September 2007

By Cliff Millward, Editor cliffm@xmission.com

More Musical Modulations
Allow me some leeway this month. One of the greatest singers who ever lived just died. His name is Luciano Pavarotti. He was born of humble parents, his father was a baker in Modena, Italy.
He was diagnosed with cancer last year. Treatment kept him alive for awhile, but he finally succumbed September 6 at his home in Modena.
Many of us remember the highly successful “Tree Tenors” concert that he shared with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. I believe he was the greatest tenor since Enrico Caruso.
I remember when I was about five years old, standing of my tiptoes straining to put a 78rpm record of Caruso’s “O Solo Mio” on my grandfather’s floor standing wind-up “Victrola.”
This has not been a good year for famous musicians. The Opera singer Beverly Sills passed away earlier and so did the cello player Mstislav Rostropovich.
I guess I am one of the few that appreciated classical music from a very early age. I never did appreciate “popular” as much as classical. Not bragging, just stating fact.
Rest in Peace Luciano Pavarotti.

Parking Meter Upgrade!
You’ll love this!
A New parking meter will allow you to pay by credit card. You can also add extra minutes without having to return to your car.
It is called a Photo Violation Meter. It allows you to swipe a credit card instead of fumbling around for change.
But wait there’s more! It can also call your cell phone when your time is up and give you the option of putting additional minutes on the meter.
So far, about 300 meters are currently installed in Niagara Falls, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
Beware, however -- if you fail to pay, the meter will take a pixel picture of your license plate! (So much for running out of film!)

They’re Beginning to Notice Us
There are about 78 million baby boomers - roughly three times more than there are teenagers and 20+ adults. Most of them are Internet users who learned their computer skills in the workplace.
Sites are being built to capture the attention of this generation of Internet users who have more money and leisure time than those who are younger. They are also more loyal than teens and don’t flit from one site to the next.
A social network for people who want to stay connected with existing friends and family is starting up in Boca Raton, Florida. It is called, VantagePoint Venture Partners. Another site will launch in mid-September and is called TBD, which stands for “To Be Determined.” These sites let you post profiles, designate friends, start and participate in discussions, and get expert commentary. Also, many common problems can be discussed such as, health, family problems, etc.
Advertising will also be targeted toward older people such as Humana insurance, Fidelity Investments, pharmacy chains, etc.
Happy surfing the net on your wheel chair affixed to a surf board!

Finè

Index

D-Link XTREME N “WIRELESS” NETWORKING

Reviewed by Don Nendell
Manufacturer:
D-Link Systems Inc.
17595 Mt. Herrmann
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: (800) 326-1688 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST (Mon-Fri)
Web Site: http://www.dlink.com
D-Link Customer Service
E-mail: customerservice@dlink.com
D-Link Tech Support (http://support.dlink.com)
Toll Free 24x7: (877) 45D-Link (453-5465)

Product Model: D-Link DIR-655 XTREME N Gigabit Router
Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Platform: Windows PC and Mac
Interface Type:
4 Gigabit LAN Ports
1 Gigabit WAN Ports
USB Port (for Windows® Connect Now)
Standards:
IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u
ANTENNA TYPE: 3 External
SECURITY: 64/128-bit WEP, & WPA & WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
ADVANCED FIREWALL FEATURES: Network Address Translation (NAT), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), VPN Pass-through / Multi-sessions PPTP / L2TP / IPSec
DEVICE MANAGEMENT: Internet Explorer® v6 or Later; Mozilla® Firefox® v1.5 or Later; or
other Java-enabled Browsers
LED’s: Power, Status, WAN, WLAN (Wireless Connection), LAN (10/100/1000), USB
CERTIFICATIONS: FCC Class B + IC & Wi-Fi®
Dimensions:
Item (WxDxH): 4.6” x 7.6” x 1.2”
Packaging (WxDxH): 8.1” x 10.9” x 2.6”
Weight:
Item: 0.7 lbs
Packaging: 2.0 lbs
System Requirements:
Recommended:
For Optimal Wireless Performance:
Use with Xtreme N Adapters (DWA-552,
DWA-556, DWA-643, or DWA-652)
Minimum:
Computer with:
- Windows Vista™, Windows XP® SP2 (Computer must adhere to Microsoft’s recommended System) Requirements or Mac OS® X (v10.4)4
- Internet Explorer v6 or Mozilla Firefox v1.5
- CD-ROM
- Network Interface Card
For Internet Access: Connection to Broadband Internet
- Cable or DSL Modem Subscription with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Package Contents:
Xtreme N Gigabit Router
3 Detachable Antennas
CAT5 Ethernet Cable
Power Adapter: 120V/60Hz DC Power Outlet
CD-ROM5 with:
- Installation Wizard
- Product Documentation
Price range:
$179.99 at D-Link’s Web Site (http://www.dlink.com)
$117.99 - $162.95 from 15 Stores (at buyersedge.com)
$115.00 - $179.08 from 15 Stores (at smarter.com)
$119.99 - $149.99 from 15 Stores (at nextag.com)
Warranty: 1-Year Limited Warranty available only in the USA and Canada.
Windows Vista Support

Prelude
To the uninitiated (i.e., those not familiar with my “Security by Unmasking Obscurity” Singleness-of-mind bent) it may seem as if I have departed from my Security-at-all-costs norm? Not so. Not so! I have had security of my Home (P2P) Network on my mind throughout this entire series of reviews. Just Watch me!

And now . . . the rest of the story, Again! And, yet again!
I’m back to my old tricks with my 4-Part - 3 consecutive months - D-Link Reviews: DVC-1000 VideoPhone (Part 2 of the reviews), DVC-1100 VideoPhone (Part 3 of the reviews), and now, DIR-655 XTREME N Gigabit Router and DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter (Part 4 of the reviews, spread over Sections 1,2 & 3). Here in Part 4 of the reviews we’re continuing with the “Wireless” side of Don and Donna’s Home (P2P) Network (See Home (P2P) Network graphic).

