Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router Not Recommended
Written: Jul 16 '03 (Updated Jul 16 '03)
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Pros: Transmits High-speed internet DSL/Cable over your home electric wiring.
Cons: Very difficult to configure. Shoddy customer service.
The Bottom Line: The Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router is a great idea that doesn't work. Configuration is difficult and limited. Customer support is nonexistent.
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| alexmd's Full Review: Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2... |
Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router
What is a Router?
To put it very simply, a router is an appliance that allows you to connect your home computers together to share files, hardware (such as printers), and internet connections. Routers are one way to build a home network. Your kids probably want you to get a router so they can play games with an opponent on the same network. Routers can also help hide computers connected to always-on, high-speed, internet connections such as cable or DSL.
A router connects via an ethernet cable to your cable or DSL modem. It also connects to each computer in your house. How it connects to these computers varies. Some routers connect via ethernet cabling. These routers require that each computer have an ethernet card or port. This is usually the most secure, reliable, and fastest form of networking. However, not everyone has the ability or wants the fuss of running wires from each computer to the router. Other people want more flexibility, such as the ability to move their internet connection from room to room.
Other routers use radio frequencies to transmit data. These routers require each computer to be equipped with a wireless transceiver, either in the form of a card that plugs into the motherboard, or in the form of a desktop box that connects to the computer's USB port. Wireless networking is becoming very popular for its flexibility, but it does have drawbacks in terms of security, speed, and reliability. Unsecured wireless networks are an open door to hackers. In addition, the radio signals can interfere with, or be interfered by, other radio devices in your home such as telephones or security systems.
Other routers connect via wiring that is already in your home, i.e. telephone wiring or household electric wiring. These types of routers build networks that are often more flexible than ethernet-based networks, and faster and more reliable than wireless networks. Security, however, is still an issue, since the signals may actually travel outside your own home.
The Powerline 2524
Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router offers 3 types of network connections. First, it connects over standard ethernet with a 4 port 10/100 hub. Putting it simply, up to 4 computers can connect to the router via ethernet cables at speeds of either 10 or 100Mbps. (By comparison, your DSL or cable modem is probably running somwhere around 1Mbps, so your home network will actually be running faster than your internet connection.)
Second, the Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router is capable of 802.11b-compliant wireless connectivity at up to 11 Mbps (although your actual speed will probably be less, it will still be faster than your high-speed internet connection). 802.11b is one of several wireless communication industry standards -- when you buy your components, make sure that all of them are capable of the same standard.
Finally, the Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router can connect through your home electrical wiring, turning any electrical outlet in your home an internet connection. (Your computer needs a special adapter that plugs into the electrical socket and connects to the computer via an ethernet or USB port.)
Technical Details
For the savvy among you, you can download the exact specifications of the Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router from the speedstream website at: http://www.speedstream.com/support/pdf/2524_datasheet.pdf
• Provides instant Powerline networking at up to 14 Mbps data rate
• Supports full 802.11b-compliant wireless connectivity at up to 11 Mbps
• Four 10/100 Switched Ethernet Ports— each supports full 10/100 bandwidth
• Blends the simplicity of Powerline, the freedom of wireless, and the raw performance of Ethernet
• Easily integrates with other manufacturers’ HomePlug 1.0-compliant products and 802.11b-compliant wireless products.
Now for the Bad News
Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router sounds great, doesn't it? Read on...
Home networking is probably one of the most technical and difficult undertakings an amateur can attempt.This is why it is important that manufacturers of networking equipment need to work hard to make it as seamless as possible. I have built systems from scratch and still felt like I was pulling my hair out when installing and configuring this device.
Installation itself is not difficult. You simply plug the router into the modem and into the wall outlet. You then connect your computer to a powerline adaptor for either ethernet or USB. Clear instructions and a setup CD help automate the process.
Once the router is set up, however, things become strange. Your email slows down, web mail clients like Yahoo! mail stop working, and you can't get onto certain web pages like your online banking.
Without getting too technical, let me just say that some routers come equipped with what amounts to a filter to enhance security. Ideally you should be able to adjust the filter or take one or more computers completely outside the effects of the filter into what is called a "DMZ".
Bad Customer Support
No amount of reconfiguring could resolve the problems I described, so I went to the SpeedStream support website. Support for this product consists of a poorly organized knowledge base. Searching for a problem brings up solutions relating to other products. The only information I was able to find concerned a different router, and the response from SpeedStream can be paraphrased as "If you are having problems with your Hotmail account, the issue is with Hotmail, not with the router." However, this was not the case, because when I used a different router, I had no further difficulties.
I thought I would call SpeedStream's technical support number but they do not have one. I sent three emails that went unanswered after several weeks.
I finally replaced the Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router with a router from Linksys and have had no additional problems.
Summary
The Efficient Networks Siemens SpeedStream Powerline 2524 Wireless DSL/Cable Router promises a lot but delivers little. Certain internet sites fail to load, among other quirky problems that can not be resolved. Customer support is nonexistent.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 100
Driver Availability: Windows only
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Epinions.com ID:
alexmd
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Member: Alexander
Location: North Carolina, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Medical Professional in NC, USA.
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