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| Page Two of Compex iRE201 Infrared Wireless Access Point |
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The set-up of the iRE201 is not exactly user friendly. It is very easy to make an error in your configuration and lose your connection to the iRE201. Using the iRE201 really requires a basic understanding of IP addresses, gateways, and networks. There is no self-configuring software or easy-to-read configuration examples in the manual. Plus you must have knowledge of the configurations of the LAN network and/or the modem in order to get everything to work correctly. So if you are not comfortable working with networks and communication protocols, better have someone who is help you. The Serial port of the iRE201 is very useful for two reasons. One, you can connect a Dial-up 56K modem to it and wirelessly dial out on a phone line to get mail or surf the web. Two, if you mess up the configuration at any time and cannot access the internal web-based set-up page, you can always access the text based set-up using HyperTerminal. This is a fairly common practice for troubleshooting network problems with other network access points, servers, and routers. Built-in power, LAN, and IR access LED are available to monitor usage and assist in troubleshooting problems. For a computer to connect to the iRE201, the IP address of the computer must be set for a specific address. So in order to also connect to the Internet using an Ethernet modem, you will need a router. The iRE201 works very well for connecting directly to a modem or a LAN. If you have a single computer with a Cable or DSL modem, you will need to add a router in order to have more than one IP address and allow the IR device to access the Internet through your computer. The iRE201 is best used as an access point connection to a LAN or as a stand-alone wireless connection to a modem. When using a Notebook or Palm, there is no additional software to be installed. With a Pocket PC, you will need to install a connection driver. This is available on the included CD and there are versions for StrongARM, MIPS, and SH3. If you are using a Pocket PC 2002 device, you will need to download an updated driver from the Compex web site. ActivSync or the Compex IR driver is used to connect to the iRE201 using a Pocket PC. With a Palm, you simply make a new connection service and tap the connect button. The iRE201 handled access to the Internet or LAN very well. You can easily access your email, browse web sites, send messages, and exchange files. Unfortunately, you cannot synchronize with your PC using the iRE201. So you will still need to use your docking cradle to sync your Pocket PC or Palm to your desktop computer. There are no security features with the iRE201. So any IR device will have access to the iRE201. A really nice feature is the Extended IrDA Transducer. This is an external Infrared receiver / transmitter that is connected to the iRE201 by a long cable. The Extended Transducer allows you to expand the transmit/receive arc so there is no need to point your IR port directly at the iRE201. Keep in mind that most IR devices have a limited range and their IR port still needs to be pointed in the general direction of the iRE201. This can be annoying with devices that mount the IR port on the bottom or sides of the unit. You still need a direct line of sight with any IR device. The area of use will always have to be in close, direct proximity to the iRE201. Try to mount the iRE201 and Extended Transducer high up a wall to improve the range and field of coverage. In general, I found the iRE201 easy to use as long as you have a basic understanding of IP address, protocols, and networks. A novice user should consult with an experienced network person. The iRE201 really helps improve the access to a LAN or Internet and allows multiple persons and devices to make use of the available access. The iRE201 is the most inexpensive and economical wireless choice in connecting your Pocket PC or Palm to the rest of the world. Pros Inexpensive Easy to use Serial port set-up console Power, LAN, IR, and Access LEDs Extended IrDA Transducer Cons No security features Set-up can be difficult for novice users Limited documentation No self-configuring software No “Sync” capability Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. --Harvey Lee PocketPC Editor Editor Note: I spoke with Ashton Maxfield of www.CPX.com and he informed me that the Sync feature does work on the iRE201. He was kind enough to include a link to the products white paper: http://www.cpx.com/prodimages/ire201.PDF Looking at the white paper it appears they go into detail on how how to sync your Palm device with the desktop via the iRE201. Seeing that they have Sync working with the Palm I would think this should make a great short range access sync point for an office that uses one or many Palm devices. Expect to see many more great products from CPX reviewed in the future. --Bill Landon Senior Editor |
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