🚀 go-pugleaf

Jeff,

Following up on your recommendation to consult the reviews at
http://pracitcallynetworked.com I found (1) the professional review was
quite positive, but (2) the user reviews are generally negative.  The
various negative reviews of the SMC 7004AWBR have to do with: frequent lock
ups of the wired (ie, cat5 copper) LAN, overheating of the box perhaps
conttributing to lack of reliability, confusing indications on the
front-panel LED's (ie, WLAN light always on, instead of on with the WLAN is
active), and lack of useful info. in the log. I'll add to this list
something I saw in another review note - some problems in the operation of
DHCP (same address to different MAC addresses, apparently).

Many of these problems seem to stem from the fact that there are two
different physical implementations of the SMC 7004AWBR. As (bad) luck would
have it, I seem to have bought the model# that has lock up problems.
Ironically, the model that the professional reviewers reviewed is the one
that apparently has no such problems, and has some other problems (that I've
encountered) fixed.

In closing, many thanks to Paul Grohe, who was extremely helpful and patient
in helping me isolate the problems with the wired LAN and offered
suggestions for diagnosing problems with the wireless LAN.

excerpts:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/opinions/index.asp?pid=377

Not Recommended by Allen W.

on 4/2/2002

BOTTOM LINE: Stay Away.

REALITY vs. EXPECTATIONS: much worse than I expected.

DETAILS: I originally recommended this after using it for 6 days, but alas,
it crapped out after 6 days. The wireless piece worked, but the wired ports
became unresponsive. I know its not a problem w/ my PC, since I have 2
laptops as well that stopped working on the network and work fine on my
neighbors network. I waited an hour for a customer service rep who was
clueless. He had me adjusting a number of settings on the computer, (versus
the router) and was oblivious to the fact that 3 separate computers stopped
working at the same time. After 45 minutes of tinkering, he gave up and told
me to return the unit and try another. What a waste of time.

Recommended by LouLou

on 3/1/2002

BOTTOM LINE: Make sure u get part #720.5312 and avoid #720.5435

REALITY vs. EXPECTATIONS: about as I expected.

DETAILS: Last week,purchased an SMC7004AWBR last with an SMC2662W USB
wireless client for my 2 pcs at home. When I installed them I noticed on
SMC's website for driver and firmware download that there were indeed 2
different part numbers for this barricade. I had unfortunately gotten part#
720.5435 The box has a tin underside, the power adapter plug 5volts DC
sticks out ackwardly from the router. The wireless connection light is
always on despite there are no wired clients. Finally the log file is just
plain broken even with latest firmware. I returned it to the merchant but at
a different franchise location that accepts returns from other stores and
got by chance the better Barricade part#720-5312 This one is completely
housed top and bottom with a uniform quality finish. The front has a classy
gloss protective covering compared to the other that had a flat mat cheaper
finish. The wireless connection light works when there is really a wireless
client using the Barricade! The log file works properly with the right date
without any need to be connected tothe net like some other wondered. The
power supply for this one is a hefty 12volts DC unit that plugs into the
barricade in a convention way that does not get in the way of things. The
review pictures of the html setup screens on practicallynetworked.com are
screen shots of the part#720-5312. The setup screens from part#720.5435 are
not the same format or color schemes. Make sure you open up the box before
you buy and make sure you get the good one part part#720-5312. later good
luck

Recommended by mightyq

on 3/1/2002

BOTTOM LINE: Decent router for decent price.

REALITY vs. EXPECTATIONS: worse than I expected.

DETAILS: I upgraded to firmware 1.41 with part number 750.5435. This killed
my wired lan connection, although my wireless connection still worked.
Router also needs reboot periodically. For $150, it's a good deal.


Recommended by Lucky

on 2/27/2002

BOTTOM LINE: Mine locks up too.. but otherwise works well

REALITY vs. EXPECTATIONS: about as I expected.

DETAILS: Love the router works well, but occasionally every 2 days or so it
does lock up. Cant run the internet at all, just reset it and all is back.
Just put on the new firmware 1.41.003 and it locked about 4 hours after, but
now running for 2 days. We will see how it goes.