MAIN
NEWS

Resources
CHEATS
GALLERY
RELEASE DATES
BETA CENTER
LINKS
FORUM
GAMERS DATABASE

Downloads
DEMOS
PATCHES
GAME TOOLS
MAPS/SCENARIOS

SGO
ABOUT US
FAQ
FEEDBACK
HOSTING

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

REVIEWS

PassPort Plug-In Network	MANUFACTURER : Intelogis PRICE : $199 US
Requirements: Parallel cable, Windows95, 98 or NT 4.0 Recommend: Pen. 166 or higher

So you want to setup a home network without dealing with the hub, wires and all the other troubles of a regular ethernet network?  Intelogis' PassPort Plug-In Network solves the troubles of setting up an ethernet system but not without creating problems of its own.

PassPort uses AC power lines to transmit data. The network kit comes with 2 PC adapters and one Printer adapter. Additionally, you can buy a PC adapter for $79.99 and a printer adapter for $59.99. Up to 20 computers and five printers can be connected using PassPort.

The PassPort Network can be easily installed within minutes! Just attach the PassPorts to each of the computer's(or printer) 25-pin parallel ports and plug the adapters into a power outlet. Once connected, Windows 98 detected both of PassPorts and the software(on either CD or disks) installed all the necessary components.  The software even sets up the TCP/IP and IPX configuration for you. After two reboots, the computers were sucessfully networked.

The bundled software included the Administrator program and WinProxy by Ositis Software. The PassPort Administrator was rather simple in both useage and features. It only gives you a limited set of tools including a ping utility and a local diagnostics test. The Administrator also gives you the option of encrypting the network so you don't have to worry about your neighors trying to take a peek into your files. WinProxy lets you share an Internet connection using the host computer as a proxy server. Sharing an Internet connection with a DSL or cable modem went smooth and quick, but sharing a 56K connection did get a bit rough on the second computer. I also noticed with Internet sharing, will cause your host computer to slow down in terms of performance.

PassPort runs at speeds up to 350kbps. Sadly, that is 28 times slower than a 10mbps ethernet network but about seven times faster than a 56K modem connection. Additionally, file sharing is slow but adequate for simple file transfers such as word documents or small graphic files. Just don't expect to transfer large files instantly. Transfering a one megabyte file took about 45 seconds while a regular ethernet network would have got it done within a few seconds.

I tested the network with several games and programs including Alpha Centauri, North vs. South, Starcraft, Myth2, Quake 1 and 2, Hexen II. I used a K6-2 300 with a Voodoo2 and a Pentium 133 with a Voodoo1. Ping times averaged from 90ms to 200ms which is average since most 56K Internet connections find pings around the 200-400ms range. The strategy games played very smoothly. There was no noticeable or very little lag at all. In Starcraft, we played on several 256x256 maps using the full 200 unit limit and lag was at a miminal. On the other hand, the 3D shooter games(Quake1 and 2, Hexen 2), there were noticeable lag but never to the point where it was unplayable.   With a max transfer speeds of only 350kbps, PassPort is certainly not for the hardcore 3D FPS fan.

PassPort Plug-In Network is perhaps the most convenient networking kit available. Telephone line networks are faster, but who has a telephone line in every room? Raido networks are wireless, but they can interfere or be interfered easily by other appliances. Power outlets are in every room and interruptions are very rare. However, the PassPort isn't without flaws. The maxiumm output of 350kbps will most likely sacre off any hardcore 3D shooter fans. Still, the PassPort will appeal to many strategy gamers and home office users with its simple installation and its conveience use of electric outlets.

Reviewed by Tom C