As I wrote in Part 3 of the reviews, “They say that the road to Hades is paved with good intentions. And, as I mentioned in Part 1 of the reviews, ‘I [had] fully intended for this to be only a 2-for-the price-of-one review sandwiched in between my on-going/never-ending/life and death battles with all my ‘rotten-to-the core’ computers’.” Well, we’ve finally arrived at the core-experience of these 4 reviews, “Wireless Communications on Steroids.”
Latest Update on Wireless
Technology (WT)
Julie Sartain tells us in her most recent article, New Trends In Wireless: Where Wireless Is Headed For The SME (Processor magazine, August 17, 2007, pg. 9 <www.processor.com>), “Trends in wireless communications today are vast and exciting and accelerating at the high speeds they employ. We’re living in the future now, where science and science fiction are fused. We have wireless computers; wireless Internet, WANs, and LANs; wireless keyboards and mice; pagers and PDA’s; and wireless printers, scanners, cameras, and hubs. Our children’s children (or maybe even our children) will say, ‘What’s an extension cord’?”
Even closer to the nub of these reviews, up til now, it never really dawned on me in writing this D-Link 4-Part series of reviews just exactly what the true (said, overall) picture of the battle for “our” - that’s mine and yours - Internet access dollars is really all about. Answer. It’s all about Millions, and Billions, even 100’s of Billions of dollars. And guess what? “They” all ultimately have to please us, or it’s “Katie-bar-the-door for them.” It’s kind of like, “publish or perish” in the world of Academia. Duh!

Some Background. Telecommunications magazine, in its August 2007 issue (www.telecommagazine.com), which BTW I’ve been receiving for well over a year now, partially, and quite helpfully, showed me the way. Sean Buckley, Telecommunications Executive Editor, in his THINKING OUT LOUDcolumn entitled, Cable operators get serious about Ethernet states: “I used to think telecommunications and cable communities operated much like high school cliques: telecom on one side with a voice heritage; cable on the other with video. Despite cable’s video tradition - now threatened by telco build - out of video offerings - cable operators have mixed up a pot of telecom services for residential and, more importantly, business customers. The major element of cable’s business drive: Ethernet.”
Yes! They’re fighting for our attention and that’s “mainly” what all these reviews have been trying to share with you herein. Most of all that “Stuff” is right here, right now, with D-Link leading the way!
Get it? Got it? Good!

Just think back how far the Communications Industry has come. Here again from Telecommunications magazine (August 2007 issue), we get a 10-year flash back (See Telecommunication magazine graphic). It’s simply astounding, and it’s only going to get better for us all.

D-Link Review Articles Background
As a good example, in hindsight, its really hard to imagine one (1) continuous Review in 4 (separate) Parts based on but one family’s Home (P2P) Network? Such-a-life! And just imagine, you can easily do it too; with sterling help from a great group of people at D-Link’s marvelous 24x7 Tech Support, if “you” ever need them, that is! Hoorah!
Oh yes!Do please see the previous Parts 1 & 2 of the reviews in the July 2007 BCM archives, and Part 3 of the reviews in the August 2007 BCM archives (at www.ucs.org). Also, may I respectfully suggest you always select the .pdf versions for their artistic beauty. And now, onward and upward . . .

What the industry analysts have been saying about the next generation in Wi-Fi technology
“With the arrival of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11n draft 2.0 products, we end the practice of uncertain claims of Wi-Fi draft compliance by independent vendors. Consumers can now purchase products with improved performance and be assured of interoperability. Prospective buyers should understand that the Wi-Fi Alliance will provide future certification for the eventual 802.11n final specification and assess their own time-frame for a movement to 802.11n.” - Ken Dulaney, Vice President and Distinguished Analyst in Gartner Research

“So, from low price to amazing performance, [802].11n is going to shake up the WLAN space perhaps like no development ever has before. And it’s all going to happen with unprecedented market velocity.” - Craig Matthias, Principal, Farpoint Group

Get the picture? It’s here right now folks! And, D-Link has it ready for you in a neat little package. The one I have chosen to review for you is the D-Link DIR-655 (DIR-655) XTREME N Gigabit Router and the DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card (DWA-652) in a “Wireless” Network (See graphic, “Products that work with the DIR-655”). Need I say more? OK! You asked for it. Here goes!

