Linksys router a sleek remedy for weak wireless networks

Linksys SRX router

Wireless networking is the best thing to happen to computers since high-speed internet connections. Since I invested in a wireless router and Wi-Fi enabled laptop, I've done more with my computer and internet connection that ever before. I rest it on top of my stereo and stream web radio stations; I read recipes straight from the screen as I cook in the kitchen; I even have instant messenger conversations in bed.

But wireless is still fiddly. Despite attempts to make Wi-Fi gear "plug-and-play", it still requires computer knowledge to set up. And when it's running, mysterious forces will conspire to wipe out your network and kill your signal strength.

In my case, the thick concrete walls and vast size of the warehouse I live in pose problems for wireless networking.

In my office and lounge I can surf on a reliable wireless connection and get good download speeds via my 256 kbps (kilobits per second) ADSL connection. In the kitchen and bedroom I'm lucky to get a connection at all. That's where the Linksys SRX router has helped out.

Take it out of its box and you'll get the impression you're handling some kind of electronic stick insect. The sleek device is topped with three long, thin antennas, which can be set at different angles. The SRX uses MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology to boost the number of radio transmitters and receivers talking to each other on your network. This results in what Linksys says is up to eight times faster wireless data throughput and a wireless zone up to three times bigger in size.

An instruction sheet outlines the settings for ADSL wireless networking, which requires a separate ADSL modem. Everything is set via a web browser.

The extended range of the SRX means the students in the house two streets over will now be able to surf on your wireless internet connection as well as the ones living across the street. So setting up security from the outset is crucial.

The web interface lets you set WPA and WEP encryption immediately. Then you can add password security and disable your SSID tag to avoid advertising your wireless presence to the world.

Initially, I was surfing on the wireless network with the SRX using the inbuilt wireless chip on my Hewlett-Packard laptop. I noticed no difference, and the signal still dropped out in parts of the building.

It was a different story, however, when I installed the Linksys wireless PC card, which uses the same technology as the SRX. It was as though the power had been cranked up.

Using Netstumbler wireless detection software, I was able to walk around outside the building and pick up a strong signal from the network. I've never been able to do that before. Web surfing wasn't a great deal faster, but that is limited by the speed of your internet connection. Pinging the router did, however, bring faster connection times, so the network is technically more efficient.

Use of the wireless PC card was the difference. Ultimately the SRX router will only give you boosted performance when used in conjunction with supported cards. It does seem likely the MIMO standard will take hold in a wider range of wireless products.

The SRX also hosts four ethernet ports for wired connections, so it provides plenty of flexibility. For those who like to spread out and operate free of wires, the SRX is a sizable but worthy investment to make.

* A good DIY guide to home networking is available by following the link below.

Linksys SRX router

Price: $325 (802.11g/b SRX wireless PC card $202)
Herald rating: 8/10
Pros: Boosts signal strength, easy to set up.
Cons: Needs separate ADSL modem; works best with SRX-enabled wireless cards.