US Robotics Wireless MAXg ADSL2+ Gateway review

t took a while, but US Robotics has finally released a wireless router with a built-in ADSL2+ modem. This product allows you to use the new high-speed ADSL connections as well as the current speeds.

The Gateway uses US Robotics' MAXg technology. Unlike MIMO products, MAXg conforms to the current 802.11g specification, so you won't have any trouble using it with similarly specified wireless adaptors.

Despite the constraints of having to work within these boundaries, US Robotics has configured its router so that it's more intelligent in the way it sends data. Techniques such as frame bursting should help provide quicker wireless access at greater range.

Testing using our Centrino notebook gave us 19.22Mbit/s at close range and 17.94Mbit/s at 10m. We were unable to get a connection 20m away. This compares favourably with Netgear's RangeMax router, which is reviewed opposite.

Greater performance was achieved using the MAXg wireless PC Card adaptor. We got a stunning 29.21Mbit/s at close range and 24.58Mbit/s at 10m, which is much better than the RangeMax. While we were able to get a connection at 20m through two walls and some lifts, it was too slow for any real use. This indicates that you might be better off with a different router if you have trouble with wireless in your house; if you don't, this router will produce good results.

The user interface has had a slight overhaul and the setup wizard that appears when you first connect to the router's web-based management helps you configure your settings quickly. After you've entered your username and password, the router gets you to configure wireless settings including turning on encryption; we recommend that you use WPA-PSK.

The router's firewall is turned on by default to allow all outgoing traffic but block incoming traffic. This should suffice for most people, but you can add extra rules if you find that some applications such as online games don't work properly.

Excellent close- and mid-range performance using US Robotics' and third-party wireless adaptors make this a very attractive router. If you have ADSL, it's an excellent choice. But those who struggle with wireless may want to opt for Netgear's RangeMax, which is stronger at long range.

Author: David Ludlow