Even More D-Link Shock and Awe - With a Capital “Family Fun!”
Well, “Would you lookie here!” These neat “Babies” easily hooked right into my “upgraded” Home (P2P) Network arrangement (See Home (P2P) Network graphic) “Bang, Bang;” They: “Completely throttled everything;” “Grabbed the ‘whole thing’ by its throat,” and literally, repeat literally, “Blew the socks right off my old existing cable network with their highly touted, ‘Up to 6X Range and 14X Speed plus WPA and WPA2 Access and Transfer Security’.” Truth be known, it was all really “very, very impressive” and the new system’s increased download speed was “immediately noticeable.” I still haven’t figured out how D-Link is able to take an existing “locked-in Internet throughput download/upload speed limitation” (via my installed 100MB NIC cards), and kick it into such a “High Gear?” But, they really have!
Bottom Line. Here is my review in a nutshell for you, once again: “It really works!” “It’s incredible!” “It’s fun for all!” It’s beautiful, easy to use and works like a charm!” Well, there you have it, that’s My D-Link DIR-655 XTREME N Router / DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card “Wireless” Network review: “Bam! Bam! It works exactly as advertised, and it’s definitely a ‘Kick-in-the-Butt’!”
P.S. When everything finally fell neatly into place, when all was said and done, I learned a great deal about “Home” (P2P) Networking. In hindsight it really was relatively easy, and followed along exactly as the manuals said it would. What a Hoot! But, more elaboration on these particulars in a little bit, that is, if you are of a mind to know more of the details? If so? Read on McDuff!
Introduction to The “Souped-Up Wireless” DIR-655/DWA-652 Setup
Q. Why specifically the D-Link DIR-655 XTREME N Router / DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card “Wireless” Network Setup (See Part 4 in the Home (P2P) Network diagram)?
A. My Line of Reasoning. Because everything in my Home (P2P) network was already in place - ready and waiting for something “great” to happen, that’s why! Besides, the DIR-655 is “Only” the “Top-of-the-line” D-Link router. Ahem! As I quoted D-Link in Part 3 of these reviews: “The DVC-1100 [VideoPhone] introduces the world of videoconferencing over the Internet, to bring you, your family, friends, and colleagues together. By using Enhanced 802.11b, you can place the DVC-1100 next to the family television “without running network cables” for your broadband connection around the house (My emphasis here). Since the DVC-1100 VideoPhone is a standalone device, no computer is needed when you videoconference over the Internet.”
It goes without saying, undoubtedly, that’s truly the greatest innovation since “Low Quarter Shoes were introduced to the American GI’s, way back when.” But that particular portion of the whole P2P system (Re Part 3 in the Home (P2P) Network diagram) has only WEP encryption capability, plus it only has 802.11b/g capability, not 802.11n capability. What that effectively means is, I would lose both the publicized “Up to 6X Range and 14X Speed” advantage that the DIR-655 Router gives me, plus the stronger, and thus, the more secure “WPA and WPA2 encryption” capabilities
(Don’t say I didn’t warn you about my security interests ;-} ).
In other words, I would totally negate virtually all of my “XTREME N Gigabit” potentialities by hooking it up to the DI-624/DVC-1100 combo, i.e., lose those vaunted, and eagerly cherished DIR-655 “overkill” and Vastly Increased Speed/Range/Security capabilities. Which is the very purpose of installing an “XTREME N Gigabit Router” system (i.e., the “Wireless” Network) in the first place.
Besides, the DIR-655 is physically located “right smack dab in the middle of our complete Network;” which, therefore, makes it located too far from the Cable Modem to retain its fabulous effectiveness (See Caveat below). Makes immanent sense to me!
WHAT The DIR-655 Router DOES
Some of the more important “Features and Benefits” of the D-Link DIR-655 XTREME N Gigabit Router are:
1. Create a wireless network to share high-speed Internet access with computers, game consoles, or media players at far greater speeds in your home or SOHO.
Note. Draft 2.0 802.11n provides speeds up to 14x faster than a “Wireless G” network (Such as the two (2) DI-624 Routers currently in my Home (P2P) Network system, et al.)
Caveat. Maximum wireless signal rate is derived from IEEE Standard 802.11b specifications. Your actual data throughput will vary. FYI Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, can lower actual data throughput rate. Also, environmental factors will adversely affect any wireless signal range outdoors.

2. Achieve greater coverage for your entire home, SOHO, or Business, with up to 6X the extended range of a “Wireless G” network.
Note. Xtreme N technology is “specifically designed” to allow for “farther” home, SOHO, or Business coverage.
Caveat. Wireless range and speed rates are D-Link “relative” performance measurements based on the wireless range and speed rates of a standard Wireless G product from D-Link. Maximum throughput is based on D-Link 802.11n Draft 2 devices (See graphic on comparisons).
3. Intelligent Wireless Prioritization Technology.
Note. D-Link’s Intelligent QoS (Quality of Service) Technology provides for Superior VoIP, Online Gaming, etc.
This explanation is important. D-Link advises: “With some Routers, all wired and wireless traffic, including VoIP, Video Streaming, Online Gaming, and Web browsing are mixed together into a single data stream. By handling data this way, applications like video streaming could pause or [even] delay. With D-Link’s Intelligent QoS Technology, wired and wireless traffic is analyzed and separated into multiple data streams. These streams are then categorized by sensitivity to delay, so applications like VoIP, Video Streaming, and Online Gaming are given priority over Web browsing [and sending e-mails]. This enables multiple applications to stream smoothly to your TV, or PC.”
4. Wish Technology.
Note. This technology works hand-in-hand with QoS (which selects which feed has high bandwidth priority over another transmission (See above)) and helps with media streaming, video and gaming giving them priority over other regular “Stuff,” like e-mails, file sharing, etc.
5. Secure your wireless network using advanced WEP, WPA, or WPA2 encryption.
Note. It goes without saying, this is probably the most “dear to my heart” part of the Xtreme N Wireless technology, i.e., “Its Increased Security capability” (More on this topic below, naturally!).
6. It’s easy to get started with D-Link’s new Quick Router Setup Wizard (See The “How To” Part below).
7. Supports Good Neighbor Policy.
Note. Xtreme N will not interfere with other “Wireless” networks. It is backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b devices, including game consoles and digital media players.
8. BEST-IN-CLASS FEATURES.
Note. Here’s what D-Link has to say on that particular subject:

“Powered by Xtreme N technology and equipped with three external antennas, this [Top-of-the-Line] router provides superior wireless coverage for larger homes and offices, or for users running bandwidth-intensive applications. The DIR-655 also includes a 4-port 10/100/1000 Gigabit switch that connects Gigabit wired devices for enjoying lag-free network gaming and faster file transfers. . . .

“D-Link’s Xtreme N Gigabit Router was rigorously tested and verified for compatibility with Intel’s Next-Gen Wireless N, utilizing intensive real-world testing conducted in typical home and enterprise environment scenarios. In Intel’s testing process, which was conducted over the period of several months, D-Link’s Xtreme N router met or exceeded Intel’s requirements for performance, extended range, co-existence with other 802.11b/g clients and access points, and the ability to eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots.”

