Product ReviewsNetworks/Servers
Broadband connections are wonderful, at least when you use the right hardware. We examined a number of the best Ethernet router-based broadband modems in a recent Labs test (see Labs, 6 August 2004, p42), but Thompson's latest model, the Speedtouch 580i, wasn't available at the time of the test. We've now put it through its paces, and it makes a worthy addition to the extensive range of Mac-friendly broadband routers on the market today. The Speedtouch 580i is a compact, round-edged device with a simple array of status lights and a button on the front, and a set of network ports and an antenna on the back. It can sit flat on a shelf, be fixed to a wall or sit upright with a plastic support. Its specifications are quite respectable. Its built-in Ethernet switch has four 10/100Mbit/sec ports, and an 802.11g (54Mbit/sec) wireless network access point provides AirPort-compatible connections with 64/128-bit WEP encryption. As is the case with all Speedtouch routers, the printed documentation is minimal, but the setup process is just as simple. Typing the router's IP address in a browser opens the configuration pages, and the auto-setup wizard walks
Once set up, we put it to work as the DHCP server for a home network, using a separate hub to expand the four ports to work with four Macs, a PC, a networked laser printer, and a PS2 games console, plus a couple of wireless network connections. The Speedtouch 580i performed well at all times; the wireless signal strength was equal to the better wireless routers in our recent Labs, and the wired network performance was more than satisfactory as well. The device supports the Wireless Distribution System standard, so two or more base stations can be bridged together to extend the wireless network coverage. One of the wireless security options includes client registration using the hardware button on the front of the router, helping restrict access to specified clients only. In terms of future-proofing, the Speedtouch 580i can be software-upgraded to ADSL2. We found the Speedtouch 580i to be a competent, well-featured ADSL router, which was easy to set up and use. It would be nice to see some of the documentation aimed at helping the average user expand their networking abilities. The more in-depth PDF documentation on the Speedtouch CD assumes a fair level of networking expertise, but this is an issue in every other manufacturer's offerings as well. That general quibble aside, this is a great choice for ADSL users. It costs the same as the Belkin ADSL router that won our recent Labs test, and beat it for wireless signal strength. If it had been available at the time, it might have taken the top spot. Needs: ADSL-enabled phone line + Ethernet port By Keith Martin
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