Review on Enhance Your Network Connectivity with the Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station Router MN-500 by Raji Bentz

I love gadgets and technology, but I'm NOT a computer expert and I'm completely unfamiliar with wireless networking terms like MAC numbers, port forwarding and DMZ. I just needed a wireless way to share my broadband Internet connection between my desktop computer in my home office, my PDA (iPAQ 5455) and my laptop in the kitchen or living room. The Microsoft MN 500 Wireless Base Station is a simple wireless network access point. All you really have to do is read the 4-page quick start guide and you're good to go. I also read the very informative 100 page manual and learned a few things but didn't really need that information. The base station connected correctly even though I restarted my cable modem after connecting. It's not in the instructions, but my ISP told me it's a good idea. Since then the base station has been working great and the signal is very strong throughout the house, upstairs and downstairs and even in the driveway outside (so I was sure the built in encryption feature would stay on to deter theft of the car). my signal.) My base station is tucked away in the alcove of the computer desk next to the cable modem and easily broadcasts a signal throughout the house. For those who have had signal issues, all they likely have to do is move the device. The manual talks extensively about the location of the base station (e.g. away from the metal cases of computers). The MN-500 also comes with a hardware firewall. There is a lot of debate about which is better - software or hardware firewalls. I test. I had the base station for the first two weeks, turned off the hardware firewall and continued to use the software-based Norton protection. I've turned that off now and only use the MN 500. The easy installation and firewall and encryption features make this a great product for people who want to share the internet at home but don't want to learn the inner workings of a wireless network .