Customer Reviews

Hawking HWREN1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Range Extender

5 star:		(385)
4 star:		(156)
3 star:		(58)
2 star:		(66)
1 star:		(139)

 

 

I was skeptical about this product due a lack of reviews on the net but decided to take the plunge...

My wireless network consists of a Belkin Wireless N Router (F5D8233-4)using WPA,WPA2 w/ TKIP+AES security and the Hawking range extender has no problem communicating with it.

I chose to forgo the setup CD and went directly to the web interface to set things up. The interface is simple and pretty self explanatory. Out of the box the ip is 192.168.1.240. Login is: admin, pw:1234

Initially I was getting intermittent and/or limited connectivity when trying to connect to the internet; this is usually due to the security/encryption settings so make sure to enter your info carefully to match your parent router exactly. To remedy this here's what apparently worked for me (my security settings were matched up)

-Updated the firmware. Mine came shipped with ver. 1.10 There is a new one out 1.13 that you can find on the Hawking Technology website.
-In the "Advanced Wireless setup" I unchecked the WMM option...possible conflict with parent router?
-Set CTS protect to auto (as suggested in manual)
-Unplug the power for 10 seconds and plug back in.

After that I was all connected!

The am VERY impressed with how much my overall network range has increased, especially considering the 5 or so walls this it has to go through...where there used to be no signal, I have full bars and an excellent signal. In contrast, the belkin g range extender it's replacing did little to improve my range. On a plus note is that you can upgrade the antennas if needed.

Primary use is for my Direct TV HR-21 for VOD. As far as I know there are few marketed "N" options available to do the job...two are:

-Linksys WGA600N- Wireless bridge that reportedly works very well.
-D-Link DAP-1522- includes 4 LAN slots. (I was concerned w/ compatibility issues with my router)

I chose the Hawking because it advertises to work with "any" AP or router and for roughly the same $$ of the Linksys, I can extend the range of my signal too. If I need another LAN port I'll just buy a cheap 10/100 switch.

I can't give it 5 stars because I have no long-term experience with the product.

In short, if you're looking for a "N" WURE solution for your network, give it a try. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

UPDATE 1/15/10...

Well it has been over a year and I am still thoroughly satisfied with this product and has performed flawlessly for me. Over this time I have swapped out my parent router for a D-Link 655 and have added a 10/100 switch to the Hawking to also connect a new PS3 Slim. I am still running the same firmware since I have not had any issues with it; going with the philosophy of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I'm considering picking up another one when the price is right to further extend my network. On a side note, my apologies for not addressing questions over the year; I didn't select to receive notifications for comments on my review.

Once you get it working it is great. My router is in the basement and the signal is not the best on the second floor. Using the HWREN1 I now have full signal for the entire second floor. My connection speed more than doubled. I'll share a couple setup tips that will save you a headache and a call to tech support.
1) the auto setup CD does not correctly set WPA passwords with spaces in them. It accepts them, then truncates everything after the space and fails. Use the web interface setup instead (see the manual on the CD).
2) Don't leave your router's channel selection set to auto. You have to set both the router and the HWREN1 manually to the same channel. Their tech support recommend channel 2.

I tried the Hawking HWREN1 WiFi repeater at the urging of a helpful, knowledgeable, non-troll clerk (!) at the superstore whose name begins with F and rhymes with "dies", which is what my three previous Linksys WRE54G repeaters did-- those were total junk. I'd had some previous experience with Hawking's products via a printer server several years ago. That was a somewhat entry-level device, and support and documentation had been pretty pathetic, but it had mostly worked, so while I wouldn't have placed Hawking at the top of my preferred-vendor list, they didn't seem awful. I'd done some googling on this item and the reviews were mixed, but so they were for all its competition. So: shrug, decided to try it.

Setup requires connecting the Hawking and your PC to your router with Ethernet cables, one of which is supplied with the Hawking. This might be a problem if your router has only one Ethernet port, and it won't work at all if your router is wireless-only.

