SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access Point

by SMC

Product Details

Product Manual [1.38mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005ARK4
• Item model number: SMC7004AWBR
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (246 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 8, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Barricade wireless broadband router provides home and small-business users with an ideal networking solution offering the ultimate in mobility and flexibility. This multifunctional router is combined with a three-port 10/100 Mbps dual-speed switch, 11 Mbps wireless access point, integrated firewall security, and a built-in print server.

The Barricade has a WAN port as well as Network Address Translation (NAT), which extends simultaneous Internet access for up to 253 PCs on the LAN.

The wireless access point provides data rates of 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps, with 64-bit or 128-bit encryption for wireless LAN security. The Barricade has an operating range of up to 1,000 feet, and allows the connection of multiple users to the Internet using a single purchased IP address. LAN and IP addresses are auto-assigned and easily managed, and the IP routing supports a range of popular applications.

The Barricade wireless broadband router is a comprehensive networking solution for PC or Mac users, and is backed by SMC's limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great way to make broadband even better., October 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

This product was my first attempt at any type of home networking and I had never used a wireless router before. I was very interested in the wireless capability since I mostly use a notebook computer through a DSL connection. Before when I used the computer I was forced to do so in a specific corner of the room so that I was close enough to the phone line that the DSL modem was connected to. Besides the phone cable, there was the ethernet cable running from the modem to the computer, the modem power cable with huge wall wart, a printer cable and printer power cord. It was a mess. The SMC allowed me to move this whole mess into a desk unit, hidden away from sight. In all it took me about an 1/2 hour to install the SMC, connect it to my DSL modem (I did so first through the wired connection to my computer), install the print server and then the SMC wireless card. Without any prior experience the installation went smoothly and without any problem at all. The print server works like a dream and all the documentation, while not extensive, was enough to lead me through all the needed steps. I also connected one of the wired ports to my wife's MAC (I'm PC) and had her using the same DSL connection in about 5 more minutes. I haven't tried to print with the MAC through the server yet, but the documentation says it is possible, but not a supported feature. For me it would just be a bonus to be able to use the same printer for MAC and PC, but the router itself is worth it's weight in gold. I even found that my DSL connection seemed faster when routed through the SMC. The wireless performance is nothing short of amazing and although I do have spots in the house where the performance fails, it works everywhere I need it to. I found just by adjusting the position of the unit and the antenna you can make a connection even in the difficult spots. For the price I couldn't find a better rated unit with this many features and I am please to have purchased it. It's one of those things you say to yourself, "why didn't I do this sooner."

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why would you buy a Linksys?, May 25, 2001

By 

W. Kang (Englewood Cliffs, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

I had a LinkSys wireless router and got rid of that one and replaced it with the SMC. I am a cable modem user in a wooden structure house. I did keep the LinkSys PC Card (no compatability issues. Haven't used WEP though)

The device works great. Advertised range is very optimistic. The web pages load faster than the LinkSys. It has the parallel print server and serial port (for those not yet on broadband or who want a backup).

The only complaint so far is that the LED lights are recessed, so they are invisible if you are not looking at the device headon.

I do like how they put the ports on the back instead in the front like their previous wireless router. Also the rounded style is an improvement over the very plain, boxy old one.

The presence of only 3 ports may be an issue for some people. Or it could be a justification to get a PCI wireless card for that fourth PC. (glass is half-full/half-empty). Also, there is no dedicated uplink port (not a big deal if you have a hub w/ uplink or crossover cable). The adapter is substantially blukier than the one in the Linksys package. But you do get a 10 foot cable in the box.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Low Cost Easy to Use Wireless Product That Works, June 29, 2001

By 

"room200" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

I have to say that I'm very impressed with the Barricade line of products. After going through 3 wired Linksys broadband routers, I was totally put off by their products. I would get frequent disconnects, couldn't re-logon/negotiate protocol, etc. until the routers finally died out. I saw the SMC Barricade regular broadband router (not wireless) and used it for 2 months. Not only do I believe it to the best router for the money, I believe it to be one of the best PERIOD. In the 2-month period I used the router, I never got dropped once from my connection. This made we decide to try the SMC Barricade Wireless. I've only used it 2 days, but the product actually works as advertised. I unplugged my wired router, plugged in the proper cables and I was up and running in less than 5 minutes. The web setup feature could be improved, but is still easy to use. The distances advertised are a little optimistic though. I live in a third floor apartment, and wanted to test how far I could go with my laptop. I went across the street and sat on my car and still connected to my 1500/384 dsl connection at about 350kbps. One little tip: don't put the router next to any electrical appliances (especially your desktop computer). I have mine placed on the wall about 5 feet off the floor.