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The SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router is another low priced newcommer in the Cable/xDSL router market. SMC offers both a 4 and 8 Port, and is also soon to offer some 802.11b wireless products. This router is one of a kind, since it has a unique rs232 dialup port for backup modem access. We will discuss this in more detail later, but this is a very useful feature, and we hope to see more routers offer this in the next year.

The Barricade by SMC is one of the newest SOHO routers, and packs quite a punch for such a low price. We found this router for as low as $119, which makes it quite a bargain for the full set of features it offers. The Barricade router is approximately 4x8x1 inches, and has a very small footprint. The router could be stacked, but offers no rubber feet to prevent slipping. The 4 port unit has (4) local 10/100 switched ports (no uplink port on the LAN side), and 10BaseT WAN port. The DHCP server can be activated for the LAN port, and there is a DHCP client for the WAN port. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord, but the Barricade also offers a power switch, and a super long PC Power cord to help keep the power supply unit on the desk - smart thinking.

The SMC Barricade Router has a great Web
Setup and Admin Interface (Click to Enlarge)

The Barricade features compare very closely to the other routers, but with a few twists. The SMC Barricade goes one step further with a Print Server and a COM port added to the unit. This allows you to share a printer quickly and easily, as well as use a modem for backup if your cable/DSL connection goes down. We really like this feature, since none of your wiring has to be re-done, you can simply connect a modem to the SMC, enter in your ISP info, and go. With any other router, you would have to re-wire your network to get the LAN back online.

Like most all the Cable/DSL routers, the Barricade offers the standard NAT based packet filtering and IP sharing for up to 253 IP Address. The integrated DHCP server allows simple and easy access for all your internal PC's, and the link and status lights keep you informed of activity on the ports. The LED lights are tough to see, since the lights are very small, and they are mounted on the top of the unit, but we really took a liking to the power switch in the device, which allows us to reset the device without having to unplug the power.

The SMC has a super cool COM Port on the device,
allowing for quick dialup rerouting. (Click to Enlarge)

Overall, the SMC Barricade is a great little router/switch for anyone who wants to share their Internet connection - even with a modem. The Barricade incorporates some really nifty features like the Print server, and integrated Com port, and at it's amazingly low price, you would be crazy not to look at this product.

Here are some of the features of the SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router:

- Easy setup for Windows Users, Firmware upgrade
- 10/100 SWITCH built-in to the unit
- Printserver included!
- Power switch and long power cord!
- DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 253 IP Addresses
- Virtual Servers with up to 10 ports opened to client PC's
- Supports PPPOE
- Easy to use Web Interface for administration
- Documentation included on CD, simple setup
- Firmware can be upgraded via Windows software
- Includes support for HostName authentication and RR TAS Support
- Com/RS232 port included for dialup routing - attach a modem and go!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - Com and Printserver and low price
Pros: Simple Windows setup, Platform Independent, Super Fast Switch built-in, Firmware Upgradeable, RS232 Com Port, and Printserver too
Cons: No uplink port, LED's are small and mounted on the top - which makes them useless

SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router Model SMC7004BR
Current Street Price: $149.99

SMC Networks, Inc.
6 Hughes
Irvine, CA 92618
1-800-SMC-4YOU
http://www.smc.com

Available now at:
http://www.pcconnection.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.microwarehouse.com
http://www.insight.com
http://www.computers4sure.com
http://www.egghead.com

Or, head to Computers.com and type in Barricade in the Search. This will give you the latest prices on ALL the major vendors, in a Quick, Easy to Read Format!

TIPS for using the SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router:

*We originally had problems with the firmware of our router when we got it. The router would simply hang and stop all communications. Once we went to the SMC website and upgraded the firmware, we were happy again and have had no problems since.

* DEFINITELY set up a modem and test it on the Com port. This will save you MAJOR frustration and headache when your network is down. Doing this when you first get the router setup is quick and easy, and saves you from struggling with it later - this is a Great feature!

*Already have a another router? If you already have another router as your gateway, use the router as a switch. It makes a nice 3 port 10/100 switch if you do not use the routing features.

Check out TZO.COM's Tutorial Section for info on Running your own Web, FTP, Mail Server on your Cable or xDSL Modem. The SMC offers port forwarding and is a great router for hosting your own web, email, ftp, game server, etc.



