| SMC2804WBR Barricade g 2.4GHz 54 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Broadband Router |
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Model: SMC2804WBR
Brand: SMC
Manufacturer: SMC
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 32
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
New improved 54 Mbps 802.11g Performance
Interoperates with Wireless 802.11b Products
EZ 3-Click Installation Wizard
Connects to Cable/xDSL modem
URL blocking to limit access to certain websites by entering a full URL addresses or keyword of the website |
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| Description: |
| SMC SMC2804WBR Barricade 802.11g Wireless Router - Just like any other router, the SMC2804WBR lets you share a high-speed Cable Modem, or DSL connection with multiple computers on the network. But unlike most routers, the SMC2804WBR shares that connection wirelessly as well! Any notebook or desktop equipped with 802.11g, or 802.11b, devices can both access the network & share the Internet. Hacker attack prevention & logging 64/128-bit WEP Encryption of wirelessly transmitted data |
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| User Reviews (32 total): |
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Review after Extended Use, February 28, 2007
By user
I have been using this router for at least a couple of years and thought I would review it from a long term perspective.
First, my primary computer is a Macintosh. I use this to configure the router and connect wirelessly. The configuration is entirely web based so I don't have any problems using the Mac. I have used Windows and it works fine too. I also have a PC, Xbox360, and Tivo connected to the router. They all work well.
The good: My experience with SMC in general says that it is the most reliable of the routers. I have left these things running upwards of a year at a time without resetting. They never seem to drop connections. They are browser configurable so you can use any computer you wish (Mac/PC/Unix). Some of my SMC stuff is about 10 years old and still works great.
The Bad: Tech support is weak even if you can find someone whose english isn't so bad you can understand them. Often times new hardware requires a flash upgrade to get rid of some nasty bugs. Both of these issues appear to be the industry norm, though. Also, not all forms of wireless encryption offered by the SMC are (or were) supported for the Mac and SMC tech support doesn't know that. Use 128bit WEP password or struggle.
I gave it 4 stars because every SMC including my 2804 works. It works well. It works reliably without occasional reboot and it is Mac friendly. The tech support issues need resolution despite the fact that it is industry norm these days to offshore to a country with people you cannot understand. I think I'm rating it more harshly than others would but my explanation should make it clear whether or not this item is right for you. I want reliability. SMC provides that better than anyone else I have used.
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great router, January 16, 2007
By user
This router has performed flawlesley sice I configured it. UPNP seems to work well but have only had two xboxs on at once. Soon I will put it to the real test when I hook up cable internet and host an xbox LAN. Great router.
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excellent smc product, August 24, 2005
By user (Missouri)
This is an excellent router, SMC makes the best products!! However... if you are a begginer i would not suggest this router, you actually have to have an idea of what you are doing to work this router. So if you have a clue, then i suggest this router!
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This is the second SMC router, both are bad, June 8, 2005
By user
I bought the SMC2804 2 months ago to replace my previous SMC7004. Both had problems--I was hesistant to buy this one but the rebate looked very good. I should have not taken the rebate. After 2 months of initially running smoothly, this morning the connection is now lost. I can connect to the internet just fine on just the DSL modem, but not to the SMC router. After 2 hours talking to tech support (which is not always very helpful--hard to understand what some are saying and they just tell you how to reset/restart or turn off and on the modem and router), they finally gave up and issued me a tech authorization/RMA number for replacement. This is what happened to the last SMC7004...I'm not having high hopes for this one.
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Another Great Product from SMC, May 31, 2005
By user (Indianapolis, IN)
I have used SMC routers for several years now, from wired to wireless. The 2804WBR was purchased to replace a 7004AWBR 802.11b router and bring the wireless part of the network up to 802.11g. Until all the wireless cards on the network are upgraded to 802.11g, the router is running in mixed B&G mode with 128-bit WEP. The signal strength is good, and the router works well with a lot of off-brand B&G wireless cards. This router is not the easiest to configure, due to its many features and options, however if you know about networking you will be fine. I can't vouch for the EZ-Setup utility. I have never used those quicky setup utilities with any brand of router and always configure routers manually. The Port forwarding, DMZ, and MAC filtering features are fairly intuitive and work very well. I am shocked at the number of negative reviews for this router. I have emailed SMC's tech support many times with questions and have always received a timely satisfactory reply. I have worked with several of these personal cable/DSL routers such as D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Airlink, SOHO, Belkin, and Siemans. I have always made my personal choice SMC. They are not the cheapest nor the easiest to setup, but they are rock-solid dependable and have a robust offering of features not seen in most off-the-shelf retail personal routers. The 2804WBR is no exception. After spending 30 minutes entering in the configuration settings (including the security settings), I slipped it in place of the 7004AWBR without a single hiccup on the LAN, WAN, or wireless parts of the network. Wish they all worked this good!
