ADSL2+ speeds up wireless networks

THE growing availability of high-speed ADSL2+ services makes this a good time to upgrade home and small office networking equipment.

An ADSL modem purchased in the past couple of years is likely to be ADSL2+ compatible.

All that's required to get a faster connection speed is to contact your internet service provider and request the switch.

If you need to upgrade your kit, there are many options. Many incorporate the new 802.11n WiFi standard, which provides faster connection for wireless devices.

Linksys WAG160N

THIS unit comprises the modem, a wireless-N base station and a four-port 10/100 ethernet switch.

Packed into a shiny black case more stylish than the average modem, the unit is designed to sit flat on a desk or table or be hung on a wall.

A row of indicator lights on the top panel shows the status of all links.

Unlike some other wireless-N modems, the WAG160N has no external antennas, which helps its sleek looks.

Internal antennas are used for the MIMO (multiple in, multiple out) technology that gives wireless-N its impressive speeds and coverage.

The unit is backward-compatible with wireless-G and B gear, allowing older notebook PCs and other devices to easily join the network.

The device is intelligent enough to connect to each device at its fastest speed, even when different types are used on the same network.

Security is maintained through inbuilt 256-bit encryption, and a hefty firewall stops external attacks.

Setup and configuration is straightforward.

The first step is to insert the accompanying CD-ROM and follow the onscreen prompts.

Animated guides helps you through the process of connecting cables, entering details of your chosen service provider and naming your wireless network.

Linksys also includes its EasyLink Advisor, which provides a map of all devices connected to your network. The device was impressive in tests conducted for this article.

Wireless speeds were consistently about 40Mbps within 10m, dropping to about 25Mbps at about 40m.

A healthy wireless connection was still possible at about 60m, making full home coverage easy to achieve.

SPECIFICATIONS
Features: Internal MIMO antennas, wireless-N, four port 10/100 Ethernet, ADSL2+ modem, EasyLink Advisor
Price: $239.95
More at: www.linksys.com.au
Rating: 7/10

D-Link DSL-2740B

ANOTHER option is the DSL-2740B RangeBooster ADSL2+ modem-router from D-Link.

Like the Linksys box, this unit has an ADSL2+ modem, a four-port 10/100 ethernet switch and Wireless-N capability.

Unlike the Linksys box, this one is has three external antennas, making it slightly less attractive.

The theory is, the more antennas in use, the better wireless performance.

Set-up is straightforward, thanks to an easy-to-follow wizard on the included CD-ROM.

The wizard searches out the ADSL signal and prompts you to enter service provider and account details.

It then helps you through the process of establishing and naming a wireless network.

ADSL performance was solid in tests, with the wireless-N capability providing coverage to the entire house.

Tests were carried out using a D-Link DWA-140 RangeBooster USB wireless adaptor connected to a Dell notebook PC.

Connection was handled by Windows Vista without the need for extra software.

It was installed and on the network in a matter of minutes.

Connection to the base unit was fast and easy.

Data speeds within 10m of the base unit were consistently about 40Mbps, dropping to about 15Mbps when extended out to about 50m. Such speeds are more than sufficient to move large files or stream content such as music and video.

Watching a downloaded movie stored on a desktop PC over the wireless link was a straightforward exercise, with video quality remaining consistent throughout.

Clear voice over internet protocol phone calls were also possible and stutter-free video calling was easy to achieve.

SPECIFICATIONS
Features: Wireless-N, four port 10/100 Ethernet, ADSL2+ modem
Price: $289
More at: www.dlink.com.au
Rating: 9/10

CONCLUSION

HAVING all your files and your internet connection accessible to neighbours or curious passers-by is probably not a smart move.

With fibre networks to the home still a pipedream for most people, ADSL2+ is a good interim broadband technology.

You can't expect the promised peak speeds of about 24Mbps, but it consistently outpaces traditional ADSL and will provide more than enough performance for almost any internet activity.

If you're keen to take advantage of the growing availability of ADSL2+ services, both the Linksys and D-Link modems will do the job.

Easy-to-use set-up interfaces make installation and configuration simple and both have the added advantage of integrated support for the new 802.11n wireless standard.

Actual broadband performance will vary from location to location, but both units can provide consistent speeds that are significantly above traditional ADSL services.

On the wireless front, the D-Link unit provided a more reliable connection, particularly when used over distances of more than 40m.

Overall, when considering set-up, broadband performance and wireless reliability, the D-Link unit came out on top.