11/23/08
UMAX UGATE
PRODUCT REVIEW
"The
Umax was super easy to setup, and within 5 minutes, I was sharing my
Internet Connection with the rest of my LAN!"
"Packed with features, the Umax Ugate Plus is the best hardware
based Cable/DSL based NAT we have seen yet"
"Umax seems to have done their research...this thing has ALL
the features you could want"
"The
Ugate-Plus has a DHCP Client and Server built in, so it works with just
about every Cable or xDSL ISP out there..."
-
Super fast and easy setup - Less than 5 minutes
- DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 250 IP Addresses
- Virtual Servers and Exposed PC Option
- Email sharing capabilities (Share POP3 Mailboxes)
- Easy to use Web Interface for Setup and Administration
- Good Documentation and the website has great info
- Firmware can be
upgraded
Best of all, the Ugate-Plus firmware can be upgraded, and Umax frequently
posts new releases on their website. This makes the unit flexible with
the options that Umax offers, and can also be used as a way to fix any
bugs or problems that the Ugate Firmware may have with certain Cable or
xDSL connections.
(Click Image
to Enlarge)
The Ugate-Plus status screen shows my DHCP Clients, Internal and
External ports, Mac Addresses, as well as the Firmware Version Number
Although
this unit does not support VPN, and has some problems with some Road Runner
Cable Modem connections, this is a solid unit and we noticed no loss of
speed at all when using the Ugate as our DHCP server and Internet Connection.
The Ugate has a maximum throughput of 2Mbps, which should be fast enough
for almost any Cable Modem or xDSL connection, but there are some DSL
connections which offer up to 7Mbps download. If you have one of these
ultra-fast connections, the Umax Ugate-Plus may not be for you.
Umax was
once known for their great scanners, and now they are known for their
great networking products as well. Keep an eye on Umax, these guys are
going places!
We soon hope to see other products by them, including features like VPN,
Dynamic DNS capabilities, and maybe even a ICSA Firewall Security rating?
Overall, the Ugate-Plus is 100% rock solid and is packed with great features.
The Ugate-Plus is a great choice for any small home or office that wants
to share a single Internet connection, and add some NAT/Natural Firewall
protection.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Pros: Packed with Features, and a super easy Setup and Administration
Cons: No VPN Support, 2Mbps is max throughput
Umax Ugate-Plus - Price:
$349.99
Umax Technologies, Inc.
3561 Gateway Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538 USA
510-651-4000
510-651-8834 FAX
http://Ugate.Umax.com
Buy From Umax at http://www.Umax.com/Networking/
TIPS for using the UGate Plus:
*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 Umax Ugate-Plus. Since Most ISP's don't like you to
share the network connection with other PC's, you should tell them you
are installing a new network card or upgrading the network card in your
PC. They will then Provision the Cable modem to speak with the new MAC
address of the Ugate-Plus WAN Port.
*Some
users with Cable or xDSL modems (Such as the LanCity Cable Modems) may
need to turn on their DHCP Client within the Ugate-Plus 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, very similar to the Ugate-Plus.
*Road Runner users in some locations may experience problems with the
Ugate and the road runner login script. Although Umax has not yet released
an Official working version, some users have workarounds. Check the Web
and Newsgroups for more information.
October 22, 1999 - I
saw on TimHiggins.com that Umax is now offering a Trade-In offer to Ugate
Plus users. Trade in your old Ugate Plus for a Ugate 3000 and get $150
back! Contact Umax for more info.
October 22, 1999 - Umax
recently added a new firmware upgrade for the Umax Ugate Plus. This latest
upgrade version now includes support for MS PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling
Protocol) for VPN.
October 21, 1999 - Umax
has recently added
a new Umax Ugate Networking Forum on their website, offering feedback
and information posted from the Ugate Community. You can also get news
and firmware updates here for all the Ugate Products.
August 31, 1999 - UMAX Announces the UGate 3000! The UGate 3000
is the latest addition to the UMAX line of Networking products, and includes
a 10/100 4 port hub, and 1 Free year of Ugate.net Dynamic DNS Service!
See more about the UGate 3000 at http://Ugate.Umax.com
*For other great reviews of the Umax Ugate-Plus, see http://www.TimHiggins.com,
or check out the Umax website at http://Ugate.Umax.com
* Special note
to recognize Christopher from Farmingdale , NY - last months winner of
the Ugate Plus giveaway!
Enter
below to win a UMAX Ugate!
We will give away 1 Ugate Plus each month!
Enter Now and YOU Could win!
