U.S. Robotics is making home and small-business computer networking easier with the launch of its new Networking Starter Kit. The package enables consumers to 'quickly and easily' set up a home computer network by providing everything needed to easily network two computers in order to share an ADSL2/2+ Internet connection, files and peripherals.

The kit allows for a wired or wireless network, so a laptop can connect to the Internet from any room in the house without leaving a trail of messy cabling, while a desktop can connect via an Ethernet cable.

Both the wired and wireless connection systems can be expanded to support more desktop PCs or laptops. It also includes parental controls to monitor access to the Internet by time of day and day of week, as well as built-in security features (WEP 64/128-bit, WPA). For business users, there's VPN pass-through support for PPTP, IPSec, and L2TP.

'More and more households are hooking up to the Internet via a broadband connection, but then you get a problem of more than one person wanting to be online at the same time. Setting up a home network solves that problem, but it can be daunting for many consumers,' says Tony Field, product manager, U.S. Robotics EMEA.

'Technology doesn't have to be scary and a home network doesn't have to mean unsightly and messy cabling trailing around your house. Going wireless is as easy as plug-and-play and means wherever you put your laptop, you can get online.'

The Home Networking Starter Kit includes a Wireless ADSL2+ router (802.11g) and a Wireless USB adapter (802.11g). You only need to plug the gateway into a broadband phone socket and the USB adapter into your laptop or desktop PC. You should then be free to surf the Net without wires. The kit also contains an Ethernet cable so a second PC can be connected to the network. Additional computers can be networked with additional switches and adapters.

BIOS, Sep 16, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Networking