A Wonderful PCMCIA Card That Will Complete Your Microsoft Wireless Network
Written: May 26 '03 (Updated May 26 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great compliment to the Wireless Base Station; fast transfer rate; quality support
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: Should you need it, they offer EXCELLENT toll-free support 24-hours a day. This is THE home network for non-techie people!
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| briandalsmom's Full Review: Microsoft Broadband Networking MN-520 (L21-00003) ... |
WHAT IT IS
A great little network adapter that when paired with a wireless base station such as the MN-500 (view my review here http://www.epinions.com/content_101065985668), it allows you a secure wireless connection. This gives you the ability to share files, printers, and a broadband connection (DSL or Cable) through a 802.11b/Wi-Fi* connection. This means you’ll be able to play games with multiple players on the Internet or within your own home network. It works with a wide range of base stations so check out the great wizard on Microsoft.com to find the best base station unit for your needs (it can be accessed at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/networkguide.aspx).
This card is a lightweight and compact. It slips easily into your computer’s PCMCIA slot (this one is specific for a PCMCIA slot—if you don’t have one use the Microsoft wizard, below, to find the right product).
It has two indication lights – one is the Wireless Status Light which lets you know if your network is active and configured correctly; the other is the Power Light. The power is received from the host computer. Should either of these not light, the software included will walk you through problem solving. If that isn’t the best way for you, you can also call the toll-free 24-hour support for assistance—I highly recommend them!
The wireless range, coverage, and interference factors may affect the performance. For optimal use the devices should be within direct line site of one another—true, but that defeats the purpose of being wireless. I’ve found that by mounting the wireless base station on the wall, about 5 feet up, I’m able to receive at the full rate of speed even upstairs. Also, check to be sure you don’t have a competing device near the base station. Things like televisions, radios, microwave ovens, and cordless phones (especially those with frequencies in the 2.4 GHz range) may cause problems. Experiment with placement until you get the range you need. Don’t forget to check and see if you are the problem. Sitting too close to the unit may cause interference as well.
If you can run it at the top rate of 11 Mbps, you should be able to get up to 900 feet in an open environment and 160 feet in a closed environment. As I’ve stated, I’m able to use it within the house, at the 11Mbps rate (my house is 1800 sq feet stacked in 3 levels slightly off-kilter). I’m terrible about judging distance, but I find the range quite adequate.
REGULAR SETUP
Microsoft uses a great setup wizard. It is extremely user-friendly even for those who are technically challenged. Everything is done in a step-by-step process so you can’t go wrong. Alternatives are given all throughout the process in case your system is put together differently and you’re prompted all the way to use the toll-free assistance if you get stuck.
STABILITY
I found the network to be extremely stable and experienced no problems with crashing or losing the signal. Each computer was different—one runs Office XP the other Windows 98 and both ran smoothly.
SUPPORT
Toll-free product support-- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Online FAQ & User Manual--Everything you need can be found online, including the manual—it comes in handy when you’ve misplaced the original.
Wireless Data Rate- 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps with Auto-fallback support
COMPATIBLE WITH:
802.11b Broadband Networking Wi-Fi Wireless Products
• Wireless Base Station (MN-500) - also up for auction
• Wireless USB Adapter (MN-510)
• Wireless Notebook Adapter (MN-520)
• Wireless Desktop Kit (MN-610)
• Wireless Notebook Kit (MN-620)
Microsoft Broadband Networking 10/100 Ethernet Products:
• USB Adapter (MN-110)
• Notebook Adapter (MN-120)
• PCI Adapter (MN-130)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
TO USE THE MICROSOFT BROADBAND NETWORKING WIRELESS NOTEBOOK ADAPTER:
• Microsoft Wireless Base Station (sold separately) or other 802.11b/Wi-Fi device or network
• Notebook or desktop computer with an available Type II PC Card Slot
• Personal computer with processor running Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME), Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, or Window XP Home Edition operating system
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USING THE MICROSOFT BROADBAND NETWORKING SETUP WIZARD AND NETWORK UTILITY:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later; setup will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components if needed, but will not displace your primary browser.
• 28MB of available hard-disk space if you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0; 132 MB of available hard-disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time
• 4x or faster CD-ROM drive
• VGA or higher-resolution monitor
RECOMMENDED
• Mouse or compatible pointing device
• 3.5" high-density disk drive
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Labor Warranty--2 Years
Product Warranty--2 Years
SIZE
0.7 lbs and just slightly larger than a credit card
0702 Part No. X08-84855-02
* Wi-Fi = Wireless Fidelity
FINAL THOUGHTS
Please read the full review of the base station for all the details on the full networking capability and my extended experience with Tech Support.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
briandalsmom
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Member: Mom
Location: USA
Reviews written: 249
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