-1000 is designed for the home market, it can also be configured to operate as a standard wireless AP on a wired LAN. The Orinoco RG-1000 can obtain an IP address from a DHCP client, and it acts as a DHCP server for wireless clients. This arrangement allows the Orinoco RG-1000 to serve multiple wireless clients while using only a single IP address on the LAN. The low marks the Orinoco RG-1000 received for AP survey and placement and ongoing management are a reflection of our comparing it to the small-office-focused products, where these tools become more relevant than with use in the home.
Lucent Orinoco RG-1000
Company:Lucent
Ph: 02 9491 6500
Price: AU$895
Rating
6%
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