Get the Latest D-Link Firmware and Documents via FTP

If you have some D-Link products, such as routers or wireless adapters, you can get the latest (and even beta) firmware from this FTP:

ftp://ftp.dlink.ru/pub/

The best source for firmware would probably still be the D-Link site of your area, but sometimes these sites are not very up-to-date with regards to firmware. My current favorite wireless router is the D-Link DIR-300 (has good stock firmware features, has a replaceable antenna, and small enough to place anywhere). You can get the latest stable, old, and beta firmware versions here:

ftp://ftp.dlink.ru/pub/Router/DIR-300/Firmware/

This is a great source if you are currently having problems with your D-Link device. Sometimes, a simple firmware update could solve these problems.

IceRocket : adapter, d-link firmware document guide, router

Level One N_One WBR-6000 11n Wireless Router Reviewed

The Level One N_One WBR-6000 (about US$50) is a wireless router that has the following features:

• 802.11b/g, 802.11n (draft)
• WEP (64/128bit) / WPA (TKIP, AES) / WPA2 (TKIP, AES) / WPS: PIN and PBC support
• 3 x 2dBi dipole antennas (fixed)
• 17dBm ~ 20dBm Transmit power
• 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN
• 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN
• Dimensions: 154(L) x 143(W) x 30(H) mm

X-bit Labs tested the WBR-6000, and compared it with a similarly priced wireless router from Edimax (BR6504N):

"The LevelOne WBR-6000 router is a good product in many respects, but its main advantage - the support for the new-generation wireless standard - is questionable. Perhaps this will be corrected in firmware updates, but right now this router is good at everything except for wireless networking." [ X-bit Labs | Level One N_One 11n Wireless Broadband Router Review ]

For wired connection, the WBR-6000 was much better than the Edimax BR6504N. For wireless, the Edimax was the superior product, with the WBR-6000 being rather unstable with its 802.11n connection.

IceRocket : draft n, level one wbr-6000, wireless router

TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless n Router Reviewed

The TP-Link TL-WR941ND (US$60) is a wireless router that features the following:

• 802.11n (Draft 2.0)
• 20dBm maximum wireless transmit power
• 3 detachable Omni directional antennas

PC Magazine gave it a 2.5 out of 5 ("Fair") rating:

"... in the sub-$100 space, the TP-Link loses out to both the $68 Linksys Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Router (WRT160N) and the $60 Linksys RangePlus Wireless Router (WRT110) . At the same optimal 20-foot test distance, the WRT 160N and the WRT 110 clocked 116 Mbps and 110 Mbps, respectively. The TP Link's 70 Mbps looks somewhat anemic by comparison. ... If you don't need much handholding, you might be tempted by the price, but the two low-cost entries from Linksys are easier to use and deliver far better throughput . " [PCMag | TP-Link TL-WR941ND]

As PC Magazine suggests, the WRT160N would be a better buy than the WR941ND, especially when you compare their actual throughputs. However, the antennas of the WR941ND can be upgraded, so there still is room for improvement for its throughput. Antennas aren't actually cheap, and you need to upgrade all three, so you should also keep that in mind.

Technorati : 802.11n, detachable antenna, draft 2.0, router, tp-link, wireless

Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse Reviewed

The Logitech MX1100 (US$79.99) is a cordless laser mouse that features:

• 2.4 GHz wireless technology
• 400 - 1600 dpi sensor
• 2 x AA battery power source (nine-month claimed battery life)
• 2 x thumb and 1 x stealth thumb buttons
• On/Off switch
• battery status indicator
• three removable Teflon pads
• SetPoint mouse software
• dimensions: 4.80 x 3.45 x 1.91-inches (L x W x H)

"Logitech's newest addition in two years to their MX brand of mice didn't disappoint, but it didn't impress either. Its predecessor, the MX Revolution, took general mice to new heights when it debuted, though many would argue that it was ahead of its time and a bit "out there" for consumers. Logitech simply took the MX Revolution, lightly morphed its design, refined some hardware nuisances, and added a few features to make the MX1100. " [ExtremeTech | Logitech MX1100]

ExtremeTech gave the MX1100 a 4 out 5 rating ("Very Good"). If you loved the MX Revolution, you'd probably also like the MX1100.

