Gigabyte GN-A17GU 802.11g WiFi Access Point Review
As we have stated in previous articles, 802.11g is
the future of wireless networking. Combining complete compatibility with
the now-standard 802.11b with improved speed and security mechanisms, WIFI ‘g’
does not really have a downside.
Business users have been among the first to
jump on the 802.11g bandwagon, as the new standard offers increased security
over the previously flawed implementations of WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol).
Wireless Protected Access, or WPA is the latest wireless encryption scheme to
come along, and most WIFI ‘g’ products now support it.
For today’s
review, we take a look at Gigabyte’s entry into the WIFI
‘g’ business arena, the GN-A17GU wireless access point. Gigabyte has released several wireless
‘g’ products recently, and the company is starting to make a
name for itself in the business wireless market. The GN-A17GU can be considered
their first foray into ‘corporate’ 802.11g products.
The GN-A17GU comes with
a decent bundle of equipment, at least for a networking product. Inside the box
(ooh... shiny) are a couple of CAT 5 Ethernet cables,
one crossover and one patch, a stand that doubles as a
wall mounting bracket and the screws necessary to attach said
bracket.
Also in the box is a decent
53-page print manual which, though it does not go into depth
on the various features of the Gigabyte GN-A17GU, is still
extremely useful for beginners. It goes step-by-step through
all installation procedures, including configuring your PCs to work
with the access point. The CD containing Gigabyte’s access point utility rounds out
the contents.
The GN-A17GU itself is very utilitarian in
appearance, obviously intended for business environments. Plain white and
unobtrusive, with a single row of four LEDs indicating power, LAN and wireless
LAN connections.
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