In Summary. While delivering best-in-class performance, network security, and coverage, it’s easy to see why the DIR-655 is the ideal centerpiece for your “Wireless” network in the home or SOHO (See also the DIR-655 Works With graphic). Olin Coles of Benchmark Reviews says it this way: “In the past year alone I have sold and installed nearly sixty WiFi routers, and in nearly every case that wireless router was the Linksys WRT54G. Not anymore, and most likely never again.”
Yes! Personally, I couldn’t say it any better.
Here’s yet another very, Very Important Reminder
Please visit the D-Link web site and take in the 6:00 minute D-LinkTV Presentation on Easy Steps to Securing Your Home Network by Mike and Heemok at <http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=530> Click on the “Watch Episode on easy steps to securing your home network” graphic on the web site.
Caveat. Don’t miss this one, above all, if you do anything.
Also, you can also see lots, lots, more timely and important D-LinkTV Presentations while you’re at D-LinkTV.There’s a total of 146 videos that you can “click” on and learn “A Ton” from at <http://www.dlinktv.com> (Under “Video Spotlight” choose “All Videos” to display all 146 videos ). Of the 46 of the total that are Home and Home Office videos, and the 22 Q&A videos, be sure to see Digital Home DIY Episode 2 and Q&A Episode 20 (Router Configuration). While you’re there, why not see them all, and “Learn a great deal about networking.” It’s “Free!” So, do it!

The “How To” Part
The DIR-655 can be configured using the easy-to-use Setup Wizard (or the handy manual on the CDROM) that guides you step by step through the setup process and makes it easy to personalize and change your “Wireless” Internet Access options.
Caveat. The 6:00 minute D-LinkTV Presentation on “Easy Steps to Securing Your Home Network” (See above) will be a truly great help in the Installation process, believe me. Also, some graphics I captured from the D-LinkTV Presentation “Network Security” spell out the “Security” basics “very succinctly” for us (BTW Don’t miss either Presentation).

Important Note. Here’s another fabulous “Barn Burner” for you. D-Link has “brilliantly” provided all of us a “Free” playground to practice “setting up” any of their fabulous products. It’s called “Emulators.” You can try all types of configurations on their web site and not have to worry about “messing up” your own precious network. Simply go to <http://support.dlink.com> and click on “Emulators.” It’s foolproof, it’s completely harmless, and it’s a great learning “Playground.” So, get with it!

FAQ’s of Particular Interest
Last time I checked, there were 34 FAQ’s concerning the DIR-655. Please refer to them for any additional help before calling Tech Support. They are a tremendous help and you’ll find them at <http://support.dlink.com/faq/search.asp>. There are a couple FAQ’s that are of special interest that I’d like to share with you here (See the graphic).

D-Link Xtreme N “Wireless” Networking Part 4 - Section 2
Featuring DWA-652 Network Adapter

Reviewed by: Don Nendell

Product Model: D-Link DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter
Product Details
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Platform: Windows PC and Mac
Recommended System Requirements:
Computer with: Windows® XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4 (Computer must adhere to Microsoft’s recommended System Requirements)
CD-ROM Drive
20MB Hard Disk Space
32-bit Cardbus Slot
For Internet Access: Connection to Broadband Internet
- Cable or DSL Modem Subscription with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Specifications
Standards: IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g & IEEE 802.11b
Interface: 32-bit Cardbus
Wireless Frequency Range: 2.4GHz to 2.4835GHz
Security: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) & Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2)
LEDs: Link & Activity
Certifications FCC Class B & CE
Dimensions:
Item: (WxDxH): 2.1” x 4.7” x 0.3”
Packaging: (WxDxH): 6.8” x 9.5” x 1.4”
Weight:
Item: 0.1 lbs
Packaging: 0.5 lbs
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty (Available only in the USA and Canada)
Package Contents:
Xtreme N Notebook Adapter
Quick Installation Guide
CD-ROM (Latest software and documentation are available at <http://support.dlink.com>) with:
Installation Wizard
Drivers
Product Documentation
Product Features:
Draft 2.0 802.11n Speeds Up to 14x Faster than Wireless G
Wirelessly Stream HD Video, Share Files, and Go Online
Enable Superior Reception from Farther Distances
Backward Compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b Networks
Pricing Comparison:
14 Web Site Stores Prices Range from $86.73 to $105.95
<http://www.dlink.com/products/viewOnlineRetailers.asp?pid=532&sec=0>

Home Network Building With D-Link Products
Like All Mine Are
To reacquaint you with Part 3 of the reviews, the DVC-1100 (which is located in our living/family room) is “Wirelessly” connected to an existing DI-624 Wireless Ethernet Broadband Router (or, it could just as easily be a DI-614, DIR-655, et al.) which is actually located in Donna’s computer room. Bottom Line. The actual connection to our HDTV and subsequent setting up of the DVC-1100 was literally a snap after the “IPCop Firewall Port Forwarding” situation was solved, as you may recall. So, the next question logically becomes, “Now, what else can we add to our marvelous Home (P2P) Network system?”
The Answer. “Optional Equipment” because the DIR-655 works with several other components (See “Works With” graphic).
Now, we add the DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card (DWA-652) to the mix
As you can see in the “Works With” graphic there are a number of other components that comprise the XTREME N “Wireless” stable of components surrounding the DIR-655 Router. I especially chose the DWA-652 Notebook Adapter Card so I can roam freely, anywhere - anytime I so choose - around my house or outside in my small, personal office, or even out on the front porch/in the back yard; actually, wherever I choose to go, and always be assured that I have at my immediate disposal the fastest, most “secure access” to the Internet that’s ever possible “anywhere” throughout the whole Home (P2P) Network. Hoorah!