With my PC and the Hawking cabled to my router, the (Windows-only) CD setup wizard and poster-sized quick-setup guide resulted in a working system in about five minutes, but with a separate SSID that would have confused and annoyed my family as they roam about our house with their laptops. That's kind of a silly result; after all, you'd think most purchasers shopping for a WiFi network extender would want to extend their WiFi network, not set up a second one.

A bit of googling suggested that others had had good luck with setting the SSID and channel the same as their main wireless access point/router. So I tried that, using the device's browser-based configuration page, and it worked. Hm. But I remembered a bad experience when I'd bought a new WiFi router and set it up but forgot to unplug the old router it was replacing; the battling SSIDs on the same channel brought my network to its knees until I figured out what was happening, so I decided to try setting the Hawking's channel to a different one than the main router. That didn't work at all, although googling revealed that others had set things up similarly with good results. Worse, after several tries, something went sour in the Hawking, and it took some real effort over a couple of hours to restore it to a state where it wouldn't crash my network. Eventually, after many hard-resets and more than a bit of cursing, I got it back to where I'd had it: same SSID and channel as my router.

My experience underscores a perennial frustration in wireless networking: what works for my setup might not be optimal--or even work--for yours. In my case, my router uses a late-model Atheros chipset. Whatever is inside the Hawking seems to want to connect to my router in a particular way; with your router it might be different. Another lesson: If it's working well, don't touch it!

Setup hassles aside, the net result is a happy one: my WiFi network now extends strongly throughout my house and into my patio, where I'd previously had no connectivity at all. Practical throughput is unimpeded, though there's usually a theoretical throughput hit for this type of repeater (not that most folks would notice, as the net WiFi speed would still far exceed even the best broadband connection's capabilities). In my case, maybe that theoretical throughput hit is avoided by the fact that the Hawking seems to connect to my router via 802.11n whereas my computing devices utilize 802.11g? (I say "seems to" because my router's client log shows a MAC address one digit different from the MAC address documented for the Hawking device in its browser-based configuration page, which shows the same MAC address for both its WAN and LAN interfaces. I suspect this is a bug in the Hawking's browser utility; the two MAC addresses have got to differ.)

My Hawking HWREN1 came running firmware 1.50, the current version per Hawking's website. Its hardware is rev. A.

Performance testing via VisualWare's superb MySpeed facility (http://myspeed.visualware.com/) shows:

o Broadband Internet throughput, both up and down, is identical to my pre-extended network's performance, even though I'm now sitting in a former dead zone. Conclusion: the Hawking repeater imposes no bandwidth penalty for Internet usage.

o Quality of service (QOS) and latencies are also identical to before. Conclusion: the Hawking repeater does not degrade the responsiveness or consistency that are important for Internet streaming, VOIP and gaming applications.

o I'm an Internet security nut, and the extender fully supports my WPA2 encryption and my router's dual firewalls. It also offers MAC filtering and supports WPA Radius authentication and WPS, though I am not using these features.

o My router, the superb D-Link DIR-655 (highly, highly recommended) seems happy with the extender.

o My corporate VPN tunnels right through it with no problem.

So far, only the configuration hassles keep me from giving it five stars. I've only had it a short while, so those memories will fade, and if this device proves stable and reliable then my overall-positive estimation will only go up. Its connectivity has already survived much microwave-oven activity in the nearby kitchen.

Certainly, compared to Linksys' WRE54G competitor, the Hawking repeater is light-years better. Another alternative would be to purchase a second access point that supports a repeater mode; D-Link has a few of these, and this would have been my first choice after giving up on the Linksys unit and the salesman convinced me to give this a try. So far, no big regrets, and it's working well.

2/9/09 New information to modify below review, which I gave one star:
I have discovered that the extender's inability to maintain lock occurred with WPA2-PSK (AES) security set. I reset security to WPA-PSK (TKIP) and the extender now seems to work fine. I hope this saves people the trouble I went through to get it to work. I would now rate the extender four stars. Can't give it five, because the extender is supposed to work with any security setting, but doesn't.
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I initially gave this product a favorable review. However, after using it for a couple of weeks, it is now evident that there is a problem: the range extender loses internet connection very easily. My router is a Netgear WNR2000 N router. I verified the problem is with the extender by placing the extender close to the router to insure high signal, as required for proper operation. The internet connection still dropped out frequently. When connected directly to the router without using the extender, there is no problem. So, there is either a problem with the unit I received, or this extender does not work with my router. I will have to return this unit, as it is useless.

