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Review Type: Hands Off
Reviewer: Chris Kaminski
Date: November 20, 2000
IPaq Connection Point (ICP)
Retail: $499 / 5 users
This Broadband Router Looks more like a 'pokemon' character than networking
hardware. The IPaq Connection Point is a multiple network media Broadband
Router with a robust, dynamic firewall system. Most broadband routers rely
NAT to keep out intruders but Compaq has brought in
WatchGuard Technologies , Inc. to provide firewall support.
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Internet Connection Support |
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-V.90 Modem (56K) |
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-Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) |
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Home Networking Support |
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-Wireless HomeRF (1.6Mbps)
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-Phoneline HomePNA 2.0 (10Mbps) |
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-Ethernet 10/100 Base-T (10/100Mbps)(one
ethernet port, still need a hub) |
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Dynamic Firewall |
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5 User License |
3 Network Bridges: Not only is this box(?) a Broadband router,
it can bridge together HomePNA 1.0/2.0 networks, WirelessRF networks, and standard
10/100 Networks! Files, Printers an Internet connection are all sharable between
the three networks.
Dynamic Firewall: WatchGuard provides real-time, up-to-date firewall
upgrades to IPaq Connection Point owners free for 90 days. After your 90 day
period, yearly upgrade packages can be purchased for $49 per year (discounted
for multi-year subscriptions). The ICP uses real firewall software, WatchGuard
LiveSecurity - the same technology used in WatchGuard's Firebox series.
Liscencing: The ICP comes with a license for only 5 users.
If you have more than 5 computers or networked devices, you will have to buy more
licenses. Liscencing is something not normaly found in home based broadband
routers so I have a fealing the liscencing is actualy for the firewall software.
Conclusion: At $499, I would have expected an 802.11b connection
for wireless home networking instead of the HomeRF. The 5 user/compuer license
might be enough for a most home users, but anyone serious enough to spend $500
on a broadband router probably has more than 5 computers. Robust as this solution
is, this device is expensive for a home user and does not offer 802.11b support.
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IPaq Connection Point
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