X-bit labs

ASUS WL-500W Super Speed N Multifunctional Wireless Router Review

Category: Other

by Platon Scheblykin

[ 11/27/2007 | 02:25 PM ]

This article continues our series of reviews of network equipment that supports the draft 802.11n standard. Today we are going to talk about the WL-500W router that represents a successor to the previously tested WL-500g Premium. We will see what the differences from the previous model are and what improvements have been made in it.

Table of contents:

• Specifications and Accessories Bundle
  
• Exterior and Interior Design
  
• Firmware and Web-Interface
  
• Quick Setup
  
• Wireless
  
• IP Config
  
• NAT Setting
  
• Internet Firewall
  
• USB Application
  
• Bandwidth Management
  
• System Setup
  
• Status
  
• Performance
  
• Conclusion
  

This article continues our series of reviews of network equipment that supports the draft 802.11n standard. As you can guess from the device name, the ASUS WL-500W carries on the traditions of such popular products from ASUS as WL-500G Deluxe, WL-500g Premium, WL-600g (counting ADSL devices in as well), etc.

To remind you, we tested the WL-500g Premium in our labs before (for details see our article called ASUS WL500g Premium Wireless Internet Router Review). At first sight the WL-500W seems to be the same Premium with the addition of support for the IEEE 802.11n draft. To be exact, it is a four-port Fast Ethernet router with two USB 2.0 ports and with functionality typical of hi-end home routers. The WL-500g Premium left a good impression on me, especially with its hardware section, despite certain drawbacks.

So, I’m interested not only in the speed characteristics of the new router but also in its hardware components – whether anytyhing has changed since the Premium model.

Specifications and Accessories Bundle

The contents of the box are quite standard for the device class:

• WL-500W router
• Power adapter (5V, 2.5A)
• CD with software
• Installation and setup guide
• Category 5e Ethernet cable