Hardware Reviews - Wireless

How we test

For hardware tests of kits and adapters that use wireless, we use the following standardized procedures. Please note that we updated our systems in mid 2002 and before that in late 2000.

Updated for tests after 07/04

We use two test machines as detailed below. In both machines, we use a clean install of Windows XP Home. We install the operating system for every new test and have no peripherals installed other than what you see listed. The only software installed are some basic utilities.

After setting up the hardware for each test, we set up the software using the install routines included and outlined with the kits.

For the actual tests, we use a 30-meg file and copy it from one machine to the other as specified in each review.  We take the average of several such file copies (back and forth) and report the average time (in seconds) it takes to copy the file.

As indicated in each review, we may also will run subjective tests including videos (AVI files) and games played across the network equipment.

Our test machines

For most wireless equipment reviews, we use a desktop machine and a laptop. The details on each are below:

Test Machine 1 (or Advanced Test Machine)  -- also known as T1800

Test Laptop -- "L1000"

Updated for tests after 07/02

We use two test machines as detailed below. In the desktop machine, we use a clean install of Windows XP Home. In the laptop, we use a clean install of Windows 98 Second Edition. We install the operating system for every new test and have no peripherals installed other than what you see listed. The only software installed are some basic utilities.

After setting up the hardware for each test, we set up the software using the install routines included and outlined with the kits.

For the actual tests, we use a 30-meg file and copy it from one machine to the other as specified in each review.  We take the average of several such file copies (back and forth) and report the average time (in seconds) it takes to copy the file.

As indicated in each review, we may also will run subjective tests including videos (AVI files) and games played across the network equipment.

Our test machines

For wireless equipment, we use our advanced desktop machine and a laptop. The details on each are below:

Test Machine 1 (or Advanced Test Machine)  -- also known as T1800

Test Laptop -- "L1000"

[NOTE: For Belkin tests in 7/02 and 8/02 only we used the following laptop]

Test Laptop -- "L700"

Updated for tests after 11/00

We use two test machines as detailed below. Both machines use a clean install of Windows 98 Second Edition. We install the operating system clean for every new test and have no other software or peripherals installed other than what you see listed.

After setting up the hardware for each test, we set up the software using the install routines included and outlined with the kits. We realize that not using the same protocols may provide some speed advantages for some kits over others, but it is essential that we use the install procedures as developed by the manufacturers.

For the actual tests, we use a 30-meg file or 4-meg file and copy it from one machine to the other. For lack of a better term we call each test a read or a write. The tests are controlled from the faster, desktop machine.

Our test machines

For wireless kits, we use our advanced desktop machine and a laptop. The details on each are below:

Test Machine 1 -- "T866"

Test Laptop -- "L500"

For some tests, we also use a second desktop machine. Details below:

Test Machine 2 -- "T400"

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This page last updated 08/29/2004