Showing posts with label internet security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet security. Show all posts

11/23/2011

Motorola SURFboard SB5101N DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem Review

Motorola SURFboard SB5101N DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am very sastified with this purchase. It came within the time-frame that was stated and in good condition. It was easy to hook up and works great.

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Enjoy a super-fast broadband connection with an Environmentally-Friendly Cable Modem. Get more out of your time online and feel good about using a Green cable modem. Surf the Web and view pages quickly, download video with blazing speed and play online games faster than your opponents with this SURFboard cable modem. Up to 100 times faster than traditional dial-up. No dialing up - no phone line required. Easy-to-install and simple-to-use

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11/11/2011

Peplink Balance 30 Multi-WAN Router Review

Peplink Balance 30 Multi-WAN Router
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have owned this router for almost two years. Although expensive, it is worth every penny. I have it connected to my DSL and cable modems. I get incredible download and upload speeds. Skype works like a dream. And, I have had no problems whatsoever. The router setup is relatively easy. If you need a multiwan router the Peplink 30 is worth considering.

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The PePLink Balance 30 helps protect your business continuity by seamlessly connecting your business to the Internet through multiple independent links, and intelligently managing the links to provide automatic failover and enhanced performance.

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10/29/2011

Cisco WVC2300 Wireless-G Business Internet Security Video Camera w/Audio Review

Cisco WVC2300 Wireless-G Business Internet Security Video Camera w/Audio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Cisco WVC2300 video camera has some pretty impressive features. I wanted a network security camera so I could learn more about the technology in video surveillance. So having options like interchangeable lenses, I/O ports that can facilitate alarm system triggers, turn lights on and off from the camera web interface, two way voice, controls for mounting on a Pelco pan/tilt base to control movement remotely, and PC-less event recording directly to Network Attached Storage via integrated Samba client makes this camera a winner for my needs. It should be noted that this is a business class device that is designed with the pro-consumer and IT professional in mind. It's primary goal was not to be super easy to use and operate. If you're looking for a good super easy setup and basic feature(s) wireless camera with great reviews the Sharx Security VIPcella SCNC2606 Wifi Wireless 802.11g Security Network Camera is a excellent choice for cameras in this price point. Looking to spend a little less? Give a look at the under $100 Foscam FI8918W Wireless camera. If your're a box camera fan you maybe want to check out the ATC® WiFi 2-way audio Box IP Camera H.264 software 720P webcam security CCTV NC531MW H series, which has clear, crisp and extremely good detail picture quality or the new Toshiba IK-WB30A IP/Network Camera with 2 Megapixel 1600x1200 Resolution looks very impressive on paper for everything except the digital zoom :-(
The Cisco WVC2300 video camera Wifi g wireless IP camera has its own built in web server. So it does not need a pc to work. Authentication process requires a user name and password set by the camera's administrator. Here is a quick undocumented tip and or trick, if you need or have the desire to allow everyone to view the camera you can remove the user information from the demo account. You can view the video from your own home network or you can configure your router to view and control the camera from computers or cellphones on the internet, without dependence on any third party web sites or subscriptions. I also must give credit to the NETGEAR WNR3500L RangeMax Wireless-N300 Gigabit Router with USB as it was easy to setup the camera to be connected from the internet.It performs better than average for a wireless camera in it's price range likely because of the MIMO technology. I have not seen any other wireless security camera offer this feature. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. MIMO technology leverages multipath behavior by using multiple, "smart" transmitters and receivers with an added "spatial" dimension to dramatically increase performance and range. MIMO allows multiple antennas to send and receive multiple spatial streams at the same time. This allows antennas to transmit and receive simultaneously. I've not had connection drops or slower video on this system and it's more than 75ft away from the wireless router on a different floor. If you decide to go with a network cable install it also supports POE Power over ethernet which is very cool. From my understanding the POE function does not work while the camera is in wireless mode. I love the freedom of wireless personally and you can put the camera almost anywhere. It does not have to be permanently in one location because of cables.
It is very well built and feels pretty heavy and solid. It is longer than I thought around 8 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. In order to protect the camera from electrical surge(s) and or unexpected lost of power I put the unit on a small ups. I can't tell you how many devices fail or die to soon because they are not properly protected (Best Buy had a CyberPower - 425VA SL-Series Battery Backup System for 29.99). Also if you unplug the camera or experience a power outage the camera may get confused and go back to ethernet mode and not wireless. This may cause some to believe the camera no longer works. To fix this issue if it happens simply reconnect to a wired connection and set it back to DHCP if you previously had a static address and power off then on without the cable to force back to wireless. You may have to find the new address on the router or wireless access point for the new wireless connection. Another reviewer stated some good practical advice (for any computer hardware) regarding downloading the newest update(s)"Firmware Version: 1.1.2.6" was the latest release for download when I purchased this camera. Also downloaded the monitoring console software and other items too like the video surveillance software that allows you to setup a recording schedule and storing the video on a pc. I was surprised that it already had a microphone built-in, but the speakers needed to be purchased separately, and they need to be powered speakers. Two way audio works, but a good deal of background noise (fairly soft), but very noticeable was experienced as well. I had a better experience using the half-duplex and not full-duplex option setting for the 2-way audio, so you can't talk and listen at the same time, but it cuts the amount of noise and interference. It is easy enough to toggle between talking and listening. In general you get basic picture size options going up to 640*480 and the typical Brightness, Sharpness, Contrast, control settings to adjust the picture. This is an adjustable cs mount 6 mm lens. You can adjust the focus camera by slowly rotating clockwise or counterclockwise the very tip of the barrel of the lens base that is closest to you. I had to manually focus the camera to adjust for a clear and sharper image. After the focus was corrected it's got good picture quality. For a optional lens, you can use any c/cs mount and Cisco offers some custom ones for $$$ I would not recommend the Computar Wide Angle 2.3mm (which was not as sharp or clear as the stock lens) unless you need a really wide viewing area like a parking lot, but I've really enjoyed the Fujinon-3-11MM varifocal lens which allows both wide and narrower field of view(s).The DC-iris control connection from this len's is a four-pin standard plug that fits directly into the camera's iris output. The len's delivered impressive optical quality due to the high standards for resolution, contrast reproduction, and coating. The night feature works in extremely lower light, but not in total darkness. You can purchase IR units to resolve this i.e. Pinecom PN850 48 IR LED Illuminator. Motion Sensor was not as important to me, as it will be on 24x7. In this price range most software packages that come with the wireless security camera have a pretty basic limited motion sensor features. You may want to give a look at the Triple Sensor Technology (Body Heat Sensor, Motion Sensor, and Sound Sensor)on the Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera if motion detection is a primary concern. I did complete a simple configuration of motion detection and set it to email me when motion occurred. Both video and still jpeg attachment options worked fine. The picture looks great on the ipod touch and the new iphone 4, but audio controls are only available on the MS Internet Explorer browser. Also the camera has a shallow tripod hole and it can be a issue with standard tripod mount screws, so the unit may not be a tight fit on pan / tilt units. Overall value of this unit comes from its ability to be useful in many different environments because of wide range of possible options.

