SMC7004VWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 4-port 10/100Mbps and 802.11b 11 Mbps Access Point

by SMC

Product Details

Product Manual [5.63mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006HMR3
• Item model number: SMC7004VWBR
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 2, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Barricade wireless cable/DSL broadband router (SMC7004VWBR) is a platform-independent multifunctional router that combines a 4-port 10/100 Mbps dual-speed switch, an 802.11b wireless access point, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall security, network management, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through support in one convenient device.

The wireless Barricade router is the first router in its class to offer an integrated SPI firewall. This firewall provides protection against hacker invasions--such as Denial of Service attacks--by analyzing individual data packets as they pass through the Barricade, to ensure that only authorized packets are allowed access to the network. To control network access, parents or business owners can block certain Web sites by entering either a URL or just a keyword of a Web site. In addition to these incredible features, this addition to the Barricade family provides hacker prevention and logging functionalities; for example, when a hacker attempts to access your network, the Barricade can alert you via e-mail so you can take appropriate action.

The wireless Barricade provides a 10/100 Mbps WAN port for high-speed integration into your network. Supporting NAT, the Barricade can provide simultaneous Internet access for up to 253 PCs using a single, purchased IP address. To manage these connections, the Barricade has a built-in DHCP server to auto assign IP addresses to devices on your network. To install this device, simply place the EZ 3-Click Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive and in minutes you will be surfing the Web. Using the Web-based management system you can configure this router to handle IP routing and port forwarding through the virtual server option. For additional management, this router also has a full-featured access control option. The integrated feature allows you to filter traffic through your network based on IP and MAC address.

For wireless connectivity, the wireless Barricade supports 802.11b communication at data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps. To secure this wireless connection, the Barricade supports MAC address filtering and both 64- and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). This integrated wireless technology allows you to connect to your network from up to 1,000 feet away.

SMC's Barricade wireless cable/DSL broadband router is a comprehensive networking solution for PC, Mac, and Linux users, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Combine all of these features, functionality, and affordability with SMC's award-winning technical support and service, and you have the perfect network device for any situation.

Product Description

The Barricade Wireless Cable/DSL Broadband Router is designed specifically for the SOHO users. The SMC7004VWBR allows a single broadband internet connection to be used by mulitple computers. Users can share files, printers, and other devices on a network. The EZ 3-click installation wizard is a new and improved way to install your Wireless Barricade.In 3 simple clicks, you will be connected to the Internet. This device combines a 4-port, 10/100 Mbps switch, an 802.11b wireless access point, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall security, parental controls, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through support, which enables the Barricade to pass IPSec and PPTP VPN traffic for convenient and secure remote access for telecommuters and travelers to access the corporate network.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you could ask for at a great price!, August 7, 2002

By 

P. Macouzet Jr. (Kennewick, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SMC7004VWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 4-port 10/100Mbps and 802.11b 11 Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

I've been putting off the purchase of a router for a while now, but after my ISP was irked at the fact that I was logging in with two simultaneous PPPoE connections using an old hub, I really had no choice.

My college offers wireless access on campus, and I had already purchased an 802.11b card, but I didn't think I'd really have a need for wireless access at home. In fact, I was looking for a wired router at first, until I found the SMC7004VWBR on another site (before Amazon began offering it).

I had read many of the reviews about Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear products, and SMC was the one that had fewer complaints. I was skeptical at first considering I had purchased it for $98 including a $10 rebate, and figured that perhaps I would end up getting what I paid for. After about 3 weeks, I haven't had anyting to complain about yet.

The router's features include Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Denial of Service (DoS) protection, email alerts, parental control, integrated Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through support, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and hacker logging options. Turn on the email alerts and you'll see several alerts in your inbox everyday.

Setup was a breeze. I merely plugged in my desktop into one of the 4 wired ports, plugged in my DSL modem into the WAN port, and accessed the IP address specified in the manual. (The manual is provided on the included CD as well as online).

Even though the quick-start guide asks you to use the CD to set up your connection, you can go ahead and access the setup page via your web browser, as what type of operating system you're using is irrelevant and you don't need any kind of software loaded on your computer.

The setup includes both a quick EZ version (as in 3 clicks and you're done), and a more advanced version. I first used the quick setup just to make sure everything worked, but I then went into the advanced setup to set up my wireless encryption, firewall and NAT settings, etc. The setup page also includes a nice help file that will explain any terms you're not familiar with.

Performance has been exceptionally good. The signal doesn't fade too much as I travel from room to room in my house with my laptop.

Perhaps my only complaint is that there is no easy way to mount it on the wall (although aspiring engineers like myself will find a way).

Overall I think this is one of the best purchases I've made so far, and recommend this to budget-minded (read: college students) individual looking for a feature-rich router with wireless capabilities.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product, September 12, 2002

By 

gabriel g eguia (Watchung, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SMC7004VWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 4-port 10/100Mbps and 802.11b 11 Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

This is a newer version of the router if you didnt know. OK as advertised they have a 3 click install- its really that easy! I am using a d link wireless CF card with my IBM notebook. No joke - i plugged it in - connected the cable into the router , boom connected! I have another computer that is networked and that was no problem as well. Easy to network btw the computers with windows XP.
As for the wifi, the range is pretty good as well. I am connecting 65% from my room upstairs from more than 40 feet away from the router with tons of walls in btw. Connection is still good - and im able to grab divx movies, files, and mp3s from another networked computer with ease. Just in case ur researching just as i have done before, u'll see lots of good stuff said about SMC wifi routers and its true. I tested a D-link wireless + model and i didnt have the ease of setup as i did this. As for negatives, heres one, parallel port is useless and slow - we need a usb port for our printers! also no fault of the router, im having a hard time getting my pocket pc to connect!
good luck

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cable Modem Issues, October 19, 2002

By 

Doug Fisher (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SMC7004VWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 4-port 10/100Mbps and 802.11b 11 Mbps Access Point (Personal Computers)

This review is not to bash or praise the SMC7004VWBR in any way. This is ment as an FYI to potential buyers. The SMC7004VWBR has combatibility issues with the Motorola CyberSUFER Wave Modem. This is an older legacy modem so it may not apply to most. The router worked awesome for me EXCEPT when connecting to the internet. When I connect to the internet the speeds drop to almost nothing... Spoke to SMC tech support and this is a know issue with this router and modem combo. Unfortunatlly, I was disconnected before being able to ask if a future firmware release will adress the issue. On the other hand, my ISP (TW RoadRunner) is going to allow me to swap it out for a newer modem at no charge. As I said, this is just an FYI for potential buyers. Check your modem before buying this router to make sure you wont have the same issues I had to deal with.