SMC Networks, a leading provider of LAN hardware and broadband connectivity devices, today announces the launch of a new Barricade™ Wireless Broadband xDSL/Cable Router featuring four 10/100 Mbps LAN ports, one 10/100 WAN port, and a 150 Mbps 11n access point. Utilizing 802.11n technology combined with an external high-gain antenna, the router delivers improved performance and extended WiFi coverage, eliminating dead spots in home and office networks.

The Barricade™ N Wireless Broadband Router (SMCWBR14S-N5) is perfect for home or small office users that want to share their Internet connection and don’t necessarily need the additional bandwidth that SMC’s 300Mbps products provide. Support for Wireless Distribution System (WDS) provides seamless bridging capabilities to expand the wireless network and Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) allows users to enjoy lag-free real time applications like video and voice from anywhere in their home or office. Rigorous security is provided by the latest WPA and WPA2 wireless encryption standards as well as Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS), while extra peace of mind comes with the ability to disable the transmission of the SSID network name and conceal it from potential intruders.

Jo Chang, Product Marketing Manager for SMC Networks in Europe & Africa, comments: “This new Barricade™ Broadband Router will be attractive to customers who want to upgrade from 802.11g but don’t necessarily use the kind of bandwidth intensive applications that are better served by higher end 300Mbps products. The SMCWBR14S-N5 is both fast and secure, and an exceptional value for home and small office environments.”

Key Features and Benefits:

• Robust Security

  The Barricade™ supports a high level of wired and wireless security to ensure your data is well protected. For example, a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) is built-in to help protect internal hosts from hacker attacks. Wireless security includes WPA/WPA2 Personal and Enterprise support and Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) for both push-button and PIN-configuration, enabling users to benefit from genuine one-touch wireless security.

• Multiple SSIDs

  The router supports multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), up to four concurrently. This allows different access control and security for different Wi-Fi network segments, thus enabling the router to provide separate Wi-Fi networks for private and public use without sacrificing security.

• High-Gain Antenna

  An external high-gain fixed 5 dBi antenna allows the Wi-Fi signal to cover a wider area than that of a standard router with a 2 dBi antenna.

• EZ Installation™ Wizard

  The SMCWBR14S-N5 includes SMC’s user-friendly EZ Installation™ wizard. Just insert the EZ Installation CD into your computer’s disk drive and it will help you set up and configure your router, step-by-step, in minutes.