If they improve the following this would be a 5 star wireless camera.
A camera in this price range should have a memory slot for data storage.
Include a Pelco pan/tilt motorized unit (Most likely would move this camera out of the price range)AS20RS485 Indoor/Outdoor Pan/Tilt Camera Scanner appears to be compatible for around $140... If you just need a indoor pan/tilt option that can be set in a loop cycle then just get X-10 Ninja Pan & Tilt Camera Mount Kit - Model VK74A for around $40. If you want to be able to control a indoor pan/tilt unit over the internet using the WVC2300 cameras web interface (like me) the 3030WQ with Transformation decoder board about $40 - $50 plus shipping worked out pretty good.
Include a interchangeable camera lens i.e.3-11MM varifocal lens

Enable the audio controls in other browsers not just MS Internet Explorer
When you bring up the console homepage the default volume is set too high! (Maybe a setting I over looked, but if not they really should fix in the next update).
802.11n wireless network capable and go ahead and add a 3rd Antenna
Enable POE option when the camera is operating in wireless mode (Like other Cisco products i.e. Wireless Access points)
IR Night Vision i.e. RAYMAX 25 suitable for all low light installations up to 20 metres (66ft)or maybe the POE option Raymax 25 IP. If you need something a little more affordable maybe look at the Pinecom PN850 48 IR LED Illuminator (I like it)
[...]

