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As I mentioned earlier, the NP16 has a Virtual LAN feature for its wireless capabilities. They are not the only ones to incorporate this technology, (i.e. Intel or Enterasys) but have done a good job in making it easy to use. This technology allows greater security, and better control over the wireless network and its data. Each VLAN can generate its own string of WEP code securing it, or sharing it with other LANs/networks. Parallel Broadband is a feature recently added to Compex's line of broadband routers. It gives customers the ability to increase the bandwidth available to a LAN, add redundancy in case of a failed line, and adds scalability for future expansion at a very reasonable cost. Essentially, different gateways are introduced to the Internet, one for every additional NP16 that is installed into the network. The NP16 units communicate amongst themselves, and balance their clients evenly. One of the strongest points of the Parallel Broadband technology is its redundancy and fault tolerance. The NP16 units are in constant communication with one another, and monitor the status of their connection to the ISP. If for whatever reason a unit determines that its line is down or unresponsive, it then re-routes traffic to the other remaining NP16 units. This allows all users connected to continue their work without interruption. More NP16 VLAN Info

Security and Encryption

The Netpassage 16 has built-in WEP encryption (64-128 bit character based), and was compatible with the Netblaster II PCMCIA card I installed in my laptop. I found the WEP encryption extremely simple to setup, but found it really difficult to understand and configure. At the beginning it asks for a string of characters to be entered in, in order to configure the encryption process. You can enter multiple strings for the multiple connections you may, or may not have for each signal. It then has to communicate with the Access Point (Wireless Card on Router) to determine if the connection is solid, and if it is working off the same channel. The first time I had to reboot my laptop to re-establish the connection, it had erased my encryption string. This process repeated itself until the third reboot which showed that it had saved my settings. It also showed that the connection was stable. These security features are also available with the Pseudo LAN technology mentioned earlier, and claim to be just as easy to use.

Final Thoughts

Similar products in this category range between $140 - $200. Upon further research I have learned that you can buy the Netpassage 16 with wireless PCMCIA card in a package for around $160.00 Canadian. This sounds like a great deal in comparison to some of the other name brand companies competing products. Feature wise, the Netpassage 16 is secure and compatible to fit any network ideals with its wireless capability. The built in Pseudo LAN technology cannot be found in any other router in its class. The parallel broadband and failover options are hard to find in a good router and will always be handy should your principle Internet connections ever go down. Compex has been making reliable products for 15 years now; I think the NP16 is a safe product that will take a bit of tinkering, but in the end, will prove to be a good solid investment solution to your home/office network.

Overall Score: 85%