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Nexland WaveBase Wireless Router
By Christopher Wong - May 27, 2002
 As you can see, we do a lot of reviews of wireless networking hardware here at OnePC.NET, and there’s a very good reason for that: 2002 looks to be truly the year wireless networking will take off, due to increasing demand and decreasing prices. While many individuals have taken the plunge, companies are a bit more reluctant to do so, mainly because of lingering concerns about security. Our review of the ZyXEL ZyWALL 1 highlighted how much security could be packed into a broadband sharing device, but that particular router wasn’t wireless capable. Enter the Nexland WaveBase, which neatly adds 802.11b wireless networking support while retaining many of the attractive security features found in the ZyWALL 1.
A quick glimpse of the feature list and $399 MSRP price tag instantly tells you that this is not a device designed for the home user. Nexland has targeted the small office as the primary environment for the WaveBase router. The feature list is extensive, but here are the basics.
Specifications
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WaveBase |
| WAN Interface |
One 10Base-T Ethernet port, one DB-9 RS232 Serial port |
| LAN Interface |
Four switched 10Base-T/100Base-TX ports, one PCMCIA Type II slot (for wireless 802.11b network card) |
| Supported WAN Types |
Static IP, Dynamic IP, PPPoE |
| IP Management |
DHCP server/client, NAT, Port/IP forwarding |
| Network Management |
Web-based configuration, TFTP firmware upgrade/backup |
| VPN |
IPSec/PPTP passthrough, unlimited tunnels |
| Special features |
Backup external modem/ISDN connection |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
10 7/8" x 1 5/16" x 5 11/16" |
| Weight (G.W.) |
3 lbs. |
In terms of basic features, the WaveBase is remarkably similar to the NetPassage 16 from Compex we reviewed a while back. Yet when it comes to the advanced features, the WaveBase surpasses the NetPassage at virtually every level. Of course, this is to be expected from a product that aims for a different, higher-end market segment.
The WaveBase package includes the router itself, a wireless PCMCIA network card, a length of CAT5 RJ45 Ethernet cable, a serial cable, a software CD-ROM, and a printed user manual. The WaveBase’s manual deserves special mention because it is surprisingly well written, includes lots of detail, and makes extensive use of screenshots to illustrate procedures and options. One wonders why more manufacturers aren’t writing manuals as good as the one that comes with the WaveBase.
The WaveBase itself is an attractively designed unit with its entire body covered with a purple finish. Better yet, the body is made of metal and is more durable than the plastic housings of cheaper routers. The front of the unit has the four LAN ports, the single WAN port, and a multitude of different indicator LEDs. The rear houses the PCMCIA slot and eject button for the wireless card, a serial port, a reset button, a master on/off switch, and most interestingly, a set of four dipswitches (to be explained later). Rounding out the unit is a set of four rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slippage. However, the lack of an uplink port or button is quite surprising given that the WaveBase is intended to be part of a medium-sized network.
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