Faster Wireless Networking.(Linksys Wireless Access Point WAP54A, Linksys Wireless PC Card WPC54A, Netgear HE102)(Evaluation)

Although other companies have already shipped high-speed wireless adapters and access points based on the 802.11a standard, the entry of two big-name manufacturers--Linksys and Netgear--adds credibility to a relatively new networking standard. The Linksys Wireless Access Point WAP54A ($290 street) and Linksys Wireless PC Card WPC54A ($130) and the Netgear 802.11a Wireless Access Point HE102 ($380) and Netgear 802.11a Wireless Adapter HA501 ($180)all install quickly and easily.

The Linksys WAP54A access point resembles the company's other networking products, with the same two-tone blue and dark gray. Out of the box, the device operates in infrastructure mode using the …