Microsoft Wireless-G Notebook Kit

by Microsoft

Product Details

Product Manual [1.55mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000BZO5U
• Item model number: R88-00001
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,754 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 6, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

High-speed, high-security wireless freedom begins here. Get everything you need to set up an 802.11g wireless network for your desktop and notebook computer — all in one box. This easy-to-use, all-in-one kit gets you started with a base station, notebook adapter, and Ethernet cable. After a quick setup process, you can start sharing your broadband Internet connection, files, and printers with the speed and performance of 802.11g.

Unparalleled Easy Networking
The latest 802.11g technology makes using a wireless network easier than ever.

• Intelligent software automatically detects your Internet service and modem settings for easy base station configuration.
• Unique Microsoft automatic update keeps your software current.

Breakthrough Performance
Get unmatched speed, freedom, and flexibility with state-of-the-art 802.11g wireless.

• Smart Windows CE-powered expandable platform delivers the power and flexibility for your current and future needs.
• Lightning-fast 54 Mbps delivers five times the network speed of 802.11b network.
• State-of-the-art hardware with one WAN and four LAN 10/100 auto-sensing and auto-crossover ports.
• Versatile Ethernet and wireless capability connects up to 253 wireless and wired computers.

Wireless Freedom
Roam inside or outside your house or small office with any Wi-Fi equipped notebook computer.

Easy to Use Setup Wizard
Start sharing your broadband Internet connection, files, and printers in no time. A unique installation wizard walks you easily through setup.

Microsoft Broadband Network Utility
Manage your network with ease. Our unique Broadband Network Utility lets you quickly check network status and find specific product-related Help topics.

High Security
Protect your data with the strong security features of 802.11g wireless.

• State-of-the-art secured connection to your office using Virtual Private Network (VPN) passthrough and tunneling.
• Flexible support for 256-bit Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) delivers strong wireless security.

Automatic WEP and Support for WPA Security
Transmit data securely using the latest in wireless encryption. Your network features automatic Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protection and supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), the most sophisticated standard in wireless security.

Full compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11b Wi-Fi networks
Connect easily with either 802.11g or 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless-equipped networks and computers.

Commercial-grade hardware SPI firewall
Secure your network with a commercial-grade, built-in hardware Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) to help protect against unauthorized access.

Gaming Fun
Play games with multiple players, on the Internet or over your own network.

Universal Plug and Play
Use voice and video messaging, games, and other UPnP applications seamlessly.

Ethernet Capability
Add up to four wired computers to your network using the base station’s 4-port Ethernet switch.

Step by Step Instructions
A fold-out guide provides step-by-step instructions to walk you through installing, configuring, and connecting. Find more detailed information in a printed user’s guide.

Toll-Free Product Support
Find answers and get help for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Constant Loss of Wireless Connection, December 12, 2003

By 

dr.droid.who "concerned_amazonian" (East Hartford, CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Wireless-G Notebook Kit (Personal Computers)

I had no problems at all with the computers that were connected via wires to this router. The wireless connection, on the other hand, was HORRIBLE!!!! The signal strength was great throughout the entire house, but the connection would just drop (every minute or so) for no reason.
I was hoping the firmware update that the other reviewers mentioned would fix the issue, and unfortunatelly it did NOT. The connection just keep dropping. Hopefully there is a fix out there. If there isn't, I will be returning this kit. I will let you know how this turns out!!!!!

EDIT-12/12/03. I found the issue. The channel I was using was the problem. I was using channel 5 instead of the default channel 6. Once I swichted it to channel 6 everything was fantastic (maybe something in my area was causing interference with channel 5 - there are no other visible wireless networks in my area). The signal strength was strong. I even tried blocking the signal as best as I could, but no matter what I did the signal remained strong and download speeds were unaffected. Its a great buy!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product, May 13, 2004

By 

M. Carlson (Temecula, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft Wireless-G Notebook Kit (Personal Computers)

I upgraded our router/notebook card from the MN-500 to the MN-820, after our notebook card was damaged. (Never leave the computer leaning card side down against the furniture around small children!)

We were happy with the 500. However, the 820 is a dramatic improvement. We are noticing even better reception around the house and much faster data transfer, going from 802.b to 802.g. Only one little speed-bump with the installation wizard. An error message popped up, but after closing it, the wizard seemed to continue on its own. It finished the job successfully.

I noticed that Microsoft included multiple stickers/warnings in the packaging instructing you to install the router & notebook card ONLY AFTER the wizard tells you too. We had some trouble installing the original mn-500 because we jumped the gun and plugged in the hardware before we were supposed to. Microsoft will probably get far fewer service calls thanks to all the stickers.

You could have two computers connnected with 128 WEP encryption in about 20 minutes after opening the box. Don't skip the encryption section of the wizard. Without WEP, anyone with a wireless card could view your shared directories and use your internet connection. Someone in my neighborhood is using an unsecured wireless network. My laptop can see it! With one click, I could be on it.

I would recommend this product. It's my second Microsoft router/card system and I'll probably go with Microsoft for another future upgrade.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mutual interference from other nearby wireless networks, October 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Wireless-G Notebook Kit (Personal Computers)

I purchased the MN-820 Wireless notebook kit recently and had no problems with installation and operation of the wireless system. However, I live in a condo in a major city. It appears other people also operate a wireless network system in the building. When other wireless networks are operating at the same time as I am, I will be unable to connect and operate my wireless network because of a WEP security interference with the other wireless systems. I will have excellent signal strength, but will be unable to connect to the internet because of a mutual security interference from other wireless units in the building. It appears Microsoft has not encoded the WEP security key in such a manner as to avoid mutual interference from other wireless systems that operate on the same default channel as their wireless network. It is frustrating to be "knocked off" your wireless network with an error message of an "incorrect security key" when that is not the case. I will have to talk to Microsoft technical people to see how to reduce the interference problem. Wish me luck