Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Router

Average customer rating: 4.5

MS should have stayed in the networking game.
An Old Work Horse.
Nothing but junk
Going on for one and half year
Great Router But Had Few Problems

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Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Router

Manufacturer: Microsoft
Product Group: CE
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B00006IJO4
2002-09-22

Related Categories:

Wireless Network Routers & Access Points

Routers

Microsoft

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All Microsoft

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802.11b Networking

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Product Description

The Microsoft MN-500 Wireless Base Station is a router with integrated wireless access point and a 4-port Ethernet switch. This is the centerpiece of an 802.11b wireless network. The Microsoft easy-to-use setup software makes it easy for you to connect multiple wired and wireless computers in your home or small office to the Internet through a single broadband connection, such as a cable or DSL modem.Enjoy data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbps for wireless connections and 100 Mbps for wired connections - that's significantly faster than a typical broadband connection. Built-in security feature provides strong security features including a built-in hardware firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), and 128-bit wireless security (WEP).

Amazon.com Product Description

The Microsoft wireless router is the ideal central access point for your wireless network. Connect multiple computers to a single broadband connection. Roam your house or office with the freedom and mobility of a Wi-Fi equipped laptop computer, share files and printers with all the other computers on the network, or play games with multiple players on the Internet and within your own network.

Features include an easy-to-use setup wizard, designed to make connecting your computers together easier. The router comes with strong security features, including a built-in firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), and access control lists. The 4-port router easily connects to your network with universal plug and play for functionality such as voice messaging, video messaging, and games. You can also monitor your network status easily with Microsoft broadband network utility.

Included in the box with this wireless router are a stand (detachable), power supply cable, Ethernet cable, startup guide, user's guide, setup CD-ROM, and a blank floppy disk.

System requirements include: a computer with a network adapter to configure the router, an external broadband (cable, DSL, or other) modem with Ethernet port (not compatible with dial-up modems), Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or later to view and use the management tools, and an available 120 V AC power outlet.

Additional requirements include: a computer running Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP Professional, or XP Home Edition, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (setup will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components, if necessary, but will not displace your primary browser), 28 MB of available hard disk space if you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0 (132 MB of available hard disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time), a 4x or faster CD-ROM drive, and a VGA or higher resolution monitor.

Note: Not all Internet service providers (ISPs) allow the sharing of a broadband connection. Please check with your ISP.

Customer Reviews:

MS should have stayed in the networking game........2006-12-10

I've gone through so many routers trying to replace my MN-500 yet I've always ended up with the MN-500 back on my desk. I've tried out newer Linksys models which either have connection issues, something wrong with the VPN, or wireless issues. Most of the junk these companies put out they don't even bother to check over, and half of the features do not work properly. The MS on the other hand, it an entry-level router without a very large feature set, but its much more than enough. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big advocate of Microsoft but their hardware is just amazing.

In 3 years with this router, I have not had a hiccup on the connection, port forwarding and the firewall are perfect, it even has a log to show you what it has blocked instead of the log Linksys has that shows you what attacks it decided to forward to your LAN. The wireless range is so so, and it lacks of newer wireless securities. Again, the features don't allow for as much customization as newer routers, but the big difference between this and what you'd find for $100 on Amazon is that it works, always.

I wish they put out another router beyond the MN-700, because I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.

An Old Work Horse........2006-04-09

I purchased a Microsoft MN 500 wireless router when they first came on the market. I'd say that's about 4 or 5 years ago. After some early teething problems which Microsoft corrected with several firmware updates, the router has been operating flawlessly, 24-7. Just like those batteries, "It just keeps running and running and running". Sometimes it goes down in a Florida Light & Power electrical outage, and when the power comes back on, it "clears it's throat" and picks up where it left off...doing it's job of transmitting encrypted wireless signals around house to my three computers. The darn thing works so well, I totally forget the setup procedure, since I haven't needed to check the instruction book in years. But I do remember it was a breeze to set up and get running. Too bad Microsoft stopped selling it and quit supporting it. Their support phone line WAS great, they would answer on the first or second ring. Alas, no more. But if you can pick up a used one for a few bucks it would be a very good deal, assuming the firmware fixes were previously installed.(chances are they were). Mine should still be plugging along 20 years from now.

Nothing but junk.......2005-03-02

I purchased this router a few weeks ago, and it
never did work. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I sent emails to Amazon, and the person I bought it
from. They didn't even have the courtesy to reply.
Don't think I'll do business with either one again.

Going on for one and half year.......2004-11-28

I am writing this after using this product for around two years. Excellent product. My Inspiron 8100 has Microsoft's wireless card and PC has D-Link DWL-122. No problem and no downtime at all ( sometimes for months I don't have to touch my router ) . Have been running 128-bit encryption all the way. I was also able to connect to the router running RedHat 9.0 and Fedora 3.0. Overall A+ rating.

Great Router But Had Few Problems.......2004-11-27

This Router Was a Great Buy I Bought Another one later on it worked so great. Micorsoft Made A Great Router But I Have Had A Few Problems And I HAd To Call Microsoft Support A Few Times But In The End It All Has Worked Out And Because I Had Those Problems I Give IT A 4

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