The Instant Wireless Access Point is a new offering from Linksys in the wireless 802.11b market. In this review, we will look at the installation and performance of the Linksys Wireless Access Point and the Linksys WPC11 client PC Cards.

Like most networking vendors, Linksys first released their Wireless PC Cards and PC Adapters, then quickly released their Wireless Access Point units. Most likely, Linksys will probably also be releasing a Wireless Router all-in-one unit, similar to some of the new D-Link and SMC wireless routers that have just hit the market. This is sure to drive down the price point of these WAP devices, and should help consumers adopt these devices more rapidly.

On the outside, the device is approx. the same size as the Linksys BEFSR41 Etherfast routers, with 2 small antennas protruding upwards. These antenna can be moved around, and even removed. The connector seems close to a mini-UHF connector, which means the electrically handy folks may even be able to wire up an extension to the antenna's and extend the range of the unit. We did find the range to be great, and if you were handy, you could possibly even extend the antenna's on the unit. We mounted the unit up in the rafters of our house. We then took a laptop with a Linksys WPC11 client card and took a walk. We walked almost 2000 feet away from the access point (line of sight) and could still access the local LAN, and even stream MP3 files to the laptop from a mapped drive in the house.

On the front outside, 2 LED lights for power, link/activity complete the front of the unit. Keep in mind that this unit is a bridge, not a router, so it only has one 10/100 port for RJ-45 in the back. This is to be plugged into a hub or switch on your wired network. The device can support up to 32 Wireless users/nodes from this unit. This simply takes the wireless access clients and gives them access to the wired network.

The Linksys Instant Wireless Access Point has a SNMP manager Interface (Click to Enlarge)

 

The WAP11 is powered by a small power supply, with a simple plug. This is something that we were glad to see, since the old Linksys BEFSR41 routers had a awful power supply that tended to pull the device off the desk. There is no Web Admin interface in the WAP11, instead, Linksys supplies a USB A-B cable, or Windows users can use the CD included and run the SNMP manager as shown in the screenshot above. We found the setup to be very confusing, and caused us to pour over the manuals and CD for help. We eventually had to use the USB cable, and set the IP address of the device that way. This WAP could really use a DHCP client, which would make setup much faster. If you run an OS other than Windows, you are out of luck, and need a windows based PC to set this unit up. Once the unit is setup, it can support any 802.11b wireless client on any OS.

The Linksys Client cards use the config utility to set the wireless access clients. (Click to Enlarge)

Overall, Linksys has a good product in the WAP11, but it could be better. The WAP11 is a good choice over other WAP units, but you may want to wait for more Wireless Routers from other vendors to hit the market. We say this due to the lack of a DHCP client on the WAP, which makes a static IP address assignment a must. This takes a little longer to setup, but isn't a huge barrier. If you are in the market for a wireless access point, with 802.11b compatibility, the Linksys makes a great choice. Run for your latest CompUSA and pick one up today, maybe even split the cost with your neighbor, and share your Cable or DSL connection, and save some money!

- Easy setup on a Windows PC
- 10/100 LAN port and USB port for configuration
- Unit stacks with other Linksys Routers, hubs, switches
- Access Point supports 32 users or nodes
- Supports all clients, Windows, Mac, Linux
- Documentation included on CD, USB cable included
- LED's on front show status and link/activity
- Compatible with other 802.11b Access Points and Client adapters

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - Linksys WAP11 is a great AP once you get it set up and running.
Pros: Aggressive Price, Platform Independent, Linksys seems to have the best antenna system, offering greater distance than some other WAP's
Cons: Setup is tricky, requires a Static IP address (This can be an Internal IP)

Linksys Instant Wireless Access Point- Model WAP11
Current Street Price: $230.00

Linksys - The Linksys Group Inc.
17401 Armstrong Ave
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 261-1288
http://www.linksys.com

Available now at:
http://www.buy.com
http://www.computers4sure.com
http://www.egghead.com


TIPS for using the Linksys Instant Wireless Access Point and Client cards:

*Put your Access Point as high as possible, if you have a second floor or an attic, mount the AP on the ceiling or on the rafters. The higher the better, since this extends outdoor range significantly.

For other great reviews on all types of Broadband and Wireless Networking, see http://www.PracticallyNetworked.com