Received the extender today & configured it up. Didn't use the wizard because it didn't work (it couldn't find the wireless network even though this worked directly from the browser). I have a lot of wireless security including MAC authentication, which it turns out caused some issues. The extender could be seen be remote PCs but they couldn't acquire an IP address. I called Hawking tech support (India-based) which was a total waste of time. The person had me walk through basic configuration from a script. I couldn't go outside the script or she became confused. She couldn't answer any questions - only work through the script which was everything that I already did +. When I asked about MAC level security, the answer was that she had no script or knowledge about that. There was nobody else to escalate to. Very disappointing.

Anyway, I removed the MAC security on my gateway & behold, everything worked. In retrospect, all that had to be done was to add the MAC address of the extender to the MAC access list on the router & this would have corrected the issue. ***NOTE however, that the MAC address is NOT what shows on your extender; the final digit for the extender is +1, so if you end with C8 you really need C9.

The unit itself is good & extends the network nicely. Just know that if you need anything more than very basic tech support, you won't get help.

Prior to purchasing I reviewed the comments here by others. Seemed like outside of setup problems most had a good experience with this extender. Hence, I decided to purchase it and so far so good. I am posting a setup configuration step by step for others in the future to avoid such headackes.

Before posting such steps, I also noticed a few comments complaining about dropped links. I have not experienced dropped links. If anyone experiences drop links consider that the extender may be just on the border of the access range to the AP. This could be caused by distance (too far); a semi-blind spot between extender and AP; or some interferring devices such as microwave ovens or cordless phones in the path between extender and AP. Consider relocating the extender or changing its default channel setting (mine was set to operate on channel 6; while I have the AP on channel 11). If the extender and AP are in the same room in perfect line of sight of each other, with no interference then disregard this recommendations; you may have a bad device.

Now steps for configuring your HWREN1 extender, with the least headackes:

