Netgear FVM-318
Installation was virtually identical to the D-Link unit. The auto uplink switching on all eight LAN ports is a handy feature when connecting to extra hubs or an existing LAN.
Configuration was via a Web browser again and provided no major dramas as all features, particularly the security end of the VPN connections, were very straightforward with excellent guidance and help provided via the built-in window of the browser. Something to be aware of is that this is not a normal wireless APâ€"it is a wireless VPN AP, so you must install client software onto your notebooks in order to even pick up the AP. The unit was not picked up by two of the wireless scanning applications until
| Affordable solution aimed at the small business. |
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Worry-free wireless
Introduction 1. 3Com Wireless Lan AP 8000 2. Bluesocket WG-1000 3. Cranite Software Suite 4. D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ 5. Netgear FVM 318 Specifications Editor's choice About RMIT |
Issues to consider: Again the built-in Wireless Virtual Private Network Access Point limits the customer to future possible upgrades. The VPN WLAN restricts maximum wireless users to 30. Administration and configuration of the individual VPN client software can add time to the install also (but the security benefits of dedicated VPN tunnels for the clients far outweigh the risks of not having it).
| Product: | Netgear FVM-318 |
| Price: | AU$2,179 |
| Vendor: | Netgear |
| Phone: | (02) 8448 2072 |
| Web: | www.netgear.com.au |
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| Interoperability: |
Authentication and encryption software concerns for devices other than Microsoft-based equipment. |
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| Futureproofing: |
Inbuilt WLAN AP; only 11Mbps. |
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| ROI: |
Affordable solution aimed at the small business. |
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| Service: |
5-year warranty. |
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| Rating: |
½ |
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5%
8%
