Wi-Fire: Extends Wi-Fi Range to 1000 Feet - Software
(Page 3 of 4 )
Software
The Wi-Fire comes equipped with a software CD for installation. The device is compatible with Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.3 or higher. I installed the Wi-Fire software into my laptop equipped with a Windows XP operating system, and I had no trouble at all with the set-up process. The software was installed in my laptop within about 2 minutes, and I was then ready to start using the Wi-Fire.
As you may expect, you will have to input passwords for any encrypted Wi-Fi networks. The Wi-Fire software will tell you whether or not the network that it is detecting is secure or insecure. This helps to ensure your privacy while using various wireless networks, especially when you are using public networks.
I like the Wi-Fire software a lot. The main screen is called the "Wi-Fire connection manager" and displays all of the information that you would need to operate the Wi-Fire. On the Wi-Fire connection manager screen, you will find:
Name of the Wi-Fi network being detected
Signal reception quality
Whether or not the network is secure
The network type (access point)
The Wi-Fire connection manager can be set up to refresh automatically, which means that it will search for new networks automatically. What's cool about the Wi-Fire software is that as you twist the Wi-Fire antenna, new wireless networks will pop up on the connection manager main screen. I also like the fact that the software displays the Wi-Fi signal strength, so that you can choose the strongest signal possible.
Configuring the Wi-Fire with a wireless "g" router was quick and painless. I was able to easily configure the Wi-Fire to my wireless router by just inputting my password when it asked for it.
Unlike the overall design of the Wi-Fire, I had no issues with the Wi-Fire software. I found it to be easy to install, and it was very simple to use once on my laptop.
Next: Performance Tests >>
More Networking Hardware Articles
More By Joe Eitel