About The DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card
The DWA-652 is designed for use in larger homes and offices, or for users running multiple bandwidth-intensive applications. It connects a Laptop or a Notebook computer to an existing “Wireless” network to access a Cable or DSL high-speed Internet connection to transfer files and stream media around your home or office.
The DWA-652 is a WiFi Draft 2.0 802.11n “Wireless” client (See Draft 2.0 Specifications above) that delivers unrivaled “Wireless” performance for Laptop and/or Notebook computers. Once you are connected, you are able to share a Cable or DSL high-speed Internet connection, photos, files, music, videos, printers, and storage. When it is specifically connected to a DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router, it can transfer your “Stuff” at rates of up to 6X faster, and up to 14X greater distances, than a standard 802.11g “Wireless” network. Most importantly, from my own personal perspective, it supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption that allows you to connect more “Securely” to a “Wireless” network (More on this later, naturally ;-} ).

EASY TO SETUP, EASY TO USE. D-Link’s Quick Adapter Setup Wizard guides you effortlessly “Step-by-Step” through the installation process, plus there’s a D-Link Wireless Manager also included to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks; so that you can rejoin them quickly and easily, if you desire.

DWA-652 XTREME N Notebook Adapter Card Benefits
Note. Please refer to “WHAT The DIR-655 Router DOES” (in Section 1) for a more comprehensive list of details (both devices are totally compatible and equally similar in their Features and Benefits). When the DWA-652 accesses a DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router, simply stated, the Features and Benefits are:
1. Delivers up to 14x faster speeds and 6x farther range than “Wireless” 802.11g.
Note. The DWA-652 is backward compatible with existing 802.11g and 802.11b networks, so not to worry about that.
2. Xtreme N technology enables HD video streaming, file sharing, enhanced Internet phone calling (VoIP), and surfing the Web.
3. Access “Secure” wireless networks using advanced WEP, WPA, or WPA2 encryption (See more on this Benefit below).
4. Easy to install and use with D-Link’s new Quick Adapter Setup Wizard.
That’s about it. The DWA-652 is a perfect complement to the DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit “Wireless” network setup. It provides all the mobility, speed, range, freedom, convenience, and “Security” you could ever want in a “Wireless” WiFi device. Period!
Psst! Here’s an item for you! When you need to go outdoors, you don’t have to buy an expensive Panasonic ToughBook to rough it; just put your Laptop or Notebook in a “Tough” OtterBox carrying case (See models at <www.otterbox.com>). Ta! Da!

D-Link Xtreme N “Wireless” Networking Part 4 - Section 3
Featuring the DIR-655 Gigabit Router and DWA-652 Network Adapter

Reviewed by Don Nendell

Be Forewarned: This is Don’s Personal Soapbox Time!
Or, Is It Sandbox?
“The enormous growth and universal acceptance of e-Commerce brings implications for both corporate users and the general public. Increased use of [the] Internet has enhanced the opportunity for spreading malicious software or unauthorized access to confidential information due to higher degree of inter-connectivity between different networks. The potential for attacks, and reach of their consequences, make it clear that wherever there are users communicating online, there must also be a means of securing those communications.” - e-Security Expo 2007 Promo

“Security” is Paramount to Us All, Whether You Know It or Not. Hopefully, After All My Ravings, You Do? BTAIM. Given its vastly increased speed and range, here’s where this Xtreme N Gigabit “Wireless” network setup makes the greatest sense, to me, to you, and potentially, to everyone! “It’s all about ‘Communications Security’ my friends!” “You can become an instant statistic, casualty, and/or point-of-attack, at any time, anywhere, as well as, lose your shirt, identity, reputation, et al., all through a stealth-like “Hack Attack!”

Some Supporting Facts. The DIR-655 supports the latest “Wireless” security features to help prevent any unauthorized access, albeit from within your Home (P2P) Wireless Network, or from the Internet. It does this through support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 standards, which ensures that you will always be able to use the best, and strongest possible encryption, regardless of any of your client devices. The DIR-655 accomplishes this by using “Dual Active Firewall’s” (i.e., SPI and NAT) to prevent potential attacks from across the Internet. Take my word for it, “Anything can happen, and most likely will happen, given the ‘Hackers Motivation/Mentality/Capability’ to get at your “Stuff!”

Slight Diversion Time ;-}
Here’s A Timely, Incredible “Wireless Communications” “Hacker” Success Story for You. CTIA, The Wireless Association, reports that, “the Mobile Device, no longer a device of privilege, is now a multifaceted tool used by over 240 million subscribers in the US alone, making it truly the lifestyle productivity tool of the future.” In that vein, the hottest craze in the nation, the iPhone, is destined to swell this Internet access device list of subscribers in the US alone exponentially. FYI The “Hackers” started working on “hacking the iPhone” the instant they hit the market. You all know the story, it’s huge. [See also Peter Svensson’s related article, Teen unlocks AT&T’s hold over iPhone in the Saturday, August 25, 2007 Salt Lake Tribune Money Section, pg. C1 <www.sltrib.com>, as well as, CNBC’s (You’ve simply got to see this one for yourself) “Live on Air Interview” of George Hotz, the iPhone Hacker (7:15 total at <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hk-OTqx8hQ>), and there’s ton’s more, too!]

