Router Thomson Speedtouch Software From The

For users with a single IP service the standard profiles supplied on CD will work out of the box.

UK broadband statistics we published as factsheets previously.

The SpeedTouch 510 v4 is a new version of the older 510 model and reflects the new Thomson name.

It is based around both new hardware and firmware, but still carries the family pedigree for reliability.

So what is new with this modemrouter The main new features are UPnP compliance, and a 4-port 10100Mbps in-built switch.

This new and improved model is the base for a larger range of devices such as the cheaper Thomson 530 and the business strength Thomson 610.

Hopefully it will have a longer life span than the previous 510, which looks like a stop gap device filling in for the capable but long in the tooth SpeedTouch Pro.

The 530 model is identical to the 510 v4 but includes a single Ethernet port and a USB port, allowing you to connect two computers simultaneously or the Ethernet port can be uplinked to a hubswitch to support more machines.

This review will look at the changes compared to the old 510 and how this new model fits into a market place where four port modemrouters appear to be two a penny.

At 139 (September 2002) the 510 v4 is not the cheapest of the current new wave of routers.

Compared to the price of the SpeedTouch Pro at over 200 twelve months ago it looks like a bargain.

That said you do still get a fair bit for your money, including.

Compared to the previous AlcatelThomson routers it is almost a style statement, from most pictures you would expect the front of the router to be the silvergrey panel, but in fact this is the rear.

The front is almost featureless except for a simple push button onoff switch.

The case is fabricated with a stylish heavy duty plastic and a roughened finish effect.

Through the ventilation slots along the sides and underside you can glimpse an interior with metal shielding, so it appears the build quality has not been sacrificed for looks.

The top of the case has 3 LEDs, one to show computers are connected to the switch, another to show the router is switched on and an LED labelled which appears to illuminate once you have an ADSL signal connected to the router.

The connector side of the router looks almost cramped due to the small dimensions.

Going across left to right you have a DC power input socket, four RJ-45 Ethernet ports and an RJ-11 socket.

The two LEDs on each Ethernet socket indicate the activity on the port and whether it is running in 10 or 100Mbps mode.

Router Thomson Speedtouch Software From The

Thomson have retained the same automatic configuration software from the previous 510 model.

There have been some cosmetic changes, but the concepts and mode of operation remain the same.

The blindingly simple configuration for this router involves connecting the router to your network card using the supplied cable, plugging the 9V power supply in, switching the router on and then loading up the CD that is supplied.