The SureConnect ADSL Wireless Gateway (USR9106) offers a four-in-one solution for wirelessly sharing high-speed ADSL in your home or small office. It also comes with a built-in ADSL modem, relatively powerful settings to help keep your data safe and 64/128-bit WEP encryption to provide a secure wireless environment. Lastly, it includes a 4-port router to connect four Ethernet devices, and support up to 253 devices with the addition of switches and/or hubs. The USR9106 doesn't have as many configuration options as some of its competitors, and its speed can probably be marginally improved upon by the likes of 3Com and Linksys, but the router is a solid performer and is reasonably priced.

Pros: Robust, stackable design; reasonably priced; solid performer
Cons: Clunky setup process; faster products available


Similar to other products of type, the major benefit of the USR9106 is that it allows you to connect your PCs, laptops and other 802.11g or 802.11b devices wirelessly to the Internet and other network resources. The integrated 4-port Ethernet switch also lets you network 10/100 Ethernet devices/computers, and the device works with both Microsoft and Sony's online videogame platforms.

The package consists of a the unit itself, RJ-11 phone cord, AC power adapter, Ethernet cable (1.83m), Quick Installation Guide (120 pages long, but only 16 pages are in English), SureConnect Installation CD-ROM, two antennas (have to be manually screwed to the rear of the device, but offer full 360-degree rotation), and two BT approved microfilters. There's also a copy of Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall software supplied.

Most of the product's features are relatively run-of-the-mill, but it does sport some interesting differences. For instance, its modular case design lets you stack it with other networking components, its wizard-based software provides a hand-holding approach to configuration, and the Web-based diagnostics and connection monitoring software provides at-a-glance performance statistics and access to log files. It was also a solid performer in our tests and rarely dropped the connection to our ADSL line.

The device itself is relatively standard in design, although its wholly-black appearance gives it a neat no-frills appearance. The front of the gateway houses all the indicator lights, comprising a power LED, WAN IP (flashes to indicate traffic is passing on the Internet side of the router), WLAN (switches on once a wireless client has connected to the router, and flashes to indicate activity), four Ethernet LEDs (indicate when an Ethernet port is active), and ADSL (flashes when the router is negotiating the connection, and stays on once connected).

The rear of the USR9106 is also fairly standard, offering two wireless antenna connectors, ADSL socket, four yellow Ethernet sockets for connecting devices with Ethernet capability, recessed reset button, 16-Volt AC power input from the unit's power supply, and a power switch. Unfortunately, the gateway is not wall mountable, but it does have four large rubber non-slip feet and plenty of cooling vents on both the top and underside of the case to prevent overheating.

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