In case you didn’t know, here’s the latest “update” on that same incredible story. George Hotz grabbed an even bigger jackpot with his “World-beating Hack”: 1) He’s already listed in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; plus, 2) He promptly traded his second “hacked” iPhone for a “sweet” (Hotz’s description) Nissan 350Z and 3 more 8GB iPhones; and 3) www.49abcnews.com reported that he’s “already” been offered an internship by Google. I should be quick to point out that, he accomplished all of this in just a couple of days; then, he promptly did his own impression of “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “sped” off to college like a “Good Little Teenager!”
Note of Curiosity. I wonder if “Master” Hotz will need his text messaging address to be changed to 1234567890@tmomail.net now, or will he keep his 1234567890@txt.att.net address; or can he, will he, use both, now that he’s “Hacked the iPhone?”
BTW You did know, didn’t you, that you can forward, or send a message from your e-mail, to a mobile phone user from your own PC’s (or Laptop’s) e-mail, as a text message? You only need to know that person’s cell phone number and cell phone service provider (See the example for George above). As a quick reminder, as if you needed one, in the “To: line” for Verizon, for example, type in [phonenumber]@vtext.com; for Sprint/Nextel type in [phonenumber]@messaging.sprintpcs.com; for T-Mobile type in [phonenumber]@tmomail.net; and, for AT&T type in [phonenumber]@txt.att.net (where [phonenumber] is the person’s cell phone number. Thought I’d just throw that one in for “Free.”
BTW. There’s no “Security” this way either, but at least you can do it from your new DWA-652 Notebook Adapter from “virtually anywhere.” Pretty convenient, if both parties are mobile somewhere out there! Ooooh!
Oh! BTW I did mention that “Security” was my middle name leading in to this review, didn’t I,? Yeah! I certainly did! Can’t seem to help myself either. And, here’s why!

The list of “Hacker Attack” possibilities is virtually limitless, and accelerating rapidly. The damage any “interloper” can do is absolutely immense, if not devastating overall, to you personally, your family, your company, or to potentially anyone else out there on the Internet. It’s just that critical, believe me.
Worse Case Scenario. You could even end up with the “Feds” swooping in and seizing your PC(s). Aw Shucks! That couldn’t happen to you now, could it? Nah!

As I’ve written many times before here in these reviews, that’s only a part of the reason why I’ve spent the past 12+ years patenting and perfecting my Security Suite technology. (See the AutoEnc(54) review in the August 2006 BCM Archives at <www.ucs.org>. Also, may I, once again, respectfully suggest you always select the .pdf versions, when you do visit our BCM (magazine) Archives, for their artistic beauty).

So, you ask? Where does all this fit into the picture here in these reviews? Keith Shaw of Network World, in an interview on D-Link Live at the recent Interop 2007, stated that “Most of the traffic on a network is IP-based, both data and voice. The answer for us here my friends is, “Wireless” Communications - all kinds of “Wireless,” or “Mobile,” Communications. It’s all the rage today, and growing by leaps and bounds as I reported above, as well as, most assuredly, the “Hacking community.” It’s a fait accompli that the “Hackers’ own the Internet, and an “Open, Unsecured Wireless” Access Point (AP), or any “Wireless” Router, like the DIR-655 Router, is like a “Rotating Beacon” to them, and is the bane of all security; just ask any War Driver?
Def. war driving n. A computer cracking technique that involves driving through a neighborhood with a wireless-enabled notebook computer and mapping houses and businesses that have wireless access points [AP’s]. Also: wardriving, war-driving.
FYI Google Results: 1 - 10 of about 2,110,000 for wardriving. (0.14 seconds).
Note. I just this minute checked, and Heavens, I must be losing my marbles! I haven’t warned you about war driving since my last four (4) D-Link reviews way back 5 years ago, in the August thru November 2002 D-Link Review time frame, and also at the, now defunct, Blue Chips “Wireless” Special Interest Group (SIG), which we started in October 2002.

For shame Don! This “Hacking” area is exceedingly dangerous and extremely crucial stuff! It is also a backdoor to Identity theft, which I’ve continually harped on throughout the other 35 “Security-Related” reviews I’ve written for well over 7+ years now (See graphic)!
More FYI, “e pluribus unum.” Here’s a good example of a “war driving” article: War driving by the Bay by Kevin Poulsen, SecurityFocus (See this one at <http://www.securityfocus.com/news/192>.
A word to the wise - which I sincerely hope is sufficient - it’s all about “Security,” my “naive” friends, “Total security, pure and simple!” Get With It, Or, Prepare Yourself for Getting Torpedoed! Not if, but when!

Here’s the Bottom Line, and It’s The Primary Reason Why I’ve Undertaken Writing These D-Link Reviews: My D-Link XTREME N “Wireless” network “Security” setup (See Part 4 of our Home (P2P) Network diagram in Part 4 Section 1 of these reviews) fills that portion of the “hacker” problem for me perfectly; in my humble considered opinion, naturally! ;-}

FYI If I had wanted to, I could have, just as easily, put the DIR-655 Router in the place of the DI-624 Router (Again, see Part 2 of our Home (P2P) Network diagram in Part 4 Section 1 of these reviews), i.e., out in my own private office, however, in so doing, I would have needed to install a separate DWA-552 XTREME N Desktop Adapter in my primary HP Media Center (Desktop) PC (“You recall in Part 1 of these reviews, my mentioning “it” in passing, don’t you?) In order to maintain the maximum efficiency of the DIR-655 Router. Otherwise, the DIR-655 Router’s main benefits would be lost to me. A tough choice to make, for sure. Yet, having only one (1) DIR-655 Router at my disposal, plus completely trusting the “DIR-655 test results” from Tim Higgins’ excellent review of the DIR-655 at SmallNetBuilder (See graphic and actual review at <http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30087/96/>), and using them as my guidepost, plus mainly opting for the “Freedom” to Roam, and “Communicate Securely,” repeat, Securely “Anywhere,” was the guiding element I looked for in my final decision! Therefore, to repeat, my “Final Setup”is: The DIR-655 Router is located beside the DI-624 Router in Donna’s Office (Once again, see Part 3 of our Home (P2P) Network diagram in Part 4 Section 1).
Caveat. I’ve shared with you herein just a couple of “Hacking” examples - which is literally the tip of the iceberg - my friends.”And, this deadly ‘Hacking’ stuff only gets bigger, more intense, and even more dastardly with each passing day.”
Psst! That’s what I’m “trying” to share with you here,”Electronic Communications Security.” “Whew!” he says, wiping his sweaty brow!