	07/05/08


SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router PRODUCT REVIEW "The SMC has a built in 4 10/100 SWITCH, a Print Server and Com Port for a modem - all for less than $160!" "The Com port built into the unit allows you to plug in a modem and go - no rewiring!" "The included print server also offers a great value" "SMC reacted to the tight competition with a nice router that's packed with features - all at a breat price"

		SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router REVIEW (4 Port - SMC7004BR Model) The SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router is another low priced newcommer in the Cable/xDSL router market. SMC offers both a 4 and 8 Port, and is also soon to offer some 802.11b wireless products. This router is one of a kind, since it has a unique rs232 dialup port for backup modem access. We will discuss this in more detail later, but this is a very useful feature, and we hope to see more routers offer this in the next year. The Barricade by SMC is one of the newest SOHO routers, and packs quite a punch for such a low price. We found this router for as low as $119, which makes it quite a bargain for the full set of features it offers. The Barricade router is approximately 4x8x1 inches, and has a very small footprint. The router could be stacked, but offers no rubber feet to prevent slipping. The 4 port unit has (4) local 10/100 switched ports (no uplink port on the LAN side), and 10BaseT WAN port. The DHCP server can be activated for the LAN port, and there is a DHCP client for the WAN port. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord, but the Barricade also offers a power switch, and a super long PC Power cord to help keep the power supply unit on the desk - smart thinking. The SMC Barricade Router has a great Web Setup and Admin Interface (Click to Enlarge) The Barricade features compare very closely to the other routers, but with a few twists. The SMC Barricade goes one step further with a Print Server and a COM port added to the unit. This allows you to share a printer quickly and easily, as well as use a modem for backup if your cable/DSL connection goes down. We really like this feature, since none of your wiring has to be re-done, you can simply connect a modem to the SMC, enter in your ISP info, and go. With any other router, you would have to re-wire your network to get the LAN back online. Like most all the Cable/DSL routers, the Barricade offers the standard NAT based packet filtering and IP sharing for up to 253 IP Address. The integrated DHCP server allows simple and easy access for all your internal PC's, and the link and status lights keep you informed of activity on the ports. The LED lights are tough to see, since the lights are very small, and they are mounted on the top of the unit, but we really took a liking to the power switch in the device, which allows us to reset the device without having to unplug the power. The SMC has a super cool COM Port on the device, allowing for quick dialup rerouting. (Click to Enlarge) Overall, the SMC Barricade is a great little router/switch for anyone who wants to share their Internet connection - even with a modem. The Barricade incorporates some really nifty features like the Print server, and integrated Com port, and at it's amazingly low price, you would be crazy not to look at this product. Here are some of the features of the SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router: - Easy setup for Windows Users, Firmware upgrade - 10/100 SWITCH built-in to the unit - Printserver included! - Power switch and long power cord! - DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 253 IP Addresses - Virtual Servers with up to 10 ports opened to client PC's - Supports PPPOE - Easy to use Web Interface for administration - Documentation included on CD, simple setup - Firmware can be upgraded via Windows software - Includes support for HostName authentication and RR TAS Support - Com/RS232 port included for dialup routing - attach a modem and go! Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - Com and Printserver and low price Pros: Simple Windows setup, Platform Independent, Super Fast Switch built-in, Firmware Upgradeable, RS232 Com Port, and Printserver too Cons: No uplink port, LED's are small and mounted on the top - which makes them useless SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router Model SMC7004BR Current Street Price: $149.99 SMC Networks, Inc. 6 Hughes Irvine, CA 92618 1-800-SMC-4YOU http://www.smc.com Available now at: http://www.pcconnection.com http://www.amazon.com http://www.microwarehouse.com http://www.insight.com http://www.computers4sure.com http://www.egghead.com Or, head to Computers.com and type in Barricade in the Search. This will give you the latest prices on ALL the major vendors, in a Quick, Easy to Read Format! TIPS for using the SMC Barricade Cable/DSL Router: We originally had problems with the firmware of our router when we got it. The router would simply hang and stop all communications. Once we went to the SMC website and upgraded the firmware, we were happy again and have had no problems since. DEFINITELY set up a modem and test it on the Com port. This will save you MAJOR frustration and headache when your network is down. Doing this when you first get the router setup is quick and easy, and saves you from struggling with it later - this is a Great feature! *Already have a another router? If you already have another router as your gateway, use the router as a switch. It makes a nice 3 port 10/100 switch if you do not use the routing features. Check out TZO.COM's Tutorial Section for info on Running your own Web, FTP, Mail Server on your Cable or xDSL Modem. The SMC offers port forwarding and is a great router for hosting your own web, email, ftp, game server, etc.
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