14 DAY TRIAL // Networking solutions provider D-Link has unveiled a family of wireless routers designed to make it easier for users on-the-go to access and share an Internet connection. The D-Link 3G mobile Wireless Router allows consumers to create an 802.11g/b-compatible wireless hotspot anywhere within the range of a cellular network.
By plugging a compatible 3G notebook adapter into the D-Link 3G Mobile Router's built-in card bus slot, users can get immediate access to EV-DO, UMTS or HSDPA networks. The D-Link router can then share this signal via 802.11g/b Wi-Fi technology to notebooks, PCs or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The D-Link routers are available in two versions: the DIR-450 (EV-DO) and DIR-451 (UMTS/HSDPA).
The DIR-450 (EV-DO) is compatible with the Kyocera KPC 650, Novatel V620 and Sprint PC-5740 notebook adapters, and the Audiovox 8940, Kyocera KX18 and Samsung A890 cell phones. Compatible notebook adapters for the DIR-451 are the Novatel Wireless Merlin U530 and U730, Option Wireless GT 3G Quad, Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 and Sony Ericsson GC89.
The D-Link Mobile Wireless Routers can be quickly installed and they can easily configure the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) settings to establish Internet connectivity. In the U.S., compatible ISPs for the DIR-450 include ACS Wireless, Alltel, Cellular South, Embarq, Sprint and Verizon Wireless. For the DIR-451, UMTS carriers include Orangenet, Vodafone, Exelcom and Maxis, and Cingular, T-Mobile, Exelcom, Maxis, Vodafone, Celcom and Globe for HSDPA formats.
For security, both versions of the 3G mobile routers support the latest wireless security features to prevent unauthorized access, including WEP, WPA and WPA2 that ensure a secure Wi-Fi network regardless of the connected devices. They also employ dual active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential Internet attacks. Advanced firewall features include Network Address Translation; Media Access Control and Internet Protocol addresses and Website filtering; scheduling and Virtual Private Network pass-through via Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol and Layer 2 Protocol Tunneling and IP Security.
Without a mobile broadband connection data card, the DIR-450 and DIR-451 work as standard 802.11g wireless routers. The DIR-450 model of the D-Link Mobile Wireless Routers is currently available for a suggested retail price of $299.99. The DIR-451 will begin shipping later this quarter, with pricing to be announced at that time.