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Date: 2004-05-04 08:46 Author: Philip Category: Wireless Manufacturer: Compex Product/Model: NetPassage 26G-USB List Price: 179.95 Online Price: 76.00

Testing

The router firmware was upgraded to version 1.24, the latest available at the time of testing. The NetPassage  26G router and matching G PCMCIA card displayed average speed and consistency in our network environment, compared to Linksys and other brands we've tested. Throughput was similar in both directions, whether transferring to or from the router to the wireless network card. We did have WEP enabled at 64 Bit and transfered a 500+ Megabyte test file in both directions. Mixed / 802.11g only mode in the router's management interface did not show any difference in throughput, although we did not introduce a 802.11b client in the network.

Here are the results:

17 MBit average throughput at close proximity (within 6 feet), above 90% signal level inside the office.

11-12 MBit throughput at less than 40% signal strength, a couple of block walls and 75 feet away. Performance quickly dropped at larger distances.

The NetPassage 26G performed well in our testing, the wireless throughput performance was comparable to other 802.11g routers. We did not see any noticeable differences based on the Prism Nitro technology, which should probably be more apparent in 802.11b - 802.11g mixed environment.

On a separate note, the Compex iWavePort PCMCIA card did pick up an unencrypted neigboring Linksys WLAN we hadn't noticed before, even without a high-gain external antenna.

Conclusion

The NetPassage is a good product in synch with the wireless networking "renaissance". It packs a number of notable features, including WDS support for extended network range and Pseudo VLAN to divide groups and individual users into separate segments. As with any new product, it does leave something to be desired, as well as some questions as to the use of its Webcam functionality combined with its' router features. Currently, webcam mode requires separate firmware that disables some of the router functionality. According to Compex, a new version will be available within a month that has concurrent router and webcam functionality, as well as additional support for "hardware storage devices". A new firmware is expected for WPA support as well.

Overall, I'd recommend the NetPassage 26G as an innovative product with a few minor flaws that can probably be corrected with firmware upgrades. Even though some of the features might be an overkill for the average home user, the unit ensures that even the more demanding technicaly aware administrators can find the up-to-date features they need in a broadband router.

Pros:

• WDS / Pseudo VLAN
• Plenty of features, good management interface.
• Good NAT firewall features and optional SPI enhanced firewall.
• Webcam / printer server support
• Parallel Broadband support
• PCMCIA card has external antenna connector.

Cons:

• The WLAN does not have WEP enabled by default, as with most similar routers on the market. The user needs to be aware and secure it by changing SSIDs, enabling WEP, etc.
• Only WEP, no WPA support or external authentication via 802.1x / RADIUS currently. According to Compex a firmware with WPA support will be available within a month.
• Currently, webcam mode requires separate firmware. Again, there is a firmware in the works to resolve the issue.

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