Hawking WIRELESS G BRIDGE ACCESS POINT ( HWBA54G )

by Hawking Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 4.8 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001O03UW
• Item model number: HWBA54G
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 2, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Hawking Technology's HWBA54G puts three solutions into one compact unit, saving you time and money. The included Software Setup Wizard lets you change the function of your HWBA54G whenever you wish to adapt to your specifc application and changing network environment.

In the Wireless Access Point Mode, the HWBA54G allows for any existing wired network to go wireless. Simply attach the Wireless Access Point using the included Ethernet cable to an open port in your router or switch and enjoy highspeed wireless networking. You can also use the Access Point to cover "dead spots" in your existing wireless network by placing the unit in a room that is lacking wireless coverage.

The Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode enables any wired Ethernet-ready device to connect to your existing wireless network using the HWBA54G. Connect your PC, notebook, printer, network camera, or evn an entire wired network to the HWBA54G and establish a wireless connetion to your wireless network. Whether in the home or in the office, you can wireless connect your networks without having to run long cables across the floor. The possibilities are endless and the "driver-free" installation is simple.

The AP-Bridge WDS (Wireless Distribution System) Mode functions as a wireless repeater for your wireless network. Simply set the HWBA54G in WDS mode using the easy Setup Wizard and place it in an area that has poor wireless coverage. The WDS HWBA54G will receive the wireless signal from your HWBA54G Access Point and repeat the signal and distribute it among the wireless stations within its coverage area. This mode is ideal for wireless dry spots where coverage is poor as well as for building to building applications.

What's in the Box
HWBA54G wireless access point and Ethernet bridge, CD-ROM with drivers and manual, printed quick installation guide

Product Description

Multi-Function: Wireless-G Access Point, Ethernet Bridge or Wireless Repeater:

Hawking Technology's HWBA54G puts three solutions into one compact unit, saving you time and money. The included Software Setup Wizard lets you change the function of your HWBA54G whenever you wish to adapt to your specific application and changing network environment.

Wireless-G Access Point Mode:

In the Wireless Access Point Mode, the HWBA54G allows for any existing wired network to go wireless. Simply attach the Wireless Access Point using the included Ethernet cable to an open port in your router or switch and enjoy highspeed wireless networking. You can also use the Access Point to cover "dead spots" in your existing wireless network by placing the unit in a room that is lacking wireless coverage.

Wireless-G Bridge Mode:

The Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode enables any wired Ethernet-ready device to connect to your existing wireless network using the HWBA54G. Connect your PC, notebook, printer, network camera, or even an entire wired network to the HWBA54G and establish a wireless connection to your wireless network. Whether in the home or in the office, you can wireless connect your networks without having to run long cables across the floor. The possibilities are endless and the "driver-free" installation is simple.

Wireless-G AP-Bridge WDS Mode:

The AP-Bridge WDS (Wireless Distribution System) Mode functions as a wireless repeater for your wireless network. Simply set the HWBA54G in WDS mode using the easy Setup Wizard and place it in an area that has poor wireless coverage. The WDS HWBA54G will receive the wireless signal from your HWBA54G Access Point and repeat the signal and distribute it among the wireless stations within its coverage area. This mode is ideal for wireless dry spots where coverage is poor as well as for building to building applications.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ok, but could be better., September 1, 2005

By 

Kevin Zahn "Kevin" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hawking WIRELESS G BRIDGE ACCESS POINT ( HWBA54G ) (Personal Computers)

This item works ok, but doesn't seem to be any better than other brands. The technical support, and Hawking website are absolutely terrible. I received an email from their tech support which was just completely wrong. I figured the problem out myself and it worked, but they said it wouldn't.


Changing the settings from AccessPoint to Bridge REQUIRES software to update a firmware in the router. It's almost a gamble to change the configuration, because if you lose power during the change, your firmware is completely screwed up.

Their website is terrible as well. The online PDF manual was originally created in portrait, but the PDF format was set to landscape, so the text is missing from the top and the bottom of the manual. There is nothing in the website that is actually helpful. It's more of a "sales" website than a support site.

Although the equipment does work, if you ever need support, you're either on your own or at the mercy of whoever you may find on the Internet to help since the tech support is laughibly bad.

Buyer Beware.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Awful Tech Support, May 3, 2006

By 

Hawking-less (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hawking WIRELESS G BRIDGE ACCESS POINT ( HWBA54G ) (Personal Computers)

When this thing works, it's fine. But if anything goes wrong, you're SOL.

I had to reset my router, which means it defaults to an unencrypted state. To re-set encryption, you have to go to a web address. The site no longer exists -- or at least it's been down for the past few days. The "24/7" tech support number is a joke -- I've been on hold now for two hours. (I'm on hold as I write this!) I've written e-mail, no response. Are these guys even still in business?

Buyer beware!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Setup is fraught with peril and "reset" may wedge your box., April 11, 2006

By 

M. Harris - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hawking WIRELESS G BRIDGE ACCESS POINT ( HWBA54G ) (Personal Computers)

Setup either requires you to force your machine to the devices subnet - or to run their setup app. Their setup app tries to find the device and allow you to force whatever address you want (or DHCP).

Neither work well on a corporate network - and the direct connect method (direct cable) in their quick start guide is extremely unreliable.

Best is your home network. But their setup app likes to crash.

I only got to the "real" web dialog on the box *once*, set dhcp, and that was the last I talked to the box. I reset it a few times, managing to get the setup exe to "think" it set the IP, but all I ended up getting at this point was a login box that never accepted the login / password.

I believe that the "reset to factory" doesn't work well and may not reset all settings. The box now does show up under dhcp on my router - but with no name. And the login dialog shows "" for the name. So it appears to have lost it's marbles.

I think if you got lucky and set it up it might work - but it would appear if you have to ever reset it during it's convoluted setup procedure that you'd be at risk of getting it into the same
odd state mine is in.

I'm returning it and buying the Belkin F5D7330.