BUT...It seems to only be good for one task at a time. Whether wireless, or using CAT5 to the 3 port switch on the back, if more than one person is accessing the internet at once, it gets confused and freezes the internet connection. The same is true if you only have one computer connected and are trying to perform two separate tasks at once, such as surfing and retrieving mail, or downloading and surfing. Two tasks just confuse this unit.

Tech support was good, 5 minute hold, told me try the new BIOS, then if that didn't work to return the unit.

Features are good, Firewall, IP Print Server, 3 port 10/100 switch, 802.11 Wireless, Runs ISDN, External Modem, Cable Modem, DSL and supports fail over between the 10bt and serial ports.

Overall, only good for use by one person doing one thing at a time.

Login to Barricade (enter IP address in browser on a computer hardwired to the barricade > enter password > click "login")

>Choose "encryption"

>>Select "64-bit manually" or "128-bit manually"

>>>Enter a series of number sets in the boxes provided (letters do not appear to work)
e.g. 11 22 33 44 55

>>>Click "enter"

>>>Encryption set-up is now complete for the barricade
________
STEP 2

Open the "AirPort Setup Assistant" application.

>Choose "Set up your computer to join an existing airport network"

>When prompted to enter a password enter a "$" followed by the code you entered into the barricade.
e.g. $1122334455

>You should now be connected to the router.
___

ALTERNATIVELY, if you have already been connected to the Barricade wirelessly with no encryption then you can simply:

>pull down the apple in the top left of the screen and select "System Preferences".
>click "Network"
>Select "Show: Airport"
>Click "Airport Tab"
>Enter the "network password as "$1122334455" (or a "$" followed by whatever code you entered into the barricade"
>Click "Apply Now"

As great as the router is, I have a couple of gripes. The latest firmware for the router makes it extremely confusing to use Access Control, which was much simpler in earlier versions. Also, there is ZERO documentation on how to implement WEP(wireless encryption). I had to experiement and find out through trial and error in order to implement it, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do. Otherwise, your neighbors might be hitching a free ride on your connection...or even worse, their kids might have some fun on your system. WEP is not the best implementation of wireless security, but for now, it's the best you've got, so use it.

To end this review, I'd like to say SMC support was great the one time I called, which was the only time I NEEDED them. My firmware update went haywire on my wired SMC7004BR router and I lost all connection to the router(oh no!). I called up their 800 number at 3AM and they told me what to do right away. I wish they would have included that information in their manual, but hey, I got my router back up, so no big complaint there.

TIP: If you mess up your router during a firmware upgrade, try this: turn off your router, short pins 3 and 8 on the serial port, then turn on your router while shorting the pins for up to 10 seconds. Assign a static IP to your PC and ping the router. That should do the trick!

But if u need tech support from SMC, forget it...they are so hard to reach... I sent them an email..no response at all.

No tech support tel no in the user manual. I got the phone no from dslreports.com.

A lot of comments/reviews at dslreports.com. Check them out before buying this so that u are aware of the problems encountered by others.

I manage to get mine working using the old firmware and after resolving the duplicate IP addr problem.

Anyway, I like the product.

You may consider this abuse of this forum, but it is easier than getting help from tech support, and many of you are more knowledgeable than tech support.

I'd like to access my home pc from work via this connection - em address is amcrae1@houston.rr.com if there are any takers.

The most serious issue is that if you transfer any more than a couple of Megabytes of data through it, it locks up completely. It can be reset through the web interface from the wireless, or by unpluging it, but the next time you challenge it with a floppy's worth of data....down it goes.

Secondly, if you use the WEP encryption, to encrypt your wireless traffic (which you should!), the data throughput drops as much as 75% (e.g. without encryption 8-9Mbps, with 1.5-3Mbps).

Finally, SMC's idea of a solution to the problem is to replace the new one I already own, with a factory refurbished one that HAS THE SAME PROBLEM!

In two words....run away....far away!

Highly recommmended

Anyway, I have both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. My Windows XP works great with the product. The signal strength is strong and it is so easy to setup and configure. 128-bit WEP encyption works great with my NETGEAR wireless card. And no problem connecting to my EarthLink DSL service. However, the problem is with my Macintosh (MacOS X - 10.1). It works great with WEP disable. However, with WEP enabled, my password or passphrase keep failing. It is probably my AirPort's problem. I've tried putting double quote around the ASCII passphrase, but I can't connect to it with WEP enabled. I can't find any information related to this in the SMC's support web site.

About the printer server, it is great. This is one of important reasons for choosing this product and I am glad I've chosen this product.

If you have PCs only, this is a great product for setting up wireless connection at your home as well as DHCP and printer server. However, with MacOS X, you may have to do some researching if you want secure WEP encyption.

Can you say good product. Company unable/willing/ready to support product. I can say buy something else!!!

You'll get better support from an athletic supporter!

THINK THREE TIMES BEFORE BUYING. WAIT UNTIL USERS REPORT BETTER SUPPORT!!!