Mini wireless routers are becoming quite popular, and all the big names in the networking world are getting into the game. The OfficeConnect Wireless 54Mbps 11g Travel Router is 3Com's entry into the field.

About the size of a deck of playing cards, the OfficeConnect is incredibly easy to port around. It lets you set up a secure wireless hub anywhere you find yourself with a broadband connection. Up to 16 users can connect through the OfficeConnect at up to the fast 54Mbps speed on its 802.11g network. The router is backward-compatible with 802.11b, so users of that standard will be able to connect as well.

The well-designed router features an internal antenna, so you don't have to worry about knocking it off during your travels. It has a range of 30 meters indoors and up to 60 meters outdoors for 802.11g (the 802.11b range is nearly twice as large).

There are four different modes on the OfficeConnect that can be accessed by sliding a switch on the side of the router. The Configuration mode makes setting up the device simple--it automatically opens a setup page when you fire up your browser. The Access Point (AP) mode sets the OfficeConnect to serve as a traditional wireless access point, while the Client mode lets a wired user plug into the OfficeConnect's Ethernet port as a wireless client. And the Router mode opens up additional features, including Network Address Translation and a firewall.

In addition to the firewall in Router mode, the OfficeConnect includes Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Advanced Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption for secure wireless connectivity.

The OfficeConnect supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Macintosh, Unix, and Linux, so no matter which OS you're running, you'll be able to get online wirelessly. 3Com offers a nice 3-year warranty on the router, so you know it's protected.

3Com's OfficeConnect Wireless Travel Router is a great device for mobile users who need to set up temporary wireless hubs at various locations. It lists for $100, not a bad price for such a compact router with a large list of features.

Pros: Very compact, easy to set up
Cons: Limited range

Warranty
3 years, limited