Rating: 
Summary: Best in 802.11b class
Review: Definitely the best among the 802.11b access points/routers. I've tried all the major brands, and in my three story house, this one gives the best reception. Signal is reported to be weak by my laptop once I'm on the 2nd floor, but is still good. On the third floor it's "very poor" and may drop once in a while, but still works fine 95% of the time. With the other brands I didn't get any reception on the 2nd floor.Very easy to set up. I recommend going directly to the web-based firmware management tool via your Internet Explorer. That way you can just hook it up, open the management page, and do the settings. If you use Microsoft's set-up page, you may end up using the management tool anyway.
Rating:
Summary: Easy installation, nice wi-fi access point
Review: I got this one set up in about 5 minutes. I skipped the software at first because I knew how to use the browser-based configuration utility. So just hooked everything up (you don't need to turn off anything, unless you want to play safe), and then set up DSL access (called "WAN" in Microsoft's lingo) and security. Now everything works great. Two machines hooked via cable, two more by wi-fi. I use MAC control and WEP for wi-fi security. A WPA update is on the way, which I hope is soon. I didn't see the need for "g" since 802.11b is already 50x faster than my DSL, and I don't use LAN features, just Internet surfing. One thing I wish the product had is the ability to turn off SSID broadcast, so casual users can't just pick up your SSID easily. Of course, you should NEVER use wi-fi for any confidential e-mails (HTTPS web browsing is ok), since WEP is not really secure, even at 128-bit level. Wait for WPA update, which is promised for the next firm upgrade. Called customer service to ask about WPA and after on hold for about 5 minutes, a polite, English-speaking technician answered my questions. He didn't sound like he was talking to me from India, which is nice, since I have tons of trouble understanding people with Hindi accents (my love for Apu on the Simpons notwithstanding).
Rating:
Summary: It couldnt' have been easier
Review: Although I consider myself pretty computer savvy, I was intimidated about setting up a wireless network. The reviews I read were very encouraging so I bought the base station and the wireless network card for my laptop. I usually avoid the directions unless absolutely necessary but read every word on this one. The good news is, there wasn't a lot to read and everything was very well explained. Within an hour of opening the box, I was surfing the net on my living room couch. Sweet!
Rating:
Summary: Better and more affordable than the Linksys Router
Review: Light, small, easy to install. No problems so far with this wireless system. My base station is outside a guess house and there were no drop off into the house. ... This is way cheaper than the bulky popular Linksys Wireless system. I highly recommend this wirless system from Microsoft over the Linksys system. Good job Microsoft!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Good product, soured by bad service
Review: Having had various wireless routers from D-Link, Linksys, 3COM, and Netgear in my house and office, I am pretty familiar with all the features; how these products work and what they are suppose to do. Microsoft has an advantage over their competitor as they know their own OS better than anyone else, so the router's installation is really fool proof and it installs seamlessly with Windows XP. Although feature wise it is not as extensive as that found with the Linksys wireless router, the product has enough features to satisfy most home users and I had it working with my Comcast cable modem in under 10 minutes. The installation CD is one of the best implemented solution out there and it is very easy to follow the directions. Now the bad part... If you are planning to buy this product and expect a rebate from Microsoft, forget about it! I followed the instructions and destroyed my box to send them the required bar codes from the box along with my receipt and rebate form. They wrote back a few weeks later and stated that I did not follow their instruction and if I do not send them the required bar code, I will not be eligible for the rebate. Unfortunately, I can't even return the product now since I don't have a box anymore. If you are wondering about the rebate deal, call them at 800-622-4445.
Rating:
Summary: A good deal
Review: After problems with my Netgear wireless router, I chucked it and bought this one. Easy to install, including automatic setup of WEP encryption. Plus a nice interface that lets you check all of your settings at a glance. Tech support is first-rate, too---only a minor problem in the setup where it wouldn't recognize my cable connection, and they walked me right through it within 5 minutes. May cost a bit more than some of the others, but you get (1) easy setup and guaranteed XP compatibility and (2)true firewall built in (meaning you don't need software that constantly interrupts all of your other apps). Well worth it for the amateur home network!!
Rating:
Summary: Great with Firmware V1.09.008
Review: I upgraded to firmware V1.09.008 and it now has all the features I was looking for in a wireless router. - 4 RJ45 ports
- 128-bit WEP (criticized as weak, but stil better than not using WEP)
- Disable SSID (critical in securing your wireless network)
- MAC filtering
- Built-in firewall (just make sure to forward port 113 to one of your internal IPs to make sure you are fully stealthed)
- Ability to completely disable wireless Excellent router and all the work that MS has done on the firmware is encouraging. I can't wait to see what else they add.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: I had two Linksys wireless routers and they both broke so I bought this one. I had ABSOLUTELY no trouble setting it up. I didn't have to mess with it or call anybody or anything. Granted, I have XP so that had a lot to do with it. But I was surfing wirelessly and playing SOCOM Navy Seals online within minutes. I just hope it doesn't break like the Linksys and it will be my favorite. Plus it's cheaper.
Rating:
Summary: Great Product! Setup on XP was a cinch!
Review: I hate dealing with tech support, so if I cant get a product to work on my own, I return it. After struggling with D-Link, Linksys, and Siemens wireless networking products and eventually returning them all, I gave Microsoft a shot. Setup was easy! I followed the quick set up instructions and was up and running within 15 minutes. At first, it wasnt working. I went into the coniguration and noticed that Microsoft had automatically setup the wrong mac address for my cable modem. After changing it, my wireless network was up and running. I also purchased the wireless notebook card for my laptop. Setup was even easier. I wish I would have gone with Microsoft first instead of having to go through the headaches of the other brands out there.
Rating:
Summary: CD setup a joke
Review: You'd think, and seems common sense enough, that the documentation and the included CD setup would tell you the correct procedure to properly setup your hardware. That following the onscreen instructions will at least get you to the problem so you can try and find a workable solution. Not for this product. Calling tech support (and waiting 50 min) is a requirement. OK, here's how it went. I followed onscreen instruction from the setup CD. Went past the hurdle of 'identifying base station' stage (power cycled modem), but got stuck on 'configuring base station' stage. Help screen suggested I turn off XP firewall and disable ICS. Neither of them were turned on to begin with. Microsoft hardware support site was no help either. Finally, I broke down and called tech support. Here's how the wacky solution works out.
-First had to remove the installed program from add/remove program, and go online using just your modem to verify online connectage.
-Put CD in tray and install SOFTWARE only, then exit the setup.
--reset router (MN-500) (which is accomplished by sticking a small sharp object in that little hole in the back, and holding it there until the power light starts flashing and letting go), connect modem to router and router to PC.
-Install hardware, and turn off PC when finished.
-Unplugged both Modem and router, and unplugged all ethernet wires to and from anywhere. Wait 4 minute. After 4 minutes, replug the power outlet for both router and modem. Put one end of an ethernet cable on port #2 of the router, and the other end on the PC. Turn on PC.
-configure your base station by going into the Microsoft Broadband Network Utility in your start/all programs section.
-after configuration, connect your modem to your router. Go online and ensure online connectivity. Sure didn't say that in the manual though. I spent 3 hours because of very poor documentation. Even with clearly written instructions, what I did could be very confusing. Product works like a charm, now that it's properly installed (properly in this case is not following instruction that comes with the product).
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