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Linksys Business Series Surveillance products provide customizable ways for small business owners to monitor and protect their companies. These high-quality solutions can be optimized for many different applications and sites. Each camera can be quickly mounted utilizing the bracket included in the package. Its compact form factor also enables the camera to be put inside a protective enclosure for interior or exterior installations. The camera uses removable CS-mount lenses and can be customized with optional Zoom, Wide-Angle, Vari-focal, Auto-Iris, or other type of lenses as required for a specific application or setting.

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8/01/2011

Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera Review

Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wanted a "nanny cam" to monitor a new nanny, but felt a little uncomfortable about having one of the hidden ones. I felt that having a visible camera known to the nanny was a more respectful approach, although I would need several of them to monitor multiple areas since the locations would be known (and could potentially be avoided).
The Panasonic BL-C230A seemed like a great choice as it is from a major international brand and the reviews of its other wired and wireless cameras indicated that they were well received.
PROS
1. It's cute - It could star as a character in a Japanese cartoon. The nanny cam is a cube about 3" x 3" x 3 1/4" (approximately) and actually looks cute with its single eye and single antenna that looks like an ear. It has a high quality look to it with its high gloss white finish and reminds me of a smaller version of an old Sony Dream Machine alarm clock. It actually looks like it belongs on a nightstand in the bedroom or in a kitchen. It does not look out of place in a home and does not have a "tech" feel to it. I think this is a major plus as I really don't want the nanny to feel like I'm trying to determine if she is a terrorist.
2. Uses Wi-Fi 802.11 b only, g only, b/g both
3. Free lifetime use of Panasonic's "dynamic DNS server" - (more on this later)
4. Easy setup (maybe) - Easy to use paper instructions limited to 3 sheets of paper (of which only 2 are necessary). Sheet 1 shows step-by-step instruction on how to plug the camera into your router with a cable (not supplied and necessary even for wireless in the setup phase) and to connect the power cable. Sheet 2 is the sheet on how to configure the camera using your computer. This is the part that has the potential to be alarming or at least uncomfortable if you're not lucky enough to have UPnP (universal plug and play) on your router. (More on this later.)
5. Great interface with web browsers - Once your device is set up for internet access (more on this later) it has a fairly intuitive interface using Internet Explorer with an Active X control (and also on my Apple Safari although I used my PC with Vista for the camera setup with my Apple Mac for the router changes). There is a viewing screen that allows for 3 resolutions (192x144, 320x240, 640x480). There is a graphical control on the left of the viewing screen with arrows up/down and left/right for tilt and pans. What's nice is there is an auto tilt and auto pan button that will cause the camera to sweep back and forth quickly to give a quick overview of the room. Clicking on a part of the viewing screen will redirect the camera to focus on that spot. There is also multi-camera support for what appears to be up to 16 separate cameras.
6. Fantastic image quality! (It is definitely grainy in low-light, but that's to be expected.)
7. Infrared body heat detection system - does not work if using only browsers but works well using the optional record software install
8. Sound detection - Camera can be set to record not just with body movement triggers but sound triggers.
9. Zoom ability - Only with the optional recording software installed. Does not zoom using browsers only.
10. Audio - (Not on iPhone browser or Google Chrome, however)
11. Mountable - Comes with mounting screws and a safety wire in case it falls from your wall
12. Seems to be Apple compatible (except the initial setup and for video recording which appears to require installation of software different from using just a web browser, although I have not yet tested the video recording feature yet) - Works on my Apple Safari web browser as well as Internet Explorer (with Active X).
The system requirements written on the outside of the Panasonic box seem to indicate only Windows XP SP2 and Vista with Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 are compatible, but this may be true only for the additional software to set up video recording and the initial camera setup. The browsers seem adequate so far for just watching streaming video and taking still photos as well as maneuvering the camera. I cannot get sound, however, using my Apple iPhone Safari browser or Google Chrome on my PC. Sounds works well on Internet Explorer with Active-X.
CONS
1. Setting the camera up for internet access outside of your home can either be very easy or can be scary for technophobes. Your router must support something called UPnP, Universal Plug and Play for this to work smoothly (I imagine). When I say smoothly, I mean, being able to follow the step-by-step instruction on sheet #2. If you do NOT have a router that supports UPnP then the step-by-step instructions basically tell you to go to the manual on the CD which gives a great introduction on private IP addresses, WAN addresses, static IP addresses, and the usefulness of something called a "dynamic DNS server".
