First Look: D-Link’s Wireless 11b Combo Bridge or Access Point

Wayne N. Kawamoto
Managing Editor, www.smallbusinesscomputing.com

D-Link introduced its D-LinkAir DWL-900AP Combination Wireless Bridge or Access Point, which is both WiFi compatible and IEEE 802.11b compliant. This new combo wireless bridge or access point is designed to act as a standard wireless access point, a point-to-point wireless bridge, a point-to-multipoint bridge or a wireless client adapter.

According to the company, the D-LinkAir DWL-900AP Combination Wireless Bridge or Access Point provides users with the ability to weave a “web” of wireless connectivity across large areas when set to one of the two bridging modes or create a wireless network infrastructure in access point mode. Using the “point-to- point” bridging mode, users can link one building to another with up to 900 feet between them, while the “point-to-multipoint” mode allows users to connect multiple locations wirelessly.

Wireless Security
Implementing Media Access Control (MAC) Authentication along with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) should give the D-LinkAir DWL-900AP a more secure method for connecting several locations wirelessly, alleviating the fear of intrusion. The D-LinkAir DWL-900AP supports the latest 64/128-bit WEP encryption standards for securing WLANs. The added benefit of MAC Address Authentication allows the AP to verify the MAC address of any wireless adapter trying to log into the WLAN and forbid any rogue adapters from connecting.

USB Configuration
This Combination Wireless Bridge or Access Point can be configured through its integrated USB port or over a wired network via its built-in 10Mbps RJ-45 Jack. The USB Configuration Utility should give users the ability to assign the D-LinkAir DWL-900AP relevant settings needed to get up and running. Using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Manager Utility should permit administrators to setup up and maintain multiple D-LinkAir DWL-900APs connected to the network.

Price and Availability
The D-LinkAir DWL-900AP Combination Wireless Bridge or Access Point is available now through authorized retail, reseller, and distribution partners at a $179.99 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and $131.00 Estimated Street Price (ESP). The D-LinkAir DWL-900AP comes with a 1 year warranty and free 24/7 technical support.