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F E A T U R E

WaveBase: A Gateway to Wireless Heaven

October 29, 2001
By Dave Molta

Nexland WaveBase

If multisession IPsec/PPTP (IP security/Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) support is a critical requirement, Nexland's WaveBase is the best choice of the products we tested. But don't get the impression that the WaveBase is a one-trick pony--its feature set is excellent, and it scored respectably in every category. In addition, we didn't experience any unexpected glitches during testing.

Like many of the products we looked at, Nexland uses a PC Card radio interface, easily accessible at the rear of the unit. Nexland is transitioning from a low-cost ZCom radio interface to an Agere Orinoco radio, a move that appears to make sense. We did need to upgrade the product's firmware to use the Orinoco interface, but doing so increased the product's performance significantly, particularly with WEP enabled.

Range was a little above average using the Orinoco card. Nexland supplied us with an optional high-gain antenna designed to enhance range, but we were surprised to discover that it didn't result in significant improvement.

The WaveBase includes an integrated 10/100 Ethernet switch, so you have the flexibility to attach as many as four wired clients to the device without an additional box. A serial port is also included, providing backup dial-up support in case the primary broadband connection fails.

Our lone criticism of the WaveBase relates to configuration. This is the only product we tested that depends on DIP switches for some configuration parameters. We also found the Web management interface a little more confusing than rivals'. While most of the products we tested are marketed largely toward home users and are available through mass-distribution outlets, Nexland is aimed toward corporate customers. At $399, the WaveBase is a little more expensive than most of the products included in this review, but Nexland indicated that corporate volume discounts are available.

WaveBase, starts at $399. Available: Now. Nexland, (888) 639-5264; fax (304) 358-7771. www.nexland.com