Hook me up to the network

Gaming Adapter

-Why you want it?
If there is any device that has an ethernet connection that you want to hook up to your network? Many devices need something like this but the most popular one would have to be gaming machines. With the change in the gaming industry to go to online (well besides Nintendo Gamecube) like the Xbox and ps2, consoles are in need of a connection. Now consoles like the xbox360 and ps3 and even the Nintendo wail will need connections. There was talks of having built in wifi connection into the consoles but that really isn’t going to happen since a $500 console really doesn’t need to get that much more expensive for a wireless function that not everyone will need. So pretty much don’t even count on it, as the Xbox 360 doesn’t include it so expect ps3 and wii to follow suit.

Consoles are played on Tvs, which for the most part are usually in a study or living room. If your one of those that doesn’t have a hard Ethernet connection near your tv (like me) then you need to go wireless. Sure you could shuffle your whole network around and put it so the modem is right next to your tv, but then you will have to go wireless with your laptop or desktop? I tend to like to keep my desktop hard connected to my router so I can trouble shoot it and also prefer to have my access point in a central location away from interferences.

-Will it work?
Yes and No.
1) Do you have a basic run of the mill network, which is easy to jump onto? Then the answer is YES.
2) Do you have static ips, MAC filters and like to run some kind of QoS (quality of service application to dedicate speed to certain addresses) then you will need a computer to talk to it and it can be frustrating.

I had a linksys wet11 and it was much easier to setup as you can go and talk to it through a web interface. If you have no prior experience with setting up devices on a network and have no computer knowledge then you might need help. I got the linksys wet11 up and running in about 1hr after I figured out what it wanted from me. The Netgear wanted info also but for some reason I could only run the setup through a cd. Not sure what the problem was but it took a bit longer and a little more of a headache.

Now, once the device is setup will it stay like that? I believe this product is pretty rock solid. In terms of holding it’s information and not having to always reconfigure it because it forgot what it’s supposed to do. I’ve had this guy attached solely to my Xbox for 6months and I’ve only had to power cycle it a couple times just to make sure my connection was solid. I never had to power cycle it because it was going crazy. My wet11 during my 2 years of ownership had to be power cycled at least 10 times cause during a game it will decide to dump it’s connection and sit idle.

So main reasons I upgraded from my linksys wet11 to this device was for the G speeds and the fact the wet11 was falling asleep on the job a bit too much when I only use it 5hrs max out of the week playing Xbox live.

G speeds are faster but don’t believe the hype of the speed. It’s good but won’t come close to some of the newer technologies like the “N” stuff.

Note: I’ve connected all of this using a linksys G router, imac, ibook, and xbox. So yes, it can be configured with a mac running jaguar or tiger.

Cons:
Heat. This little guy gets very hot. There is an optional stand to stand it on it’s side and that is highly recommended. In this case it can pretty much stand up verses lay on it’s side where it will turn into a toaster. Don’t even mess it putting it on it’s side with carpet, as it gets very hot to the touch.