Technorati : 2.4, cordless, logitech, mouse, mx1100

Linksys WRT160N Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Router Reviewed

Linksys WRT160N Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N router (US$117) features:

• 802.11n (draft-n)
• Broadcom chipset
• WPA security
• Parental Controls
• SPI

PC Magazine reviewed the WRT160N, and gave it a 3 out of 5 ("Good") rating:

"The Linksys Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Router WRT160N is a good choice if you're looking for the cheapest wireless-n router you can find. It's a little slow, even for a 2.4-GHz-only router, but it's still significantly faster than wireless-g and slightly faster than the ultra-cheap WRT110. Linksys LELA 3.0 will be a nice addition, once Linksys gets it working right. In any case, the router's management interface offers enough options to make most home users happy-once they get past the installation bugs. There are certainly better, easier-to-use routers out there, but few you can find for under $100 on the street." [PCMag.com | Linksys WRT160N]

Technorati : broadcom, draft, linksys, n, router, wireless, wrt160n

Linksys WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Router Reviewed

The Linksys RangePlus Wireless Router WRT110 (US$70) is a router that features:

• Broadcom chipset
• 802.11n (not draft n)
• Parental Controls
• SPI
• WPA Security

PC Magazine gives the WRT110 2.5 out 5 ("Fair"):

"I suppose if money is extremely tight and you're looking just for wireless home networking with a minimal feature set, the WRT110 is one way to go. Even then, for an additional cost that's no more than the price of a couple of movie tickets, you can buy the Linksys Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Router WRT160N, a true draft-n router that has better throughput, the same backward compatibility with wireless-g as the WRT110, and the LELA network management kit (which, granted, still needs some work). While it's got decent range, the WRT110 just doesn't have much else to recommend it." [pcmag.com | WRT110]

As PC Magazine recommends, the WRT160N would probably be a better buy. It would be a good idea to get a draft-n router (which the WRT110 is not), if you are looking in to taking the Wireless-N plunge. As for me, I'd still opt for wireless routers and/or clients that feature external antennas. Sometimes, upgrading to better antennas can cure signal problems.

Technorati : linksys, n, router, wifi, wireless, wrt110

New Linksys Entry Level Wireless Routers: WRT54G2 and WRT110

The Linksys WRT54G and WRT100 routers already have their corresponding replacements: the WRT54G2 and WRT110.

Both will sport the new black stingray look with internal antennas. I'm not sure if you can let it stand on its side, though.

"I asked Linksys what the plans are for the WRT54G and WRT100 and found that they will be retired once current stock runs out. I also asked whether a similar spin will be done for the WRT54GS "SpeedBooster" router and was told that it will also be phased out and replaced with the "RangePlus" line, i.e. WRT100, WRT110 and its descendants." [SmallNetBuilder | Inside Story: Linksys WRT54G2 and WRT110]

SmallNetBuilder also asked Linksys about the fate of the favorite WRT54GL wireless router, and the answer was it *will* continue on (for the time being at least).

It would be exciting to learn how these new sexy wireless routers would compare with the models they are replacing. I guess everybody will be waiting for confirmation that these new "eye candy" routers are also flash friendly. In any case, if you need a "flashable" wireless router *now*, and can't seem to find that elusive WRT54GL, I would highly recommend the DIR-300 from D-Link.

Technorati : linksys, router, wireless, wrt110, wrt54g2

Edimax nMax Wireless 802.11n Broadband Router Reviewed

X-bit Labs reviews the Edimax nMax Wireless 802.11n Broadband Router [BR-6504n] (~US$80). The BR-6504n features the Ralink chipset, IEEE 802.11n (draft) / 802.11b/g compatibility, WEP / WPA / WPA2 encoding, 3 external dipole antennas (3dBi), 1 WAN (10/100 BaseT), and 4 LAN (4 x 10/100 BaseT).

"... It is the speed characteristics where the BR-6504n excels, matching the performance of more advanced devices. ... So, Edimax BR-6504n may be a great choice for people who have been previously planning to buy an 802.11g router or who just want to have an inexpensive Draft N device with excellent functionality." [X-bit Labs]

It looks like that the Edimax BR-6504n is a good buy, with its good performance, stylish design, and good assembly.

Technorati Tags: edimax, wireless, router, 802.11n, pre-n, broadband, network