Sereniti Smart Home Gateway

WHAT MAKES IT EASIER Most router vendors include a CD and suggest that you install the software before setting up the router, but you can usually skip that step. With the Smart Home Gateway, the install is required. For $99, you are buying not just the router, but the “Sereniti experience,” which includes an easy-to-follow setup program, control panels that run from www.sereniti.com, and point-and-click security.

PROS The upside to all of this handholding is that you can get security running by installing the included program on all of your PCs. You can type a simple password, and Sereniti converts the code to 128-bit WEP encryption. This means that you get good-enough security without having to type in a long passphrase. The router comes with a parental filter with a 61 million-keyword database, and it blocks pop-ups, viruses, and spyware. Incredibly helpful tech support goes far beyond what other companies do: reps will connect to your router and make changes for you when something doesn’t work. Sereniti provides $25,000 in AIG insurance in case the router security fails and $1,000 in virus insurance.

CONS Easy to install, but the Smart Home Gateway suffered from some latency issues. Most transmissions ran steady at 22 Mbps, but on an HP laptop, our connection failed a few times. These drops could cause confusion even with all the setup wizards. For security, the router runs in 128-bit WEP only. Without stronger WPA or AES support, an ambitious hacker could break into the network. Sereniti charges $9.95 per month for their service, so the total cost of using the router is high.

ROOKIE PERSPECTIVE The news was not good from our rookie. He was unable to configure the router. After an hour of trial and error, we helped him configure the connection (he had the cables inserted wrong--not Sereniti’s fault). He preferred the Sereniti’s documentation and felt the install wizards were very consumer oriented.

VERDICT The Sereniti takes a giant leap forward when it comes to router configuration and security. However, a monthly fee for a router may be too much to ask.
www.sereniti.com