US Robotics Maxg Router

High-speed wireless kit is flooding the market at the moment and US Robotics is the latest to release a new range.

Maxg claims to achieve theoretical speeds of 125Mbits/sec, more than twice that of 802.11g and 17Mbits/sec faster than most Mimo (multiple input, multiple output) and Super G kit. Actual throughput is always lower and US Robotics claims that 35Mbits/sec is possible.

Keen to distance itself from Super G, which can cause problems with nearby 802.11g networks, US Robotics has ensured that Maxg doesn't include any form of channel bonding. The popular Mimo route hasn't been taken either; instead, Maxg uses digital signal processing techniques based on 802.11g to improve speeds.

During testing, we achieved speeds of just over 30Mbits/sec, although this was only over a distance of five metres in a pure Maxg environment. Throughput decreases as you stray from the router, but another benefit of Maxg is increased coverage.

Fifty per cent greater coverage than 802.11g is possible, which roughly equates to about 70ft indoors. It's worth noting that most Mimo kit, such as the Netgear WPN824, is capable of almost doubling this coverage.

The enhanced performance rapidly disappears if you add 802.11g kit to your Maxg network, so it's best to buy Maxg adapters for all your PCs. Maxg PCI cards, PC cards and USB sticks all cost £44.99.

Other interesting features include a USB socket, which allows any USB printer to be used as a network printer, and automatic prompting to set up wireless security.

Performance isn't as impressive as some Mimo kit, but it comes at a good price and includes some decent features. An ADSL modem version is expected soon.

Verdict

Pros:
Cheap; USB port; good security

Cons:
Slightly slower than some Mimo kit

Overall:
Comes equipped with some good features and has automatic prompting for wireless security and integrated USB port

Added:  Monday, October 31, 2005
Reviewer:  Personal Computer Wo
Score:
Related web link:  PCW
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Language: eng