If you are now thinking that you will be over your head by all of this jargon, realize that most routers support UPnP and thus you can follow the step-by-step instructions which use an "automatic" mode in the configuration steps using your web browser. I am using an Apple Airport Base Extreme which does NOT support UPnP. My experience was that it required about 10 extra minutes for me to figure out that I needed to set up something like "port mapping" for my Apple router.
2. Although this is a "wireless" network camera, the description is slightly deceptive. It is wireless only in the networking sense. I should have thought about this more carefully, because what I really expected was a "cordless" camera. This camera has a powercord attached to it, although is "wireless".
3. It seems that there are 2 versions of video recording software that is an optional install. Oddly, the one for single camera support versus multiple (16) camera support are compatible with different Windows versions.
4. I have installed the optional software to my Windows Vista PC to support up to 16 cameras and found that the software works well and is intuitive to use for motion-detection recording. The software appears to be fine for my uses, but you have to pay for a retail version of the software if you want expanded features such as the ability to export their video data files to JPEG or MPEG format, or if you want to use their video backup feature. (I have separate third party software that mirrors my internal hard drives to external drives, so the lack of a built-in video backup feature is not critical to me.) I have not yet tried to see if this optional recording software will work with Bootcamp or VMWare on my Apple Macbook Pro.
TIPS
For those of you who also use an Apple Airport Base Extreme (which does not support UPnP), here's what I had to do:
A. Launch "Airport Utility" software from my Mac then select "Manual Setup"
B. Select "Advanced" from the top tab
C. Select "Port Mapping" from a sub-tab
D. Click on the "+" to add a device to this mapping so that an outside computer can access my device and is thus "mapped"
E. In the drop-down menu select "Personal Web Sharing"
F. Make sure the "public" and "private TCP" ports have the same number such as "80" in the text fields (which they do by default if you selected "Personal Web Sharing"
G. Save and update the modem (requires restart)
H. Go to the installation CD for the Camera and using Internet Explorer to configure the camera, choose "Setup" from the top in the web page
I. Select "Static" and NOT "Automatic Setup" and type in a number such as "80" into the "Port No." field, and save
J. Go to the "Internet" tab of the web page
K. Select "Disable" from the "Auto Port Forwarding (IPv4) option. This is DIFFERENT from the step-by-step instructions given which only work for those who have UPnP.
L. Select "Register with ...........com"
M. Select "Save"
N. You will then be directed to the "..............com" website which is Panasonic's "Dynamic DNS server" which basically will allow your router if it does not support UPnP to work. This website is also how you will be able to view your camera using a web browser outside of your home and local network.CONCLUSION
I am impressed enough to have ordered two additional "wireless" cameras. Its ease of use with the iPhone's standard web browser is simply awesome. My colleagues at work were so impressed by it that they have also placed orders for the device within hours of them seeing for themselves the streaming video on my iPhone and on my desktop at work.
I also suspect that my nanny will not feel like I'm some crazy overly zealous parent either, but that I just want a logical way to check up on the kids. It is a non-intimidating appearing piece of houseware that just seems fun and entertaining while being a legitimate surveillance camera.
I hope this review was of some help!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera

Panasonic Pan/tilt network camera- Wireless- 2 Input external connectors- Sends H.264 or MPEG-4 and JPEG images simultaneously- Image transfer by timer, alarm, motion, sound or human presence- HTTPS Data encryption deters electronic eavesdropping.

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7/30/2011

Tz 100 Wireless-n Network Security Appliance Review

Tz 100 Wireless-n Network Security Appliance
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Remarkable flexibility, powerful security, a seriously awesome piece of hardware, esp for this price point. Can even add load balancing of two high speed connections if you have them (cable+dsl or fios, etc.). took a while to get this one up and running through a lot of trial and error. The manual available online is intimidating to say the least. but great fun and learned a lot with this thing. just felt compelled to write a + review after the 1 star the other reviewer provided. yes, very complex product and certainly not designed to replace your typical router, this is corp level capability in an inexpensive box, and the flexibility is incredible now having set up a bunch of rules, signed up for the protection services. this is a 6 star product.

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SonicWALL TZ 100 Wireless Network Security Appliance 5 x 10/100Base-TX LAN - IEEE 802.11n (draft)

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