1. As many others suggest, diregard the CD and easy setup instructions. I tried it and does not work. A number of custom settings are needed, which apparently the CD based install cannot do.
2. If your AP is configured to filter by MAC addresses then you need to add the MAC address of the extender to your AP MAC filter. As someone else pointed out the MAC address provided in the bottom of the extender is not the one you need. Use that same MAC address, but increment the last digit by one. If the last digit is 8, then use 9; if the last digit is 9 use A; these are hex numbers. If you do not understand any of this, then you have not setup your AP to filter by MAC and no need to worry about this step, skip it.
3. Now, if your network is setup with an IP starting as 192.168.1 then you can use your network to connect to the extender. Mine is on 192.168.10. You can check your computers IP and if the first three digits are 192.168.1 then you are good to connect to the extender. You can follow the instructions provided in the provided "Start Here" poster to connect the cables and power up the extender. Because my network is on 192.168.10.0 I decided to connect differently. I used a hub as described in step 4 below, which you can skip (or not), if you are on a net with IPs starting as 192.168.1 (typically your AP will be at IP 192.168.1.1).
4. To avoid any problems with my current network I used a laptop and manually changed its IP to 192.168.1.2. Again if your computer/laptop IP already starts with "192.168.1", you do not need to make this change; unless its last digit is 240. In such case change the IP of your computer as I did from 192.168.1.240 to 192.168.1.2. I have an inexpensive hub. With a network cable I connected one of the hub ports to my laptop (obviously you need to disconneted the computer first from the home network), and then connected another hub port to the extender with a second network cable. If you do not have a hub you can connect your computer/laptop back-to-back to the extender with a cross-over network cable (the one provided with the extender will not work). What this connection does, is it takes the home network out of the picture while configuring the extender. This step 4 is not necessary, but recommended.
5. Once the connections are completed by step 3 or 4, proceed to bring up your IE browser and type in (go to) http://192.168.1.240/. The extender's login should pop up and proceed to type in "admin" for user id and "1234" for password (without quote marks). If that does not work type admin for user id and leave the password field blank. Once you press OK you are presented with the extender's configuration Web page.
6. The Status tab presents configuration information, nothing to set here. You can come back here after done with changes and review. The Basic Setting tab allows to configure the Wireless Setting of the extender. Set the Main ESSID (do not use the same SSID of your AP) to whatever name you want. Here is where you can change the channel number (I left the default setting 6). Click on "Select Site Survey" and after the scan completes, select your AP from the list. Make sure after all selections are made you click the Apply button.
7. The Security tab presents first "MAC Adress Filtering". If you have set MAC adress filtering (which you should) in your AP (see step 2), then you want to enable this same security feature here. There is no point of having MAC address filtering at the AP and allowing someone to break in thru the extender. Add all the same MAC adresses that you have in your AP here again, with the exception of the extender's MAC address added to the AP in step 2. Instead of the extender's MAC address add the AP MAC address. This is important, otherwise the extender will not allow connections from your AP. Make sure to click on Apply button after done with entering MAC adresses, also verify for typos.
8. Move on to Wireless Security, while still under the Security tab. Provide the pre-shared key used in the AP. All security parameters should be the same as in the AP.
9. At some points you may be asked to press Continue or the Apply button while making the above changes. Each time press continue, except after this last step; press Apply which will cause your extender to reboot.
10. Once it reboots, connect back with the browser if your connection was lost. Use again the http://192.168.1.240/ link to reconnect and if necessary login again as admin and whichever default password worked before. We need to make one last change.
11. Move on to the Advanced Settings tab. Leave alone all setting under Advanced Wireless Settings as presented; and move over to System Utility. Here you want to change the device admin password. Unfortunately, this device only accepts a 4 character password (very poor security), nonetheless change it to something else than the default password known by everyone in the World. Click on Apply and when prompted login back with the new password.
12. When presented with the System Utility page again, you may want to change the IP of the extender to something that works on your network. Again, if you are on a network where all IPs start with "192.168.1", then you may leave the default IP as "192.168.1.240". I changed mine to 192.168.10.8 to work correctly on my network. This way I can make future changes over the wireless or wired network without having to connect the extender to a hub. This IP is not necessary for the wireless connection to work, it is only necessary if you need to connect back for administrative and configuration changes using a browser.
13. If you changed the IP then press Apply once more and again if presented with the "Continue" and "Apply" options. If the IP changed you may see a warning that you need to reconnect using the new IP.

After this you can disconnect the network cable from your extender and relocate it to wherever you need to. Connect power to the extender at its new location and whola!, you should be able to connect to it. If it does not work, you may want to review the steps above and verify that everything entered was correct. I made a mistake in typing one MAC address incorrectly in the MAC filter option. Your security key needs to be also correct if using wireless security. If not sure you can start over by resetting the extender to factory defaults. Reset the extender by pushing the small resesed button on its back and holding it for 10 seconds.

If you changed your computer/laptop IP as I did, you need to change it back as it was originally. You also need to diconnect from the hub if you used one.

That's all folks; hopefully this helps future buyers of this extender. I gave the product 4 starts instead of 5 because of the above setup complications, the worthless CD included and the useless tech support (as reported by others).

I needed to extend wireless range to my back porch in my old plaster walled home (and plaster has metal lathe in the walls that acts like a cone of silence for RF signals)not to mention the blockage from leaded glass windows!
If you need to extend your range too, you can try these steps:
1- Buy a new lynksys N+ router- Nope.
2- return to store.
3- purchase the lynksys extender- spent 3 frustrating hours with Indian chat support - to no avail; dozens of re-boots, paper clip resets and obtuse MS-DOS commands. she diagnosed it as a failed unit.
4- return to store
5- exchange for new extender, drive home
6- spend another fruitless 90 minutes with tech support to be told. gee, guess the lynksys extender doesn't work with a Lynksys router.
7- return to store
8- go to amazon buy Hawking extender.
9- plug in, click 'next' a few times. voila. coverage to the back porch and even the pool deck.
10- relax with mac by pool.

