BUFFALO AirStation Pro WAPS-AG300H Gigabit Dual Band PoE Wireless AP BUFFALO AirStation Pro WAPS-AG300H Gigabit Dual Band PoE Wireless AP

Pros: Everything that you could want in an enterprise class AP- Power over Ethernet (PoE), Privacy separation (wifi devices can only communicate with each other in the same SSID, or you can turn that off entirely), RADIUS authentication, and lastly (and most importantly), this has been running non-stop (after a manual configuration- see cons) for 2+ weeks now with 10+ clients connected to it via 3 different SSIDs. 0 downtime since it was manually configured.

Other features include AOSS (for ease in connecting devices), it's dual band but not concurrent, up to 5 SSID's, and a good QoS engine. The included mounting bracket works great and has everything included to mount it anywhere.

Cons: Wireless clients couldn't authenticate after about an hour when configured to obtain anything from DHCP automatically, meaning every IP assignment had to be set manually for stability. The AP would lose/erase the settings for DHCP and DNS (saw this when I connected via ethernet in the diagnostic system information). That's the only thing worth mentioning and it is why I have rated the product as 4 eggs. For north of $130, EVERYTHING should work properly.

Other Thoughts: This AP doesn't broadcast as strong as of a signal as most typical home routers but it wasn't worth knocking an additional egg off for, this is a solid 4/5. Most wireless routers that I have owned require a reboot after some time as the wifi will just drop on occasion. This AP hasn't shown any sign of that, it seems rock solid and stable. It also seems to take clients a bit longer than normal to connect, it's not like it takes forever, it's just longer than I am used to from other APs.
The idea with an AP like this is that all that is needed is to assign this AP an IP from a router and have it detect everything automatically and then set the wifi security. When I started losing clients and clients weren't able to authenticate I was a bit disappointed. It's a simple fix, and all that is needed is a firmware update. If you don't need concurrent dual band for your business wifi this is a solid choice. If you do, there's a model from Buffalo you can get with that.

Pros: The build quality of this device is superb. It's made of very sturdy material clamped together by 4 security-star screws on the bottom side. All of the connections are tight and solid and I don't feel like anything would break very easily even with moderate abuse (i.e. sitting on a desktop getting knocked onto the floor).

With that said, there is a steel bracket included for mounting the router to a wall or ceiling so there shouldn't be any reason for this to sit on a desk, unless of course you want to mount it TO a desk. Also included is a small bag of mounting screws for various materials and a set of drywall anchors to reinforce your on-the-wall installation.

Setting up the router for your network can get pretty advanced and technical very quickly inside the configuration page. That's a Pro because it allows you to configure this device for virtually any network environment. It's also a Con for anyone not at least moderately experienced in installing/configuring a network. No eggs lost though, because you should do your homework before buying!

This particular model offers dual band wireless technology. Basically, you can run a two seperate wireless networks independant of each other, each with its own customizable settings and security parameters... pretty cool! The security options are pretty standard; WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc., however Buffalo has thrown AOSS (AirStation One-touch Secure System) onto this router, which is a push button WEP/WPA security feature similar to WPS (which is also an option on this router). I don't personally have any AOSS capable devices, but I know the list is growing as this becomes more standard. I believe Nintendo devices currently use this security feature.

Buffalo has a free low profile client manager tool that you can download from their website. It provides detailed connection information about your wireless network, and has a graph displaying typical statistics like signal strength and transmission speed. The tool works with any wireless network (not just your Buffalo router), and even allows you to quickly switch between previously connected networks.

Speaking of signal strength, the AirStation Pro with it's 2 detachable antennas provides moderately-powerful signal strength compared to a typical wireless router. I'm seeing approximately 70% signal strength from 40' through 2 walls and some appliances. This is better than the 50-60% signal strength I got with my previous low-end home router.

I almost forgot to mention PoE, or Power over Ethernet. Basically, if you have a switch with PoE support, you don't need to use the A/C power adapter. This allows you more maneuverability when locating spot to put your router. Now I just need to invest in a PoE switch!

Cons: The included printed quickstart guide will help get your hardware setup in a very simple network environment but it does not go into much detail about configuring the LAN or wireless settings, so I found it almost useless. Actually, the only information I needed from the guide was the URL to download the installation software from Buffalo's website.

