- Wireless router/3-port switch
- Built-in firewall & print server
- 11Mbps wireless PCMCIA card
Technical Details
Product Details
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Product Description
The SpeedStream« wireless DSL/cable router expands network boundaries. Together with an existing DSL or cable modem connection, it brings the freedom of high-speed, wireless broadband connectivity to home and SOHO networks. It provides enhanced firewall security to protect sensitive data while you enjoy Internet gaming, video and IP telephony.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointing,
By
This review is from: Siemens SpeedStream 11Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router and PCMCIA Adapter Bundle ( BNDLESS2623 ) (Personal Computers)
Before buying this product I did a very thorough research, and it turned out that the 2623 had the best and most features in its class. What the reviews do not tell you though, is how the product performs in a variety of environments and for a prolonged time. And here is where the disappointment kicks in.Setting up the router was very simple. My configuration is a Thinkpad T21/Win 2000/Cisco Wireless 340. The router performed decently for about 1 week. I had two problems: i) download rate was 1/2 than wireline, even if I was physically next to the router (100% signal strenght, 87% signal quality); ii) the connection was dropped by the router every 30mins. I am giving to i) the benefit of the doubt and blaming current technology, altough I am experiencing much higher rates with this card at work. About ii), even if I changed the time-out parameter for admin log-off in the router set-up, the problem persists, although the drop-offs are now rarer. The real problems started after a week or so of intense use. The wireless connection does not work any more. I have checked the settings, downloaded the newest router and cisco card firmware, and tested the card in the workplace LAN. I am very confident that the card is not the problem. I called Speedstream's phone support a few times, and, although the waiting time was always less than 5 minutes, the representatives were always clueless and offered advice I could find on the manual. The speedstream "knowledge base" on the corporate web site is laughable: its advice is either out of date, or missing. I will try for another week, after which I will return the product. Based on this experience, I learned something on this class of products; i.e., peripherals such as hard drives, burners, modems etc. The price is not the issue. The issue is how gracefully performance degrades, and how easy it is to maintain the system using on-line support, phone support, and manuals. Of course I knew this, but hadn't really experienced it so far. Antoher advice: trust the users' opinions you can find on Amazon, as well as other feedback sites and newsgroups, more than the reviews. They offer a much more accurate picture than datasheet-based reviews, and are usually more honest. A success rate of less than 90% should ring a warning bell. I am sorry I didn't hear it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Works once the BIOS is upgraded,
By A Customer
This review is from: Siemens SpeedStream 11Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router and PCMCIA Adapter Bundle ( BNDLESS2623 ) (Personal Computers)
Initially, this appears to be an interesting device: four port hub, a networked printer port, wireless access and firewall/router. It could theoretically substitute for my three separate Linksys devices. I've been using the Siemens/Efficient Networks SpeedStream 2623 for approximately a year with an Intel Anypoint wireless card. The results are somewhat mixed: Prior to the most recent flash BIOS update, wireless connections the router would frequently and randomly lock up. This was not a factor of distance, and resetting the computer/wireless card would not always fix the problem. I have not had these problems since the most recent flash. My experience with technical support isn't very positive, but seems relatively typical of the industry. They clearly go by a checklist and endeavor to trying to find point blame it on some other component of the network. Ultimately I was able to find an obscure technical note on their web site that described the same problem. I could never get the printing functionality to work from Windows 2000. (9x wasn't a problem, however.) I stopped trying when I realized my particular printer model (HP970) has both serial and USB connectors which I connect into each machine. Range varies -- usually I can work on the front or back porch, or anywhere within the house EXCEPT the kitchen -- a running microwave will kill the connection. Speed definitely drops off with distances or obstacles. With medium/40-bit encryption enabled, 25' and three walls away, I get about 140kbps. Although I'm happy now, it shouldn't take nine months to work the bugs out of the system. I don't have comparables to ascertain how much wireless networking is overhyped, but feel this sort of box should be relatively easy for a moderately technical user to set up.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Works once the BIOS is upgraded,
By A Customer
This review is from: Siemens SpeedStream 11Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router and PCMCIA Adapter Bundle ( BNDLESS2623 ) (Personal Computers)
Initially, this appears to be an interesting device: four port hub, a networked printer port, wireless access and firewall/router. It could theoretically substitute for my three separate Linksys devices. I've been using the Siemens/Efficient Networks SpeedStream 2623 for approximately a year with an Intel Anypoint wireless card. The results are somewhat mixed: Prior to the most recent flash BIOS update, wireless connections the router would frequently and randomly lock up. This was not a factor of distance, and resetting the computer/wireless card would not always fix the problem. I have not had these problems since the most recent flash. My experience with technical support isn't very positive, but seems relatively typical of the industry. They clearly go by a checklist and endeavor to trying to find point blame it on some other component of the network. Ultimately I was able to find an obscure technical note on their web site that described the same problem. I could never get the printing functionality to work from Windows 2000. (9x wasn't a problem, however.) I stopped trying when I realized my particular printer model (HP970) has both serial and USB connectors which I connect into each machine. Range varies -- usually I can work on the front or back porch, or anywhere within the house EXCEPT the kitchen -- a running microwave will kill the connection. Speed definitely drops off with distances or obstacles. With medium/40-bit encryption enabled, 25' and three walls away, I get about 140kbps. Although I'm happy now, it shouldn't take nine months to work the bugs out of the system. I don't have comparables to ascertain how much wireless networking is overhyped, but feel this sort of box should be relatively easy for a moderately technical user to set up.
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