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Easy to set up for home network., March 18, 2005
By user (Cincinnati)
I am replacing an older 7004awbr with the 2804wbr so that we can take one with us on vacation while the network at home is intact for people staying there. With the rebate, it was as cheap as a long ethernet cable!
My college kids use it with their smc usb adapters when they bring their desk pc's home at breaks. It gives us a lot of flexibility.
It was VERY easy to set up and worked right away. I use MAC id protection and that's great. Definately improved usability and features over the one I'm replacing.
I've had great experiences with SMC support in the past, including prompt replacement of a failed device. I'm looking forward to more of the same.
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OUTSTANDING-high performance, feature packed,dependable, February 9, 2005
By user (Chicago, IL)
SMC produces **outstanding** networking products at outstanding prices - **Period**.
I have purchased and installed dozens of SMC networking products, **all without failure**.
After trying less expensive LinkSys products that failed after firmware updgrade (wireless router), and a LinkSys wireless card (corrupted key operating system files), the few extra dollars spent for the performance and features of an equivalent SMC product are worth every penny.
The cost in time and effort using anything but SMC networking products is simply not worth the money saved or the wasted time.
SMC networking products are not a pretty blue, they are a stark, functional grey, and provide an incredible array of security, and network configuration options. If you want functionality, SMC is the only way to go. If you want pretty, well, you'll get what you paid for.
If you want an affordable, business class router with outstanding performance and features, this router is the only way to go.
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WEP wont work with with other equipment, December 20, 2004
By user
I have one of these and have had a couple of problems and SMC's tech support is geared only to user problems and not problems with the equipment. The WAN port will not get a DHCP from my ISP. I have to get a dhcp lease with other gear and then set the router to static. When my ISP changes my IP address I have to do this again. The other issue is that it will only talk to other 802.11b, or 802.11g equipment if all security (WEP, etc) is turned OFF. So if you have a static IP from your ISP, and you dont need security go ahead and get one. Oh and dont expect help from their tech support when it doesn't work the way it should. After all every other 802.11 equipment is broken not theirs.
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Lousy broadcast range and frequent dropped connections, December 17, 2004
By user
I bought this unit about 6 months ago and have had nothing but problems with it. Initially I had to spend approximately 2 hours on the phone with tech support in order to even get a connection and ever since new I have been plagued with lousy signal strength and dropped connections.
This unit frequently drops connections (perhaps 2 or 3 times per hour) and has very very poor signal strength. At present, I'm approximately 20 feet from the router with only a single wood frame wall between us and all I am getting is 2 or 3 bars out of 5 signal strength. In comparision, the new Linksys unit I just bought which is installed and sitting on the same desk as the SMC unit is giving me a perfect 5 out of 5 signal strength.
I didn't realize the SMC was so poor relative to the competition until a recent trip where the friend I was staying with had a Linksys router and I was able to connect without any problems at all. Upon my return, I immediately bought the Linksys and have not had a single problem - it was plug and play from the minute I pulled it out of the box.
The SMC is the biggest piece of junk I have ever bought.
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Great Product, as usual, from SMC, December 10, 2004
By user (Dunedin, FL USA)
This router was purchased to upgrade my SMC7004VWBR 802.11b router. I never had a problem with the b router and didn't expect any with this new SMC2804WBR router - there weren't any!
This router installed easily and configured in a hurry (once I actually read the manual telling me the default password for the router; my old one did not have a password by deafult).
Its been rock solid for over a week now and my past experience with SMC Tech Support has been wonderfully pleasent. You can't got wrong with the SMC2804WBR or any other SMC product.
