ZyXel Prestige 310 Beta PRODUCT REVIEW

"The Zyxel 310 is easy to set up for Windows users with their Internet Access Wizard "



"The console port on the Zyxel Prestige 310 is a handy feature for advanced users"



"The Zyxel has some advanced features like RIP routing protocols and an integrated console port"



"It has a super cool feature that allows the MAC Address of the WAN port to adopt any MAC address you choose. This instantly allows the router to communicate with the Cable Modem, and saves A LOT OF TIME"

ZYXEL PRESTIGE 310 REVIEW
CableModem and xDSL Router

 

 

The Zyxel Prestige 310 is an attractively priced Cable/xDSL router aimed at the Home and Small Business market. When the Zyxel Prestige 310 beta unit arrived, Zyxel was selling the router in the beta stage at an aggressive $175.00. Recently, the price has recently risen to $249, which is a very fair price for a router with it's capabilities.

The Prestige is approx. 7x10x1.5 Inches, and can be stacked by using the built-in flipdown fins for adequate cooling. The router has a local 10/100 LAN port and a 10MB WAN port. It also includes a handy console port, for advanced configuration via telnet, and an standard external power supply.

The integrated console port is a nice feature, but the only problem is that Non-Windows users will have to use this console port to configure the router, and this can be a tough task for the timid user. The whole process of getting your VT100 Terminal emulator up and connecting via the COM Port can sometimes be quite a task! The end user also has to supply their own serial cable if they are required to use the console port.

The Zyxel Prestige 310 has a great Windows Setup and Admin tool

The Zyxel core functions compare very closely to most other Cable and xDSL routers, and 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 Zyxel integrated packet filtering can be configured to open up to 8 ports for internal servers/applications.

The Zyxel Prestige 310 Windows Interface allows for easy setup

Overall, the Zyxel is not quite as user friendly as routers like the Ugate 3000, which has a Web Based Setup and Admin accessible from any browser. The Prestige 310 is an attractively priced router that should please almost anyone. Advanced users will like the telnet capabilities as well as the Console port included with the router. The Prestige 310 is definitely a great router and deserves a look!

- Easy setup for Windows Users with software install
- DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 253 IP Addresses
- Virtual Servers with up to 8 ports opened to client PC's
- Easy to use Windows Interface or Console port for administration
- Good Documentation included with the Prestige 310
- Firmware can be upgraded via TFTP
- Includes support for HostName authentication and RR TAS Support
- Supports advanced routing protocols like some RIP protocols..

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - Functional, Simple, but no web based admin
Pros: Simple Windows setup, Console port for advanced users, VPN PPTP Support, Firmware Upgradeable, Good Documentation
Cons: No simple web admin/setup feature

Zyxel Prestige 310 - Intro Price: $249.99

ZyXEL Communicaitons Inc.
1650 Miraloma Ave.
Placentia CA 92870
USA Sales: (800) 255-4101
http://www.zyxel.com
Buy From Zyxel at http://shop.zyxel.com/index.html


Available now at:
http://www.cdw.com
http://www.buy.com


TIPS for using the Zyxel Prestige 310:

*Users with LanCity Cable Modems with Mediaone or other ISP's using LanCity Cable Modems typically need to call their ISP's and tell them the new MAC Address of the Any new router or Network card. The Zyxel Prestige 310 has a super cool feature that allows the MAC address of the WAN port to adopt any MAC address you choose. This instantly allows the router to communicate with the Cable Modem, and saves A LOT OF TIME and HASSLE by avoiding the dreaded phone call to the Cable Support line! Way to go!

*Some users with Cable or xDSL modems (Such as the LanCity Cable Modems) may need to turn on their DHCP Client within the prestige 310 so you can obtain an IP address from the DHCP server of the ISP. Some cable and xDSL modems actually have a DHCP client/server inside.

*For other great reviews of the Zyxel 310, see http://www.TimHiggins.com