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Solwise 3.5G plus WLAN Mobile Server Router

DIY networks, wherever you go

Alongside the feed from your broadband connection, the MSR can talk to a USB HSDPA 3G modem and connect to the internet over the cellular network, a feature that sets it well apart from other travel routers. You can tell the MSR to use HSDPA as a fail-safe in case you lose your broadband link or as your prime method of internet connectivity.

Solwise Mobile Server Router

Why put these on the bottom?

That leaves the second USB port free for connecting a printer to be shared among the connected clients, for a storage device to be accessed by FTP or SMB, or for a webcam. The notion here is that you hook up a discretely placed USB camera to your MSR and, while you're away, use it to keep an eye on your home. Should Burglar Bill make off with your broadband router, the MSR can continue transmitting snaps over its HSDPA link.

The controls for all these servers are delivered through the MSR's browser-based management utility, which is surprisingly comprehensive for a device that's - nominally, at least - intended as a device you use only when travelling.

In addition to the various servers and network set-up options, the MSR will communicate with a quartet of dynamic DNS service providers so you can access the box and its connected resources remotely without having to check and remember its ISP-assigned IP address. It's UPnP compatible too.

Like a regular fixed-location router, the MSR provides network address translation (NAT) with support for a stack of virtual servers and one client exposed to the net as a DMZ. For all the other machines connected to it, the MSR runs a full firewall that's programmed against some 22 denial-of-service attacks as well as protecting network ports in the usual way.

Solwise Mobile Server Router

Flip the MSR between router, access point and wireless adaptor modes

Worried about the services clients are connected to? Then filter their target IP addresses and/or URLs, and limit usage according to MAC address. All three mechanisms can be controlled using the MSR's management utility, which will also let you create and oversee user accounts to manage access to shared resources, such as connected storage.

And if you really want to feel in charge, you can have the MSR email you log reports.

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