|
Page 1 of 3
Introduction
With literally thousands of companies making hardware these days, it's hard to find those that truly separate themselves from the pack. Networking hardware is no exception. When you go to buy a wireless adapter for your PC, or even a router, you'll likely encounter twenty or more products worth considering. Virtually every company now seems to make a wireless line, so how can you decide which product to buy?
In the past for me, it was always brand loyalty. I had run DLink and SMC networking equipment for years without problems, so when I made the transition to wireless, I bought an SMC access point and a DLink PCMCIA card for my notebook. My roommate bought an SMC card since it matched the AP's name. The problems started immediately for both of us: random connectivity issues, high latency and packetloss, poor signal strength. I practically gave up hope and kept a Cat5 cable handy for my notebook (well, as handy as a network cable can be on a notebook)...
In general, I had always had problems with wireless, until I gave Compex's equipment a try.
A Refreshing New Flavor
I'm always excited when I 'discover' new hardware companies. Even if it's been around for 15 years like Compex has, it's neat when I finally have a chance to evaluate its products.
In the mail I received a large box from Compex that contained all the 802.11b goods I could want for a while: -a USB wireless network adapter (iWavePort WLU11A)
-a PCMCIA wireless network card (iWavePort WL11A+)
-a four-in-one wireless network access point (WP11A+)
-an expansion antenna for the adapters (WA-HGA-5+)
Opening the Packages
All the products were packaged as well as you would expect from any decent networking company. The driver CDs were in sleeves and were high quality. The manuals were black and white (and a bit thin), but appeared to have been well written and to the point -- just the way we like them.
After seeing this pile of new toys, I just had to try them out... WP11A+ 4-in-1 Access Point
 Hey, where are the big antennas?
Upon first glance, the WP11A+ is a bit strange. A non-removable PC card extends from its side (or top?). There are no large external antennas. It looks tame and plain, with no crazy lighting schemes or colors. Don't worry though, it still packs a lot of punch for an 802.11b access point.
The WP11A+ has 13 LEDs: diagnostic and access point lights, WLAN, 10M, 100M, COL, FDX and Power.
Features
 The box, after I stepped on it. Oops.
WP11A+ Enhanced Wireless Access Point with MC-Card Connector
Industry Standard: IEEE802.11b
Frequency Band: 2.4GHz ISM
Media Access Method: CSMA/CA
Transmission Rate: 11Mbps
4 Selectable Operating Modes: AP, Client, Gateway, Routing Gateway
WEP: 64/128 Bit
Transparent Bridging: Yes
LAN-toLAN Bridging: Yes
VLAN: Wireless & Tagged
SNMP : Yes
MC-Card Connector: Yes
Warranty: 3 Years
MSRP: $129.95
Product Description:
Compex NetPassage series WP11A+ is an enhanced 11Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point configurable for four operating modes (selectable). WP11A+ supports up to 11Mbps wireless communication on 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific & Medical) using DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) radio technology. With the build-in MC-Card connector, the WP11A+ can be connected to an optional Compex indoor omni directional high gain antenna, WA-HGA-5+, for maximum indoor wireless distance. The WP11A+ can also utilize external outdoor antenna and amplifier through a radio pigtail to extend broadcast distance up to one mile!!
Performance and Analysis
 Preparing to install the AP...
Installing the WP11A+ was a breeze. I simply ran the cable from my switch to the single 'Ethernet' port on the AP. I plugged in the adapter and it was up and running within minutes. Nothing had to be installed or configured before it worked in my apartment, but further configuration is possible with the included software.
 The antenna plugs in here for an even better signal.
The signal strength was very impressive. Even without the external antenna, the signal was 'Excellent' (full bars) in almost every room. In the absolute opposite corner of the apartment (~1350 square ft, 2 story, 3 bedroom) the signal was still decent. I imagine that line-of-sight, this access point is capable of about a 100-150 foot range with no problems whatsoever. If you need a better signal that this, consider the external antenna, which provided a solid signal in even our worst environments.
After days upon days of gaming, Internet browsing, remote desktop, and file transfers, I have yet to see this AP skip a heartbeat. While gaming typically suffers from a wireless connection through walls and doors (high packetloss and pings), this AP does not show it at all. There have been no compromises to date in our testing.
 Much better than the "Low" I usually get w/ my SMC AP here!
While the price may seem a bit steep to some (actual cost is considerably lower than MSRP), Compex's WP11A+ delivers incredible performance in a very nice package. Combine the AP with Compex's antenna and you will be quite impressed with the results. Then again, this late in the game, you might be better off waiting for Compex's 802.11g line to reach the market.
Overall Score: 8 / 10
|