The installation software goes as far as connecting your PC to the unconfigured router allowing you to assign an IP address and subnet mask to it. After that the software is no longer needed as you configure the router by "logging into it" through your web browser. At which point you can uninstall the software. Weird...

The user guide (download from Buffalo website) is a MUST for getting this thing up and running properly because the basic settings menu doesn't get you very far, and there is no built-in help/support on the configuration page. Basically, minus 1 egg (because there is no half egg) for user-friendliness, or lack there of.

No included LAN cable. I thought these things all came with cables? LOL. But no egg lost. I had a spare cable from my last router =)

Other Thoughts: For a company I've never heard of at home or work, this is a spectacular product! I will sure keep an eye out for them when upgrading my network components in the future.

Pros: Before you purchase a piece of technology you’re not “totally” familiar with, verify any pre-purchase questions beforehand. Ignorance may be bliss; I’d call it, elective naïve nonsense, especially when a little due diligence is going to save a lot of aggravation. That’s what I did (24/7 toll free support number) prior to getting the product. It seems simple enough, why make a mountain out of a mole hill? The devil is in the details.

I wanted clarification beforehand; I called customer support (after normal business hours). To my surprise, the call was answered by an articulate product technician in San Antonio, Texas. When, perhaps ninety seconds into the call; I got disconnected. While hunting for the phone number, my phone rang, the technician was contentious enough complete the transaction by initiating a return call using caller ID. First impressions count, this one scored a home run with me.

This was my first exposure to Buffalo tech, that interaction initiated curiosity, I checked out their product line; obviously they know what they are doing judging by their vast array of networking products. Somehow, I had tunnel vision, here-to-for; I haven’t given second thought to this manufacture. If anyone at Buffalo is reading this, your investment in quality employees was money well spent, you’ve got my attention.

The thing which separates a praiseworthy manufacturer winners from want-a-bees, is before and after sale assistance, utilitarian merit, perceived quality and innovation all of which I’d give this product better than a passing grade, highlighted by, uncomplicated setup and commendable signal strength. Stability assessment awaits the test of time, I’m optimistic, but, you never know.

Cons: This product deserves more than an easy setup guide. Pamphlets belong in travel agencies not accompanying high tech gear. Before you do anything, download the user’s manual it contains information worth scrutinizing (100 page pdf file). While we're on the subject, a hard copy administrator’s guide ought to be enclosed with the product.

One big selling feature is POE acceptability; however, a lot of folks don’t have POE readily available without and add-on. The pamphlet which accompanies this pictures a (pricy) POE switch, there is a less expensive option, a POE injector; justification to offer a future version with version with this option included.

Other Thoughts: I previously had an extraordinary customer service experience with another manufacturer which produces networking products, which I classified as extraordinary. Buffalo takes customer service one step further, providing (apparently) equally competent 24/7 support.

Feature worth mentioning: AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System) is a proprietary Buffalo Technology function which allows a secure wireless connection to be set up with the push of a button.

This product is amazing in its potential; it can be powered without an AC power source, potentially creating stress-free installation. If power over Ethernet is available on the network, otherwise (as previously noted) you’ll need to provide the infrastructure (i.e., POE Adapter / Injector), a little time and some wire, Hocus Pocus, technology magic, most any house can be retrofitted into a house WI-FI of the future, the unit can be virtually be stuck anywhere (a mounting plate with screws are included) an Ethernet wire can be run, making it as easy as installing a telephone, a high gain antenna in a central location and you’ve got the typical house covered. Without to the POE function (as assessed), it’s necessary to connect this directly to a power source, using the included connector. It’s easy and straight forward to install, for complex instillations, requiring technical expertise beyond your pay grade, call manufacture’s support for guidance, WLAN controllers are pricy. When/if the unexpected (i.e., forgotten password) happens, there’s a handy reset button to restore default settings.

I don’t have any significant quibbles, cream rises to the top, so does excellent customer support, keep this in mind, there’s 24/7 support available when & if you need it. Also, it comes with a two year warranty, possibly solidifying your buying decision.