Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was skeptical about this product due a lack of reviews on the net but decided to take the plunge...
My wireless network consists of a Belkin Wireless N Router (F5D8233-4)using WPA,WPA2 w/ TKIP+AES security and the Hawking range extender has no problem communicating with it.
I chose to forgo the setup CD and went directly to the web interface to set things up. The interface is simple and pretty self explanatory. Out of the box the ip is 192.168.1.240. Login is: admin, pw:1234
Initially I was getting intermittent and/or limited connectivity when trying to connect to the internet; this is usually due to the security/encryption settings so make sure to enter your info carefully to match your parent router exactly. To remedy this here's what apparently worked for me (my security settings were matched up)
-Updated the firmware. Mine came shipped with ver. 1.10 There is a new one out 1.13 that you can find on the Hawking Technology website.
-In the "Advanced Wireless setup" I unchecked the WMM option...possible conflict with parent router?
-Set CTS protect to auto (as suggested in manual)
-Unplug the power for 10 seconds and plug back in.
After that I was all connected!
The am VERY impressed with how much my overall network range has increased, especially considering the 5 or so walls this it has to go through...where there used to be no signal, I have full bars and an excellent signal. In contrast, the belkin g range extender it's replacing did little to improve my range. On a plus note is that you can upgrade the antennas if needed.
Primary use is for my Direct TV HR-21 for VOD. As far as I know there are few marketed "N" options available to do the job...two are:
-Linksys WGA600N- Wireless bridge that reportedly works very well.
-D-Link DAP-1522- includes 4 LAN slots. (I was concerned w/ compatibility issues with my router)
I chose the Hawking because it advertises to work with "any" AP or router and for roughly the same $$ of the Linksys, I can extend the range of my signal too. If I need another LAN port I'll just buy a cheap 10/100 switch.
I can't give it 5 stars because I have no long-term experience with the product.
In short, if you're looking for a "N" WURE solution for your network, give it a try. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
UPDATE 1/15/10...
Well it has been over a year and I am still thoroughly satisfied with this product and has performed flawlessly for me. Over this time I have swapped out my parent router for a D-Link 655 and have added a 10/100 switch to the Hawking to also connect a new PS3 Slim. I am still running the same firmware since I have not had any issues with it; going with the philosophy of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I'm considering picking up another one when the price is right to further extend my network. On a side note, my apologies for not addressing questions over the year; I didn't select to receive notifications for comments on my review.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Hawking HWREN1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Range Extender
Hawking HWREN1 effectively doubles the operating distance of your entire wireless network. Whether it is an area in your home that has limited or no wireless coverage or a warehouse in your office, the Hawking wireless-300N range extender takes the signal from your wireless access point and retransmits it at a higher rate. Simply place the range extender halfway between your wireless access point and wireless trouble spot. The HWREN1 is the only wireless repeater on the market that supports most wireless 802.11b/g/n networks and devices so you never have to worry whether the wireless network at your home or office will work with the range extender. The HWREN1 also features a new software setup wizard for hassle-free installation. To setup the range extender, you simply load the setup CD and scan for a network to extend. Package contents include one hi-gain wireless-300N range extender, one power adapter, one CD with PC setup wizard, one RJ-45 cable, and installation guide.
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