ASUS Pocket Access Point - Review by Paul Zazzarino

Doing demos in Ad-hoc mode (IBSS) has its limitations, not to mention carrying around an access point along with additional hardware can be cumbersome. Enter the ASUS WL-330. It is the size of a credit card and about 3/4 of an inch thick. The photo here shows one sitting between an IPAQ and a Nokia phone. Note: it is smaller than the PDA and even smaller in height than the phone. Packed with a good deal of functionality:

     
  • BSS / IBSS modes      
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  • Configurable Preamble      
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  • SSID authentication
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  • MAC Cloning      
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  • MAC Filtering      
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  • WEP
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  • DHCP Server      
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  • Wireless Distribution System      
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  • Firmware Upgradable
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  • TX Power 15~18 dBm      
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  • Range 100 to 300 ft max.      
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  • Outdoor LOS up to 1500 feet
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    The unit is powered by an 4V (1000mA) adapter, but it comes with a USB cable which you can use to power it right off of any USB port. You can setup the device via any internet browser. The device also comes with site survey software. Additionally you can configure the device as a hub, connecting it to broadband or DSL, via its 10BT ethernet port. For example when traveling just plug this into your hotel rooms ethernet connection and your laptop or PDA can now hit the internet cable free. While I would not consider using these for long term deployment. For demos, on-site trouble shooting, and other road warrior tasks the WL-330 is worth every penny. Unit comes complete with software, 10BT ethernet cable, USB cable, power supply and carrying case. You can purchase one over the internet at www.newegg.com for $51.99

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    Paul Zazzarino began programming on Altairs and other microprocessor based devices in the early 80's. This was followed by over a dozen years of tool development and mobile handheld applications in the nineties long before the term "wireless" "802.11" and "mobile computing" were part of the common lexicon.   Focusing primarily on CE.NET solutions, Paul develops and evaluates mobile and wireless solutions in a variety of models. Paul extols the virtues of "Fat Clients" with the ability to operate stand-alone and independently buffering and storing data, adjusting connectivity and data delivery based on network availability and access. Paul works as an independent consultant in a B2B format and can be contacted at paulzazzarino@3zwireless.com .

                                                           3Z Wireless Ltd

    Copyright 2005, This page last updated on 02/2005