Nexland WaveBase Wireless/Wired Gateway
Review by David on 04.05.02

Item supplied by Nexland

Conclusion/Final Thoughts

Working with the WaveBase was a joy, in that I hardly noticed its presence. A gateway shouldn't interfere at all with what a common user is trying to accomplish, and the WaveBase has done exactly that. The initial configuration went extremely smoothly, and the extensive, easy-to-access help files integrated into the browser-based configurations were significantly more helpful and convenient than most help documents. The dissapointment about a lack of any true console/command-line configuration will be greater for some than others, but is nonetheless something to bear in mind. An extensive repertoire of standard features, enhanced by other special features, such as the ability to reserve IP addresses for specific hosts in the DHCP server and the ISDN/analog connection option combine to make the WaveBase an excelent gateway for those features alone. Adding 802.11b functionality, plus the ability to upgrade to new technologies in the future boosts the functionality and overall quality of the product as a whole.

Pros

• Great browser-based configuration and help
• 802.11b function with ability to upgrade
• Standard features, plus enhancements

Cons

• Cost ($399 is a bit expensive for most home users, but not bad for small/medium companies)
• Little/no command/console configuration
• LEDs somewhat unclear/undefined
• Purple might not go well with most people's color scheme, to be picky

While clearly one specific product isn't going to be best suited for every situation, the WaveBase is quite versitile, in that it supports 10/100 full duplex CAT5 cable, as well as wireless 802.11b LAN connections. For this, and the above reasons, the WaveBase receives

8.5/10.

Product Information
Manufacturer: Nexland
Product: WaveBase Wireless Gateway
Retail Price: $399