Final Remarks
2.4Ghz wireless
technology is only acceptable for casual interest browsing and tiny file transfers.
When I complete my monthly backup, I transfer over 10GB worth of data. Using
the IBM drives and DLink gigabit NIC's this takes 15 minutes with over 78,000
files. If this was (gulp) attempted with only a 4.98Mbps (611KB/s) transfer
rate, that figure would climb to over 273 minutes.
If the 128-bit wireless
encryption protocol doesn't function properly, your network could be exposed
to anyone with a wireless card. It is also known that encrypting the data
reduces bandwidth, but since I couldn't get it to work, I can't tell you by
how much.
As far as practical distance
goes, I would estimate that without the use of external antennas on the Wavebase
and client card, you would be limited to 40-50 feet indoors and 200+ feet
outdoors. I tested extensively in the 12-inch to 30 foot range however.
Is $399 a fair price for
the Wavebase? If you must have IPSec, it may indeed well be, but keep in mind
that there are similar products out there in networking land that duplicate
most of the functions minus IPSec for about half the asking price.
Conclusion
At this time,
I cannot recommend the Wavebase. There are simply too many problems to resolve
about its functionality and reliability. The initial effort of Nexland to
break into the U.S. pro-sumer market is good, but further product refinement
is required. It pains me greatly to write such reviews, but such is the life
of a reviewer. Not all products, even expensive ones, work as intended or
advertised. If the situation changes or the Wavebase is revised in some significant
manner, I'll keep you posted.
William
Yaple
05/19/02