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more configurable than others, December 8, 2004
By user (Boston, MA United States)
Has a lot of features that people probably won't use in mapping external ports to internal systems in the DMZ. Has a built-in SPI firewall like Netgear's WAP and DDOS attack prevention.
Minus one star because you can't upgrade it w/ open source firmware like the Linksys router (which you can put Sveasoft on); when you do a firmware upgrade, it also blows away your configuration, so you have to reconfigure the IP addresses if you change the defaults.
You have to wonder if all these negative reviews are from people using WinXP. WinXP seems to connect to whatever is in the neighborhood even if you tell it to use a specific SSID (look at the article in Wired magazone) because of its "Zero Configuration" support. If you have dropped connections w/ WinXP, switch operating systems :-)
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Buy the SMC2804WBR, it beats any similar LinkSys product., November 15, 2004
By user (Fort Lee, NJ)
I've had the Siemens SS2623A for a number of years, and
was looking to upgrade from 802.11b to 802.11g for added
speed.
I was in J&R (NYC), and not knowing which wireless
broadband router to get, I purchased both the LinkSys
WRT54GS, and the SMC2804WBR (note: there are 2 versions
of the SMC2804WBR: P/N 751.0164, and 750.9915. This
review covers the 751.0164).
Reasons why I kept the SMC over the LinkSys:
1. LinkSys took over an hour to setup, and the interface
was a bit quirky. The SMC, on the other hand, has a very
intuitive interface and a built-in 3-click setup wizard,
which got me connected to my 4 megabit cablemodem ISP
(OPTONLINE.NET) in no time. After that, I simply
fine-tuned the setup to my preferences of gateway base
address, SSID, WEP, etc. The SMC unit is a PLEASURE to
administer.
2. The LinkSys SpeedBooster feature is enabled by the
use of a driver that runs on the PC side. Thus only Win
98, XP, and NT can take advantage of the SpeedBooster.
All other OS's including Win95, MacOS, and Linux are
S.O.L.!
The SMC barricade uses Conexant's PRISM Nitro, which is a
PACKET-BURSTING method that's 100% 802.11 b/g compatible.
This means that your wireless PC can take advantage of the
increased performance as long as it's 802.11 b/g compatible.
3. I downloaded NetSumbler (www.stumbler.net), and
compared the signal strength of the SMC2804WBR to the
LinkSys WRT54GS, and at 1 floor down, the LinkSys had
half the signal strength of the SMC device. Moreover,
the throughput speed was consistently faster on the
SMC than on the LinkSys.
4. Finally, the LinkSys WRT54GS is over TWICE THE PRICE
of the SMC2804WBR.
Needless to say, I packed up the LinkSys and returned it
the next day. The SMC2804WBR is a worthy replacement
for my old and trusted Siemens SS2623A.
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Good features but problematic DHCP client, November 11, 2004
By user
This router's DHCP client just doesn't want to connect to my firewall's (sonicwall) DHCP server. Sometimes disabling the SMC's firewall allows its DHCP client to work. SMC tech support told me to use an older firmware which I did. It helped, but at a later date, the same problem came back. Now I have to use a fixed IP address on the WAN side.
Other than this issue, it works fine.
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BEWARE, dont waste your time or money, September 13, 2004
By user (APO, AP)
I had been using the 2404 nearly a year without trouble so I thought I had faith in the SMC brand.
I attempted to upgrade to the 2804 for better speed and range.
The first one in my house would not let you log into the router, spending around 2 hours on the phone with SMC, attempting every which way in the world to reset the darn thing. Finally they said it must be my system or my modem, and they can not "support" that.
It took 20 seconds to plug the 2404 back in and it worked just fine.
After they finnaly believed that the problem was with the router I shipped it back.
The new one sits here as a door stop because it is junk too. It will not connect to the network.
More phone calls and now I have spent more money on shipping, phone calls, and there is no way to put a price on frustration, but I have spent MORE than the router is worth.
SMC wants to offer additional ways to reset the router.
I have ordered a new setup from a competitor and will be selling all the SMC junk on Ebay in the next few weeks.
If you want a headache head over there and purchase this crap from me.
Pick up some aspirin while your waiting for the shipping to reach you.
Guy Duke -Proudly serving the US Navy overseas
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Garbage, the worse router created., September 11, 2004
By user
I recently pick this up, and have had nothing but problems, one problem after another, you fix a problem another creeps up..