My suggestion... skip steps 1-7. Go with the Hawking.

To be quite honest I was a little hesitant on purchasing the Hawking HWREN1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Range Extender after reading most of all the reviews. Many have mentioned that the installation process has be be manually inputted and that worried me since I am by far NOT a "techie". I can follow instructions but I can not "dissect" or troubleshoot when an installation goes bad.

I currently use the D-Link Wireless DIR-615 N Router, 4-Port 10/100 Switch, 2 Antennas, Draft 802.11n as my wireless router. I own a two-story level split level home and was not receiving a strong signal in the farthest corner bedrooms. On a good day the signal would be 2 bars. I decided after reading so many reviews on many different wireless extenders, I would bite the bullet and get this one. I prepared myself by printing out several of the reviews which gave step by step explanations how to install it manually. When the unit arrived I just looked at it for several minutes trying to debate if I should try to install it myself or call a professional. I had to give it a shot. I put aside the CD installation software as many suggested and attempted to install it manually. I can not recall why or what I did at the time, but I was only able to connect to the "Local" network and not the internet. I tried to go to the internet login page on my browser but it would not connect. I repeatedly retraced my steps and could not figure out why it would not work. I finally decided to insert the installation CD. IT WORKED! I followed the instructions on the CD very carefully, found my network and it only took about 8 minutes to have the unit up and running. Unplugged it and relocated it to the farthest bedroom in the house and it actually improved the signal to the best possible range...5 bars! The signal is constant and does not drop at all. I also want to add that I did not have to go to the login page to make any changes to the configuration (i.e set channel). Thank goodness I did not have to make any changes, because with my luck I would of changed something and it probably would of stopped working.

Maybe Hawkings realized that there were many problems when the unit first came out and since so many voiced their concerns and opinions, they have updated their installation software to be much more user friendly. I want to thank everyone who wrote very informative and helpful reviews. I am extremely happy with my purchase and would highly recommend it.

I live in a multi level cinder block and stucco house that creates havoc with my Wi-Fi reception.

My past experiences have all been with Linksys and spending hours on the phone with their customer (in the Phillipines?)support and ending up frustrated. So when my Linksys Range Extender died I was dreading setting up another. Well I did a lot of research and decided to try this unit. All I can say is unbelievable!!! I took it out of the box and followed the Quick Installation Guide and Voila...success. I now have 3 and 4 bars on the other ends of the house.

Oh...one thing to not forget, once you get it set up, remember to scan for available networks and select the one you just created. It is that simple. Now I have better Wi-Fi reception than I have ever experienced in the past.

Based on the good reviews on Amazon, I ordered this item to replace a D-Link repeater that had stopped working. Unfortunately, this repeater didn't work. The setup program ran fine the first time and I was excited to use the repeater. However, after completing setup, the repeater started taking various IP addresses within my subnet that it had not been assigned. Every time it took an address already in use, it kicked the device that had been on that address off the network. I tried switching from DHCP to a static address, but that didn't help. Doing a factory reset calmed the device down enough to run setup again, but, whether I set up through the included application or through the Web interface, the device still picked whatever IP address it liked best.

When it picked the router's IP address, taking down the whole network, I decided to give up and call tech support. Unfortunately, the 888 number on both the instructions and on Hawking's Web site has been disconnected! Stubbornly, I called a number I got off of a press release on their Web site. That got me a phone tree; I called back several times and tried most of the options available, but was unable to get a person. Their Customer Service line immediately dropped me into voicemail.

To be honest, I'm not sure if Hawking is in business or not! If they are, they sure don't act like it. If they are, I'll avoid Hawking products in the future, even though I was attracted to their low price, rich feature set, and good design choices.

I returned the item for a refund. Boo on Amazon: I have to pay the cost of return shipping since it's "not their error." I could try to get an RMA from Hawking but I'm not sure how I'd raise a real person there.