And Now, There’s Yahoo! Widgets, Say What?
I’ve run out of time, folks, but this is quite a novel, very interesting, ingenious, and intriguing idea - one completely new to me - which can now be found on D-Link’s web site. It seems you can now download, and “Freely” use, something called Yahoo! Widgets (Note. There’s 1000’s of them). Of interest to us herein is a particular Yahoo! Widget which you can use to view key DIR-655 Router network performance data, including Internet and network connection speeds, IP addresses, numbers of networked devices, “Security” settings, and more (See additional Yahoo! Widgets graphics and details at <http://www.dlink.com/products/DIR-655/yahoo-widgets/#>). Bears checking out, I’d say?

Oh! I Almost forgot. Not!
This One is Ideal For Expanding Your Gigabit Network. To make our Home (P2P) Network “All That It Can Be,” all I need to do now is to replace the current 5-port “hub” (no names mentioned here) with a D-Link 5-port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch (DGS-2205). Reasoning. The DGS-2205 provides the best solution for expanding our Home (P2P) Network into a full-blown “Gigabit network.” With gigabit speed being 10 times faster than a 100Mbps Fast Ethernet connection, this will enable us to save time transferring bandwidth-intensive music, video, photos, graphic, and data files. ;-}
So, Overall How Do I Rate the DIR-655?
It’s about time, you’d think?
Pros. Naturally, all the Pros of the DIR-655 are way too numerous to count. But, primarily it boils down to the following points standing out: 1) The DIR-655 is very affordable, and readily available for the average Home User; 2) It is the “Fastest,” “Farthest Reaching,” and “Safest, Most Secure Wireless Network Router” available in the business today; 3) D-Link’s vaunted Tech Support will always be there for you 24x7 to “BAIL YOU OUT” of any problems you “might happen” to encounter; and, 4) It goes without saying, “It’s a whale of a lot of fun for everyone, too!”
Cons
Personally I can’t think of any, mainly because D-Link’s vaunted Tech Support is always there for you 24x7. I mean, what more could you ask for?
And, The DWA-652?
More of the same; only it goes double, because it is the “Ideal Companion” to the DIR-655. That’s said, Period.

To Summarize
Strangely, I still cannot see how some companies can market their pricey “Wireless” Routers - like the Bountiful Router, for instance - which is listed at $625US MSRP? (www.bountifulwifi.com). There’s gotta be a good reason, when you’ve got a very “competitive” D-Link DIR-655 XTREME N Gigabit Router (DIR-655) which sells for between $118.00 - $170.00? Go figure!

In Conclusion
Adding each D-Link component to my personal Home (P2P) Network system one at a time - or singly - is almost a “no-brainer.” It’s really relatively easy. That’s the way you most likely will need to do it too, singly; and, most certainly not like me. But hey! If I can do it, so can you! It is only when you add a whole bunch of them in a big glob - like I did - that things turn a little dicey. But then, that’s where that fabulous D-Link Tech Support enters the picture to save the day. So, “Live a Little.”
My Home (P2P) Network graphic (Home (P2P) Network diagram in Part 4 Section 1) truly stands “Tall in the Saddle,” and clearly reflects a fabulous, prized, highly desired “Home Network” setup - I truly believe; and I’m not done yet. Well, Almost! Every time I go to some conference (the annual CES/APCUG conference, for instance) I see Incredible new “Stuff” popping up all over the place - and one simply has to “Keep up with the Jones’, doesn’t one? I absolutely enjoy those excursions immensely and subsequently being introduced to all those new products that I can ultimately write about, and consequently bring to your computer screen via these Blue Chips Magazine reviews. Hey! It’s a “tough life and someone’s got to do it;” so why not me? ;-}

As mentioned in Part 3 of the reviews, all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell right into place for me in doing these D-Link reviews; starting with the “splattered puzzle” in Part 1 of the reviews and ending up here, all put together so proudly.
A Hasty (CYA?) Disclaimer Might Be in order Here? For those who haven’t already figured it out by now, the young lady in the graphics (See Part 1 of the reviews (i.e., puzzle “splattered” all over the place), Part 2 of the reviews (i.e., a piece is “clearly” missing), Part 3 of the reviews (i.e., “missing piece” found), and now, Part 4 of the reviews (i.e., the “finished” puzzle, merely for effect, again ;-} ) depicted in all these reviews is clearly intended to merely show a crossword “puzzle” - in my case, my Home (P2P) Network puzzle - in the different states of being assembled, that’s all! Ahem! Well, at least that was its intent, anyway! Besides, a picture is worth a 1000 words, they say? Bye!

Oh! And, Finally
You should never, not ever, face anything like the problems I always seem to encounter (said, brought on myself) - “Heaven help you if you ever do!” To repeat what I have written these last four (4) months, all the D-Link equipment worked like the proverbial “Charm.” But, “I say again” (that’s pilot talk), if ever needed, help is always there at D-Link 24x7 - you can bank on that.

Time and again, I’ve preached my “Byline” throughout these review pages (ad nauseam): “Happiness will forever be a working computer!” “Well, there’s definitely “Genuine Happiness” in a working D-Link “Wireless” Network in our household tonight!” Viva la D-Link!

Finally, Again
It goes without saying, it’s been a ton of fun doing these four (4) D-Link reviews in succession - once again. Beside the fun of doing them, I’ve learned so very much this time around about building Home (P2P) Networks. I really am extremely grateful to D-Link, in so very,very many ways, for all those magnificent “Wireless” networking products they have allowed me to review - and truly enjoy all these years - more than you can ever know. I sincerely hope that you will “give all of their marvelous products a try” and get that same distinct pleasure, intense satisfaction, and fabulous enjoyment I’ve been given Since WiFi’s “virtually” everywhere you go, you’ll be awfully glad you did; I most definitely am!

Ciao!

Index

The meeting was convened by President Stuart Gygi
It was announced that the general meetings for Sept. and Oct. would be held at the Engineering and Mines Classroom Bldg. The Olpin Union Bldg. Theatre will not be available to us during those months. The meeting place will return to the Olpin Union Bldg. in November.