WARNING do not waste your time or money on this router, specifically Version 1. i cannot speak of version 2.
I returned it got a netgear, and its smooth sailing everything i want works the way i want it.. its perfect.
again your asking for trouble if your deciding to pick up this router. both firmwares 1.11a and 1.10 have there share of problems..
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Best Router Yet, August 12, 2004
By user (HB, CA)
I purchased this router after doing a lot of research. I had looked at the Linksys and the Netgear but both were plagued with severe problems. I then discovered the SMC. I have heard of them on several occasions but didn't know anything about them. I went ahead and purchased this router anyway and have been happy with it ever since. I HIGHLY RECOMEND this router.
Pros:
Easy to set up
Tons of features for advanced users
Great range
Supports WEP (Must Have)
Cons:
Documentation is pretty good but they don't tell you the admin password so I had to search the internet.
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use it as ap, and has super range with appropriate antenna, May 19, 2004
By user (Brooklyn, NY United States)
this is a complete rewrite
I own this wireless equipment, and use as ap (note, this is version 2)
the thing to do is make sure it has it's LAN ip and disable DHCP
that's it
then set up wireless part (including firewall-MAC filtering)
however, MAC filtering has a problem, it don't refuse connection (wireless) which is not on the list, just don't let it to go to the admin page (I know linksys has similar problem too)
based on Conexant/Intersil prism chip, this piece don't disappoint me (though I just use it as ap, I am happy with SMC 7004ABR)
and, this piece really has SUPER RANGE, way better than both "624" (so-called super G)
with hawking 15dbi antenna (total 29dbm ERP/-100dbi @ 6MB), this piece can get good to very good signal in kitchen with xp, when other "624" (super G, claimed has 19dbm/-96dbi @ 6M) only has low, do you believe it?
FYI, if you use external antenna, make sure get RP-SMA plug (for dlink), and MAKE SURE CONNECT TO THE ANTENNA JACK NEAR THE LAN PORT, the other one don't workconclusion: I only have 2 SMC products, even though some negative reviews, I am happy with them)
NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU GET V2, you can check the part no
if it's Part No. 751.0164 or 751.7437, it's v2
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Not bad other than, DHCP problem renewing IP address, May 7, 2004
By user (Redmond, WA USA)
Many people have commented on the constant loss of connection with this router. From other news groups we gathered that when connected to cable modems (Comcast and others except BellSouth)There is a problem with the new firmware 1.11 that prevents the DHCP service to not renew the IP address properly thereby losing connection. Revert back to firmware 1.10 and the problem will be fixed. Other than this the signal has been excellent and if you have Xbox wireless G connection this router works great. Also make sure that your atenaes are not alligned in the same direction - aligning them out of phase makes the signal much stronger.
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A disappointment..., May 5, 2004
By user (Denver, CO USA)
After hearing great things about SMC's Barricade line, I decided to try one when it came time to upgrade from B protocol to the newer, faster G protocol wireless. Perhaps a good decision to upgrade -- but this isn't the product to do it with.The first rough spot was just trying to set a new admin password for security purposes. The web-based configuration system kept complaining that my current password was incorrect -- over and over and over. But after rebooting the box, a login attempt required the use of the new password, so the complaint was bogus. After getting the thing configured, I arrived at the issue of where to put it. The D-Link router/WAP it replaced has a provision for wall mounting, which is what I'd done. The SMC has no provision for wall mounting, no bracket for vertical placement... It can only sit on its bottom. Minor for some, rather irritating here where horizontal surfaces are already at a premium. That issue aside, the performance of the product was abysmal at best. At just a few yards away with only two walls in between, a wireless connection back to the device from any wireless card at my disposal (including one of SMC's own) failed completely -- even with a high-gain external antenna attached. Totally unacceptable, but in-line with tests I read (after I purchased it, unfortunately). The compatibility and performance issues were enough for a swift return of the box. About the only thing I can say on the up side for this unit was about its firewall reporting. The ability to have it send hacker alerts via e-mail was interesting, and did work perfectly. But a nice feature or two just did not make-up for the other issues here.
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Terrible, Avoid!!!!, April 12, 2004
By user
This is a terrible router. Loses connection, Mac users can't login, loses the IP address from the modem. Terrible.
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