U.S. Robotics' USR8001 delivers an impressive range of capabilities in a compact package. Besides its low asking price, the most attractive feature of the networking device is that it allows up to four wired network users to quickly and easily share one broadband Internet connection and a USB printer, attach a modem for dial-up backup, share data files, and protect a network. The only limitations are that there's no support for Gigabit or wireless networking. If you don't need these functions, you'll struggle to beat the USR8001 in terms of value, especially as it comes with auto-switching (MDI/MDIX) Ethernet ports, integrated Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), static and dynamic IP addressing/routing with RIP v1 and v2, built-in PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) support, as well as IPSec, PPTP and L2TP VPN pass-through support.

Pros: Auto-switching ports; USB print server and firewall; NAT support
Cons: Doesn't support wireless networks or Gigabit Ethernet


The USR8001 (191x110x26mm, 0.6kg) lets you network four Windows-, Mac- or Linux-based computers out of the box, or up to 253 machines with additional hubs. The integrated print server also makes sharing a printer among multiple PCs a snap because there's no need for a dedicated server. Having said that, some Windows operating systems do require print server software (included on Windows installation CD-ROM). The device also comes with an integrated Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall, helping to keep your workgroup safe from inbound threats.

The biggest appeal of the USR8001 is that is allows four wired users to share a single broadband Internet connection and USB 1.1/2.0 printer. However, it's worth noting that the device also works with both ISDN and analogue modems, thanks to the RS-232 serial port. It also supports auto-detection and auto-switching which automatically detects 10/100Mbit/s connections, eliminating the need for crossover cables.

The device is relatively basic in terms of design. At the rear of the unit are four 10/100Base-TX jacks (RJ-45), a single 4-pin USB port (Type B), RS-232 serial connector, reset button (requires utensil to activate) and power socket. U.S. Robotics also includes a single Ethernet cable, power adapter, quick installation guide and driver CD-ROM. Thankfully, there's a more comprehensive usual manual on the CD-ROM.

The front panel houses a number of LEDs, indicating when a WAN Ethernet signal is detected (constant light), when the router is sending or receiving WAN data (blinks), when a 100Mbit/s or 10Mbit/s WAN link is achieved, when a connection to a printer is achieved, when the router is functioning properly, as well as when it's receiving power. There's no on/off switch, so the USR8001 remains constantly powered until you pull the plug.

Under normal operating conditions you shouldn't have to change the basic configuration that you established when you installed the router. However, if your network environment changes, you may need to reconfigure the USR8001 to reflect the new environment. For example, you may need to change your configuration settings if you switch to a different Internet Service Provider (ISP), change your account with your ISP or use a different dial-up telephone number.

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