HomeRF 2.0 10Mbps USB and PCMCIA adapters

A review of the first 10Mbps HomeRF products

by Chris Kaminski

18-Oct-2001

Hands on review

The software bundle included includes features not normally found packaged with a network adapter. The software includes a NAT based internet connection sharing program, a network bridge, virtual modem software, and a program called Location Switcher. Probably the most unique of these is the transparent network bridge. The only problem with the software package is the inconsistent support between operating systems. I have developed a chart at the end of the article that will explain what software functions under what platforms.

Connection Sharing

One function of the ‘Conductor’ software is Internet connection sharing. Like other NAT based Internet sharing software, it allows all the computers on your network to connect to the Internet through a computer that runs the ‘Conductor’ server software. The Conductor software supports up to 25 computers but does not handle more advanced protocols like those used by AOL or Compuserve. It is however great for doing simple web, ftp and email access. Cable, DSL, and dial-up modems are supported as well as those that use PPPoE, a special service provider connection protocol.

Virtual Modem

A computer that runs the Conductor software and has modem may opt to share their modem with all the other computers on your network. The modem becomes a virtual resource that other computers may use to send faxes or connect to the Internet. The modem is of course still single user.

Transparent Bridge

The most useful tool packaged is called the transparent network bridge and is part of the Conductor software application. When installed on a computer with two network adapters, one being a HomeRF adapter, computers on each network can see each other. The most common use for this is adding a couple of wireless computers to an existing Ethernet network. In this case, you would install an Ethernet card AND HomeRF card into a single computer and run the transparent bridge. Now all computers on the Ethernet network can see the wireless computers and the other way around too!

 

Remember, these products are meant for home or small office environments. It is suggested that no more than 7 computers reside on each side of the bridge.

Location Switcher

The location switcher is a simple program that allows you to configure your computer system with multiple network ‘profiles’. Since laptops often travel between different networks, the Location Switcher allows you to select a ‘network profile’ when you start your computer. Location Switcher can handle basic network configuration changes between locations but if you need more options or power, look into an inexpensive program called NetSwitcher .

Software supported for each OS
	Win95	Win98/SE	WinME	Win2k	Mac	WinXP
Drivers	Planned Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Panned Support	Yes
Peer to Peer		Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes
Internet Sharing		Yes	Yes	*		*
Virtual Modem		Yes	Yes	No		No
Transparent Bridging		Yes	Yes	No		*
Location Switcher		Yes	No	No		No

*this feature is built into the OS and works well with HomeRF

HomeRF 2.0 10Mbps USB and PCMCIA adapters