HPRO200 router with Ethernet and HPNA networking link
Score: 3 out of 3
Review Type: Hands On
Reviewer: Chris Kaminski
Date: May 3, 2001
PhoneLine (HPNA) networking matured a little with the release of the Linksys
HPRO200 broadband router. The HPRO200 combines the time proven features the Linksys
broadband router line
 with an Ethernet to phoneline network bridge.
Linksys even managed to keep the price below $200.
Like most broadband routers, the HPRO200 provides the ability to share a cable or
DSL modem connection with all the computers in your home. The HPRO distinguishes
itself from other broadband routers by providing support for two LAN network types.
It has a standard 10/100Mbps Ethernet port and some HPNA network ports for connecting
phoneline networked computers. The integration of phoneline networking and Ethernet
networking into the same box makes the HPRO200 one of the most versatile routers
on the market.
To say the HPRO200 is feature rich would be an understatement. This router starts
you off with basic connection sharing and then lets you move into the realms
of Port forwarding, IPSEC passthrough, port filtering, dynamic and static routing,
traffic logging, etc etc. The feature list keeps going.
Tutorial CD
Linksys is now including a CDROM called the “Linksys Broadband Networking Tech Helper”.
This CD contains a few video’s about installing a Linksys broadband router plus
loads of HTML pages including troubleshooting tips, FAQ’s, networking definitions
and more. This CD goes a long way in helping end users through the most common tech
support issues. It’s a good home networking educational tool too. Since the
information is formated in HTML, Mac and Linux users are far from left out.
Installation
Like most Linksys products, the install procedure went smoothly. Although some people
may disagree, I like that Linksys enables their DHCP services by default. With DHCP
enabled, you just plug a computer into the router, turn it on and point your browser
to 192.168.1.1 (the default address for the web server built into the unit) to get
started. The included manual is short but very clear and covers the install procedure
well. Once installed refer to the CD for the technical info.
Ethernet LAN port
The HPRO200’s Ethernet LAN port allows you to connect a single 10 or 100Mbps Ethernet
computer or multiple Ethernet computers by adding a hub or a switch. There is a
small switch to determine if the port is straight through or is acting as a crossover.
HPNA Phoneline LAN port
The phoneline lan port allows 10Mbps networking across your phone lines. This is
very convenient for individuals not wishing to pull cat-5 Ethernet cable through
their whole house. As with a HPNA solutions, phoneline networking does not interfere
with the use of your phone lines for voice or modem communications.
Network Bridge
Computers connected to the Ethernet port and the HPNA phoneline port can communicate
with each other as if they were on the same network.
Configuration Options
Take a look at the HPRO200 screen gallery
to see what the configuration screens look like. The kind of remind me of a Star
Trek Next Generation starship console. See for yourself.
Security
The HPRO200 passed our security tests with a score of 1 (0 is perfect). See the
results of the tests here. Security Note:
The HPRO200 default configuration enables remote management. I would HIGHLY suggest
disabling remote management unless you need it. Remote management allows you to
configure the router from the Internet on port 8080 if you know the password. Most
people have no need for this and it poses a security risk.
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Linksys HPRO200
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