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One of my neighbor's wifi is wide open to eavesdropping, and hacking, because they did not enable this security feature.Overall, this was easy to install, and it works great. The only problem I had was the instruction manual, or lack of it. I've owned Netgear products in the past, and they have always been a quality brand. You could read the manual, and learn about all the different encryption options, but all you really need to know is which standard your wifi device is capable of using.
Since I'm not an expert in networking, and since I do not want to spend hours trying to make it work, I decided the extra cost is worth it. I can't say much about it's reliability, or performace, since I only use it occasionally with my IPod. I purchased this unit so I could connect to the internet with my IPod Touch. I wanted to keep my wired router for security reasons, so I needed something that could plug into my router, and act as a access point. I had to hunt down all the PDF files on the web. Go back and plug it in to your PC, and change the network name, and enable security encryption.
I did not test the max range, but I can connect while in the backyard, and that's far enough for my needs. Then, you just set it to the most advanced method it can handle. After I was done, I hooked it back to my router, and waited a few minutes for the AP to initialize. I can't stress how important it is to enable the encryption. There are different manuals for different versions, so look on the bottom of the unit to see which rev you have (v1, v2, v3, etc). My IPod connected easily after I entered the password. I read that you could attach a wireless router to a wired router, but the instructions were long and complicated.
I used the WPA/WPA2 setting, and it was easy and straight forward to set up, because there are only a few things to enter. If everything works, and your device can see the network, then you are ready to customize the AP. This unit was easy to install. The installation guide was the most important, but the other manuals covered the security settings in depth.I recommend you first leave it in default mode, then try to connect to it with your device.
Setup was a cinchand the unit works extremely well. I have several other Wireless-G routers, This one has the bestsignal level and compatibily of any of them.
LAME. My laptop built-in wireless picks up more networks then this AP. I purchased this so that I could pick up MORE not LESS.
Yes, it's easy to install, and yes, it **should** perform well if you are the only one in your neighborhood who has discovered the beauty of wireless networking as of 2008. As stated, auto channel selection isn't a feature of this unit, you'll have to change channels manually. What I really wanted to say is that fits the term "POS" to a "T".
You are not saving money and only gaining aggravation. The only way to do that is to connect directly - why. Spend wisely and go for newer units, costs more, but will be worth every penny.Issues:=======- constant disconnects/reconnects- it seems to have the weakest radio in the market, it will disconnect you even if you are literally 3 feet away if the channel is "packed" (re: other access points in the vicinity use the same channel)- it will not automatically adjust/change the channel for best reception, which isn't a fault, its the way it is (re: it doesn't have that feature)- if you need to change the channel, pray that you have a laptop, to access the unit directly (plug directly via Ethernet).
My title is my way of being kind. However, if you are in more metro areas, where cordless phones exist, microwave ovens, etc., litter the landscape, and have neighbors as wired as you are, please stay clear of this unit. the only reason you'll have to is if you can't connect to it wirelessly (so if you can't connect wirelessly, you can't do anything).
It will not perform well in an environment with more than 2 or 3 other access points - like in residential multi-dwelling units (apartments/condominiums) and/or office suites/towers for those brave enough to even try this unit in such an environment. If this is your environment, then I guess this will work for you and at a great price.
Unlike some reports on here that state they need to power cycle it daily, I at least have never had an ounce of problems with my two v3 units (running firmware Version 1.2.2), other than than when the power goes out. I've had two WG602v3's bridging between each other (through 3 walls and about 30 feet) for about 2 years. Thanks Netgear. I use WPA2-PSK AES for my security.I think these could be a little bit of a challenge for someone not fairly comfortable with networking, especially if they use them in bridge mode; but this could probably be said of any networking gear with a similar use.Great product in my eyes. They are rock solid ALL the time, except when the power goes out. When the power goes out, it sometimes takes some finessing to get them to see each other properly again, but I just noticed there is new firmware released about 6 months back that appears (by the description) may fix this issue.
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