Because of problems found with the computer to be auctioned tonight, it was decided to delay the auction until the Sep. meeting.

Open Access

Jared Motogawa described a problem accessing a network printer from his machine that he had to rebuild after a hard drive crash. The printer was accessible before the crash. It is currently accessible from his father’s machine. The printer is attached to another computer and shared over the network through a wireless router. He has updated his BIOS to the latest version, obtained the latest drivers and installed them. He has reinstalled the printer, checked cables, and removed all security software. He has even swapped out all hardware that he possibly can. He can connect the printer locally to his machine through a parallel cable and it works. There is a problem with workgroup operation. Don Nendell suggested talking to D-LINK tech support for help with the router.

Leroy Johnson asked about how to dispose of obsolete computer equipment. Some suggestions were a recycling event, hazardous waste facilities. Some dealers will dispose of the equipment for you. Some may charge for the disposal.

Presentation

Quintin Foster, a former Xerox engineer and a volunteer teacher at the Mount Olympus Senior Center with Lowell Kennedy, presented Acronis True Image. True image is a backup system for the PC produced by Acronis (see www.acronis.com). The company provides data backup and disk management software for home users and for businesses.

Quintin described how he came to begin using True Image. He and Lowell had to rebuild the OS on systems at the senior center on a regular basis. This was about an eight hour job, so he began looking for image software to backup the OS and other software after it was built. True Image was recommended by Ron Messick (Messick Computers), so after doing some research on it and Ghost, he decided to try True Image. After experimenting at the senior center and at home, he finally found the courage to restore his own home system from an image he had made. The restore was successful and he was delighted.

He found the software easy to use. Backing up is trivial and restoring is almost the same. After installing the software, you create a bootable CD from which you can boot. Although you can run a restore under Windows, if Windows is defective, you will want to boot from the CD which will startup True Image without having to start Windows. It will see your file system just as Windows does, so you can locate your backup image and restore it. True Image will also backup and restore over your local network.

The essential test of True Image came when one of the senior center staff reported she couldn’t access the data on her computer. The senior center computer guru tried a whole day to get the system working without success. Quintin booted True Image, backed up her data to a network computer and restored it after restoring the OS. It was a much quicker process and was successful. This led Quintin and Lowell to begin using True Image on all machines, beginning with several new computers purchased recently.

They had been working with version 9 of True Image and purchased some copies of version 10. They encountered a problem booting the restore CD on the new computers which were Dell Dimension systems. Acronis was eventually able to fix the problem. Quintin reported that Acronis Tech Support is great. They worked with him on a temporary fix and then released a permanent fix in an update. The new True Image worked fine.

Quintin made a plug for Gene Barlow’s scheme for portioning, putting the OS and programs on a different drive than data. This fits well with True Image which allows you to plug in the backup image of a drive as a Windows virtual drive and then restore individual files or folders. This only works if your backup is of the whole partition

Another bug Quintin found in Version 10 of True Image involved restoring when the backup is just some files and folders. The restore didn’t always work. It would seem to choose randomly which files and folders selected for restore were actually restored. He reported the problem to Acronis some months ago and worked with them supplying data and screen shots until they were able to verify the problem. They still have not been able to fix the problem as of the day of this meeting. This problem does not exist in version 9.

Quintin discussed some things he considers constraints of Acronis although not everyone might consider them such. He recognized that these same constraints might be found in any piece of backup software. He mentioned the ability to only plug full partition backups and recover individual folder or files. Another constraint is the need to keep your backups up-to-date as you install Windows updates and new software. His recommendation is restore the last image, install any required Windows updates, install any new software and then make another backup.

An alternative is to do an incremental backup. This approach saves only the things that have changed. The image file will be much smaller than a full image. With incremental backups, to restore a damaged partition, you have to restore the full image and then each incremental backup in order. This can take some time if you have many incremental backups. Additionally, each backup has to be good to fully restore your system. Another alternative is the differential backup. This backup saves all changes since the last full image backup. The backup files are larger but you only require two files to be good to restore your system. Gene Barlow doesn’t recommend the differential approach. His argument is based on the idea that you should delete each differential backup image as a new one is built. Otherwise you use excessive space on your backup drive. Also, restore time is not much greater with the incremental approach. Genes approach is that you make a full image backup each month and incremental or differential backups each week. Whether you do this or not depends on you frequency of change and how much backup space you have. I see no compelling argument for incremental over differential backup.

Quintin does recommend Gene Barlow’s backup approach of portioning a hard drive into two partitions, one for the OS and programs and another for data. Backup should be to another internal or external har drive or to another computer on your network. True Image can make a Secure Zone on the C drive for backups. It is like another partition, but this approach doesn’t protect against hard drive failure. Backing up to another hard drive is much safer.

Questions

The first question concerned backing up over a network. All that is required is to enable file sharing on the computer holding the backup drive (Workgroup configuration). True Image should be able to find all drives on the network that are shared.

A question was raised about using USB or wireless keyboards and mice. If True Image reboots, they might not be active, yet. Quintin had not encountered the problem. This should only occur during a restore. True Image doesn’t reboot after doing a backup but does after a restore. The problem was encountered during a mirroring operation. James Alexander said that some BIOS chips have an option to read a USB or Wireless keyboard or mouse during boot. This must be enabled for the keyboard or mouse to be used during boot. Older BIOS chips probably won’t have the feature.

Doug Jackson mentioned that the True Image boot disk may not show the same drive letters for you partitions that Windows does. Just beware.

Jared Motogawa asked about being able to load drivers for special devices such as special controller cards when booting True Image. No one new the answer, but it seems unlikely that it is possible.

All Acronis products are available from Gene Barlow at www.ugr.com. He gives user group members a discount. Just mention our user group name.

Submitted by Stuart Gygi