Hawking Hi-Gain USB Wireless-300N Access Point/Bridge (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
There aren't a lot of wireless bridges on the market. I had tried a DLink DAP1522 and it basically didn't work at all (see my review). This Hawking model had better reviews, so I tried it. Ultimately, it did work, but there are some problems you should be aware of.

The set-up wizard provided on the CD did not work at all, so I went with the web client set up. The process is persnickity (you have to set up a static IP address to connect to the web client etc) but it is at least well explained in the manual. It was a quick set up, and the product appeared to work at first.

After a day I started losing my connection. It turned out that the reason is you MUST set your wireless router to use a single channel, not to change channels automatically. Anytime the router changes channels, the Hawking loses its connection. TO make matters worse, the "site survey" function in the Hawking is buggy - when you try to restablish a connection, your wireless network often doesn't seem to show up at all! THis means you have to do a hard reset of the Hawking device and start all over. And of course every time you want to access the web client you have to reset your IP address etc. It's quite annoying after a while.

The second thing I noticed was that I was only getting a "G" connection despite the fact that I have a 2.4GHz N router (the DLink DIR655). The ONLY way I was able to get the Hawking to connect in N mode was to set the DLink to ONLY function in N mode. Even if I told the Hawking to only use N, when I switched the DLink back to mixed G/N mode (to acommodate legacy devices in my home), the Hawking would revert to G mode! So, I basically have a G Bridge, not an N Bridge....assuming I want to have any N devices on my network. VERY ANNOYING! And enough for me to rate the product only two stars.

The final thing I'd point out is that the bridge gives you very little status information on strength of connection, whether it has successfully connected, etc. It also doesn't say if it is connecting in N or G mode--I had to go to the Dlink to find that out.

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Product Description

Hawking Technology's HWABN1 puts two solutions into one compact unit, saving you time and money. The includedSoftware Setup Wizard lets you change the function of your HWABN1 whenever you wish to adapt to your specific application and changing network environment. In the Wireless Access Point Mode, the HWABN1 allows for any existing wired network to go wireless. Simply attach the Wireless Access Point using the included Ethernet cable to an open port in your router or switch and enjoy highspeed wireless networking. You can also use the Access Point to cover "dead spots" in your existing wireless network by placing the unit in a room that is lacking wireless coverage.The Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode enables any wired Ethernet-ready device to connect to your existing wireless network using the HWABN1. Connect your PC, notebook, printer, network camera, or even an entire wired network to the HWABN1 and establish a wireless connection to your wireless network. Whether in the home or in the office, you can wirelessly connect your networks without having to run long cables across the floor. The possibilities are endless and "driver-free" installation is simple. Package Contents: One Hi-GainTM Wireless-300N, Access Point/Bridge, One Power Adapter, One CD, includes PC Setup Wizard and User¿s Manual, One RJ-45 Ethernet Cable, Easy to follow Quick Installation Guide. System Requirements: Pentium compatible PC or above w/ CD-ROM, 802.11b or 802.11g or 802.11n Wireless Network.

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Product Details

• Brand: Hawking Technology
• Model: HWABN1
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 5.50" w x 4.50" l, 1.45 pounds

Features

• Dual Function: Access Point and Workgroup bridge
• Converts wired networks into wireless-N networks
• New Setup Wizard allows for quick and easy setup
• Backwards compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks
• Performs at up to 300Mbps for fast and efficient data and media transfers

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