3Com OfficeConnect ADSL Wireless 11G (54Mbps) Firewall Router Modem with 4 port switch

Nice product, problems connecting to the ISP
I've just purchased a 3Com router. The product seems to be good at a first glance. However, configuring it proved to be a different story.

I did not have problems accessing the router's admin page or setting up the wireless connection. However, when the time came to connect to the ISP, I couldn't. The ADSL link was all OK, but I just could not login. Checked the LOG file, no errors.

After hours of reviewing the settings and checking the provided instructions, I've decided to upgrade the firmware of the router. After that I could connect straight away (the upgrade by 3Com was release just in July 2005).

So, I recommend to anyone that can not connect to the ISP (btw, mine is Tiscali) to upgrade the firmware of the router. Apparently it was a known problem connecting to the ISP via PPP :(.
Update the firmware
How can 3com supply 2 year old firmware in this router? It was version 1.03 and it would not work correctly. It would not re-connected to the ISP after being switched on without going into the set-up program. It would not work with iChat even after I had opened the correct ports and followed several suggestions to be found on the net.

After checking the 3com web site, another poor service, I found an updater to version 2.06. A big jump from the version supplied.

Once I had unpacked it, the instructions only mentioned PCs, what are Mac users supposed to do? I followed the instructions and linked to the router using Internet Explorer and it worked.

It now reconnects to the ISP automatically after being switched on and I can use the camera on iChat. All that remains to test it with Apple Remote Desktop.

I would have rated it ***** if it had been supplied with the latest software as not all users would be willing or able to update it.

Using it with a G5 iMac with built in iSight...
'Anti-Console' Wireless Router
In the past month my home has gone from a single PC using a USB modem to 2 Desktop PC's, 1 laptop, Nintendo DS and a Xbox 360. These all required an Internet connection so I decided to buy the 3Com OfficeConnect ADSL Wireless 11G (54Mbps) Firewall Router Modem.
The pro's of the router is that I got a fantastic signal throughout my house including outside in the garden. The router setup is also simple so there shouldn't be too many problems setting it up.
The con's for the router is that although the Xbox 360 can connect online through it wired, it is useless wireless. I forked out £44.99 for a Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter (usually £59.99 but I work for GAME) and although the Xbox 360 recognaises it, it refuses to connect. I also had the same problem with my Nintendo DS but in the end I managed to connect it by manually configuring the IP Address.
I recommend this router if you intend to use it for PC's only but don't plan on...

Click to Editorial Reviews