Linksys WSB24
Linksys (http://www.linksys.com)
for AXIMUSERS.COM
February 26, 2003
By Rommels
Introduction
On January 20, 2003, Linksys introduced the WSB24 that would increase the signal of their 802.11b wireless product, the BEFW11S4 and WAP11. Since it was introduced, I’ve always wondered if it would really increase the signal. Finally I decided to purchase it because of what’s happening with the 802.11g standard.
Adapter, setup diagram, and registration card not shown.
This review is more geared towards members and guests of Aximusers.com that have a Linksys wireless network, and for the ones that utilize their Axim or other Pocket PC devices, laptops, and PCs in their wireless network at home or office. One more thing, I will not go to any technical aspect in this review because I didn't want to confuse the issue with technical jargons or statistics. Instead, I will go straight to the point.
What’s in the box?
The box came with the WSB24 unit, 2 RP SMA to RP TNC connection cables, power adapter, setup diagram, and a registration card.
The WSB24 unit is nicely designed, and it compliments both WAP11 and BEFW11S4, and the unit can stack easily on top. The unit doesn't require any software to run, nor does it require any firmware update. Basically it is a signal amplifier. The WSB24 is only use for the 802.11b standard, hence no speed increase.
Someone from Linksys knows about oxidation. Check out the end of the connectors. The WSB24 has gold connectors and the BEFW11S4 has chrome connectors. The 2 RP SMA to RP TNC cables matches both.
Minimum Requirements
To use the WSB24, you will need a Linksys Wireless Access Point (WAP11) or an EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router with 4 Port – Switch (BEFW11S4).
Setup
The setup was a snap. All it took was 3 easy steps all under a minute.
[*]Place the unit above your wireless access point or router, and remove the antennas from the wireless access point or router.
[*]Connect the 2 RP SMA to RP TNC connection cables to the wireless access point or router and the signal booster.
[*]Attach the antennas to the wireless signal booster, and plug the power adaptor.
Test:
Here comes the fun part. During the test, the WSB24 was connected to a BEFW11S4, and both were located in my computer room upstairs in my apartment. I used both my Axim X5 with a Linksys WCF11 CF Card, and my HP iPaq 5455 with a built in Wi-Fi to find out if the WSB24 claim of the strengthening the signal actually works.
The WCF11 Configuration Utility Link quality and signal strength was based in a 100% scale. As for the iPaq WLAN, the Link quality was set to AUTO, and the signal strength was also based on a 100% scale.
The Dining Room Test
I immediately began the test in the dining room, in which I’ve always receiving a POOR signal with my WCF11 card. The dining room is in the opposite side apartment, away from the computer room.
With the Axim and WCF11 card, my link quality maintained a GOOD (mid 60% to lower 70%) signal strength and link quality (mid 60%). For the iPaq, I maintained excellent signal strength in the lower to mid 90%.
The Outside Test
I would say this is the ultimate test for the WSB24. From where I was standing outside, I would say that I was about 50 to 55 ft away from the unit; blocked by another apartment and a partial brick wall. Here the Axim and WCF11 signal and link quality went to zero, but the iPaq signal strength went as low as 12%. The closer I got to my computer room window in front of my apartment, where I usually receive poor to no signal, I am now receiving a better signal than before.
During the test I've checked other part of my apartment, and I did see better signal strength all over.
Security
One has to wonder about wireless security when you have a signal booster. If your wireless security is
properly configured, then you don't have to worry about any additional security configuration. If not, you have to utilized all the security settings that Linksys offers in their routers or access points. Remember you're now broadcasting a much stronger signal.
Conclusion
I am very satisfied with the result that the Linksys WSB24 has given me. I've had the booster for a couple of weeks now, and given how easy this unit to setup and use, Linksys has a quality product for less than
$90. Would I recommend it for office use? Yes I would recommend the unit because it showed me that it could increase the signal, but overall, the WSB24 is better for killing all the dead spots in your home or office area.
Linear Mode
