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If you are a computer user who wants the fastest and easiest way to log on to the Internet, the cable modem is the way to go. The only problem is picking the right equipment.
Unlike a dial-up connection with your telephone line, a cable modem requires that you have either a USB port, or preferably an Ethernet connection. It also works with Firewire (commonly called IEEE 1394) and a special modem. Unfortunately, cable modems are not installed in machines as phone modems are. So you do need to purchase one. This is where things get complicated.
Since you will need a modem for broadband cable, the cable company, or most, can lease one to you. In the short and long run, you are always better off purchasing your own modem. If time is an issue, you can simply buy one from your cable company, if they sell them, which most now do. The average cost is anywhere from around $90 to $100 for the modem. Just a few short years ago they were hovering around $200, so prices are more competitive and more reasonable. I have seen them as low as $75.00 for one.
But let’s say you have more than one computer in your home. With most users having a desktop, a laptop and others, having one access ramp to the Web may not be enough. So if you wish to connect several computers, you will need an IP address for each system connected and cable companies charge about six or seven dollars per PC per month. If you do not wish to do this, you will need a router. Routers allow you to share one connection among several computers. The router and the cable modem are separate devices, and therefore more money.
Toshiba, sensing the lack of real simple solutions for this problem, have introduced the PCX 5000. According to Toshiba, this is the first device in its class that includes a cable modem, wireless router, self installing software and Internet security based on Check Point Software Technologies’ VPN-1 FireWall-1. What this means for the rest of us is one device that can connect your desktops and laptops to one connection. Instead of purchasing two boxes, now you have them integrated into one neat package.
Toshiba has wisely included “JumpMaster Home Networking," which takes the pain out of networking one or two or more systems. What has always been frightening for home users, creating a network, has now been made easy. Just follow the software and bam, there you are set up and running. No problems, no issues and you are online.
The gateway for the PCX 5000 includes four 10/100 BaseT ports and an 802.11b wireless interface. With this device you have the ability to create a local area network, LAN, and a wireless network, WLAN, with a range of about 300 feet, which should suit most home users well. There is a jack for an antenna to extend the range on the unit. The PCX 5000 can connect up to a whopping 250 computers via one broadband connection simultaneously. Not too shabby for a box that looks clean, lean and mean.
If you are concerned about compatibility, Toshiba has that covered. The PCX 5000 gateway has been approved by the WiFi Alliance, which is the standard for wireless connections, Cable Labs and Microsoft. What this means is that this device should work with most, if not all, cable systems. I would be amazed if it didn’t. Meeting these high standards all at once speaks well for Toshiba.
If the whole idea makes you anxious, in my experiences, Toshiba has always made dependable devices. When everything else with a cable network fails, the Toshiba modem has always been a dependable part of the broadband equation. Even if you elect not to get the PCX 5000, do consider a Toshiba modem. They have always worked for me.
For users with more than one PC, that want to connect several without a hassle, and you want the least expensive painless way to do it, Toshiba has offered up an excellent solution for home users and small home office users. There is little to find flaw with this excellent elegant solution to networking several computers. If you just need one modem, and networking is not an issue, you may be better off with the modem that came with your installation. But in the long and short run, you may be much better off seriously considering the PCX 5000 if you have more than one PC. If firewalls concern you, the built-in router is one of the best firewalls you can have. So if protection is an issue and expansion a possibility, this is an excellent device. Kudos to Toshiba on introducing this all in one device.
Coming in at about $200 street price, this is one excellent modem router solution. When you add wireless networking and the ease of installation, this device has a lot to recommend it as the perfect solution for broadband users. I cannot imagine any home user not wanting this device in their office period.
Details: Below are some figures for those that want the “low” down on the PCX 5000
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