Zoom X7N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL Modem Router

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This ADSL router is small, but splendid. It 'just works', and gives better coverage than any I have had before.

It took me 4 minutes out-of-box to set up (with existing settings), and the auto-WAN scan it did has given slightly better speeds from a long rural BT line than before.

Works uneventfully with 15 different kinds of new and old kit here, including PC, Linux, Macs big and small, mobiles, and even a Blackberry Playbook. 'Difficult' WiFi priters didn't need reinstalling. Lots of useful options if you know how, but can ignore if not. (You may need to go in and switch to GMT-offset, if you have systems that care). Very well-written instructions, and clear setup animation for the uninitiated.

So many other router brands get patchy reviews, people should know that this one simply ticks all the boxes.
Firmware problems (here's the workaround)...
OK, this isn't a bad router, and it runs cool and has a Broadcom chipset which will most likely match the one in your local exchange DSLAM equipment.

So far so good, but now for the fly in the ointment.

It's advertised everywhere as having four Wireless SSID's. Zoom claim the unit will handle WPA2/WPA security protocol, see under the 802.11 section on the following page:-

[...]

You will find the only SSID which you can use WPA2/WPA on is the primary one.

The guest SSID's can be set with WPA2/WPA, but will refuse to work. Same with WEP. In fact the majority of the time they won't even work with no security in place. You can "see" them, but try as hard as you wish - you will be unable to connect.

Frustrating.

Basically it's because the firmware it presently ships with is pants, although in due course they should release a better version to address the issue I'm highlighting.

In the interim here's a...
Rock Sold Performance
Bought this a month ago to replace a cheap 15 month old TP-Link product that kept dropping the ADSL line. Since installing this unit the line has not dropped once - it grabs it at switch on and holds on until it's switched off. Wireless signal also seems a little stronger than the unit it replaced. No problems with setting it up, also downloaded the latest firmware update and installed that without a problem. I've had Zoom products before - always seem good quality and to work OK in the UK, worth 5 stars - totally happy with it.

Just a quick update, after 3 months the unit is working faultlessly. I usually have the modem/router on for about 12/15 hours per day.

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