D-Link DWL-1000AP
By Les Freed
D-Link Systems offers a broad range of wireless networking products designed specifically for the home and small-office marketplace. Despite this product focus, D-Link provides centralised management for multiple access points, a feature usually found only in high-end offerings aimed at corporate customers. Thanks to this and its impressive performance, D-Link gets our Editors' Choice award. We tested the D-Link DWL-1000AP, the DWL-650 Wireless PC Card, and the DWL-120 USB Network Adaptor, the first USB-connected wireless adaptor we've seen. The company is expected to start shipping the DI-713 Wireless Router and Access Point, which combines a wireless AP, Ethernet switch, and IP router in one package.
The DWL-1000AP is packaged in a small plastic case about the size of a Zip drive. The DWL-1000AP also has a single, swivelling antenna that can be adjusted for optimal placement. The AP manager software can operate over wired or wireless LANs, and a single copy of the AP manager can control multiple access points. Initial installation takes only a few minutes, and the settings can be saved to a disk file as a backup or as a starting point to configure additional APs. D-Link's PC Card client software is nearly identical to and provides the same features as the Linksys product. Both appear to have been developed by the same company, but D-Link's installation software is easier to use.
Several companies promised to deliver a USB wireless adaptor in time for our review, but D-Link was the only company that made good on the promise. USB adaptors let people create an all-wireless home LAN. D-Link's USB adaptor is easy to install, though it currently lacks a site-survey tool or configuration tool.
D-Link DWL-1000AP
Company:D-Link
Ph: 02 9417 7100
Price: DWL-1000AP, AU$1,368; DWL-650 Wireless PC Card, AU$407; DWL-120 USB Network Adaptor, AU$502
Rating
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