home news blogs forums events research newsletter whitepapers careers


Network Computing Network Computing Powered by InformationWeek Business Technology Network
InformationWeek 500 Conference -- September 14-16, 2008 Registed Today!

IMMERSE YOURSELF:

SOA

  |

Data Center

  |

802.11n

  |

Data Privacy

  |
APO  |

Virtualization

  |

NAC

  |

Security

  |

Network Mgmt

  |

Enterprise Apps

  |

Storage & Servers


Mobile & Wireless
F E A T U R E  
WaveBase: A Gateway to Wireless Heaven

  October 29, 2001
  By Dave Molta



Colubris Networks CN100 Wireless LAN Router



Imagine a review comparing economy cars priced less than $15,000 with a Lexus at twice that amount. That's the dilemma we faced in evaluating the Colubris CN100. We liked the product, but at $795, it's nearly twice as expensive as the next highest-priced offering. It's good, but not that good.



Unlike most of the other products, which are packaged in boxes that look like modems with antennas attached, the CN100 follows in the footsteps of Agere, providing an upright form factor reminiscent of the ill-fated network computer. The gateway is cool-looking, and its design may save some desk space, but does it contribute to the product's functionality? Maybe. Even though the CN100 was based on the same Orinoco wireless NIC used on the Agere and Nexland products, it performed significantly better than those competitors in our range tests. Network performance is also excellent, and it is one of the few products that has received WiFi certification.

The CN100 uses an embedded Linux-based operating system, which provides the company with significant feature flexibility. One example is the integrated VPN client. By establishing a VPN connection from the gateway to the remote network rather than from individual clients, all devices on the network are able to take advantage of the secure connection. We were impressed with the product's diagnostic facilities, which include a built-in ping utility and a text-based network monitor.

The CN100's logging capabilities were also among the best of any product we tested. We can't tell you how good Colubris' technical support is because we never had occasion to use it. The product performed flawlessly from the moment we powered it up.

We did find room for improvement. (Don't we always?) The CN100 does not have an integrated multiport Ethernet switch or DMZ support, a feature that may be important for sites wanting to provide Internet-accessible services behind the gateway. Also, the lack of access-control-group support could increase administrative overhead if you have lots of devices on the wireless network. Still, if range, WiFi compatibility and a hefty feature set are key concerns, this device may be worth the added cost.

CN100 Wireless LAN Router, $795. Available: Now. Colubris Networks, (450) 680-1661, (866) 241-8324; fax (450) 680-1910. www.colubris.com


   Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | Next Page





Ready to take that job and shove it?

Function:

Keyword(s):

State:
SPONSOR
RECENT JOB POSTINGS
CAREER NEWS
Go beyond Google and get vertical. These specialized search sites will help you find the business information you need -- fast.

Ari Balogh was named to the post of chief technology officer as the companys for a "realignment" of employees.










InformationWeek U.S. IT Salary Survey 2008
Salaries for business technology professionals are falling. Here's what you need to know in order to make good hiring decisions and personal career choices. Download Today
 
ROLLING RIGHT ALONG
Follow key Network Computing Reviews from conception to completion. This Week: Holistic APM.



Network Computing Reports Emerging Enterprise Podcast Series: Secrets to Success








TechSearch


Microsite of the Week


Powerful Information at Your Fingertips



InformationWeek Business Technology Network
InformationWeekInformationWeek 500InformationWeek 500 ConferenceInformationWeek AnalyticsInformationWeek CIO
InformationWeek EventsInformationWeek ReportsInformationWeek MagazinebMightyByte and SwitchDark Reading
Digital LibraryIntelligent EnterpriseInternet EvolutionNetwork ComputingNo Jitter
space
Techweb Events Network
InteropVoiceConWeb 2.0 ExpoWeb 2.0 SummitEnterprise 2.0 ConferenceMobile Business ExpoSoftware ConferenceCSI - Computer Security Institute
Black HatGTECEnergy CampMashup CampStartup Camp
space
Light Reading Communications Network
Light ReadingLight Reading EuropeUnstrungLight Reading's Cable Digital NewsConstantinopleInternet Evolution
Heavy ReadingLight Reading Live!Light Reading InsiderEthernet ExpoOptical ExpoTeleco TVTower Technology Summit
space
Financial Technology Network
Advanced TradingBank Systems & TechnologyInsurance & TechnologyWall Street & TechnologyAccelerating Wall StreetBank Systems & Technology Executive SummitBuyside Trading SummitInsurance & Technology Executive Summit
space
Microsoft Technology Network
MSDN MagazineTechNetThe Architecture Journal
space
App Infrastructure   |   Messaging & Collaboration   |   Network & Systems Mgmt   |   Network Infrastructure   |   Security  |   Storage & Servers   |   Wireless   |   Enterprise Apps
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Site Map  |  Technology Marketing Solutions  |   Briefing Centers
Copyright © 2008  United Business Media LLC  |  Privacy Statement  |  Terms of Service  |  Your California Privacy Rights