The installation of the NetPassage 26G and bringing it online is comparatively easy. Securing it and understanding all the features might take some reading of the PDF User manual included on teh CD. One of the few grudges I have with the unit's administration interface (and the current firmware) is the fact that there is no help or descriptions of any type for the numerous settings one is supposed to edit. Even with experienced network administrators there seem to be some deviation with how manufacturers label features, and describing the settings within the management interface can greatly improve one's experience. Besides the user manual, keep in mind you might need an extra Cat5 patch cable if you have wired clients that need to connect to the router - there are no network cables included in the package.
To install the unit, connect the WAN port to your broadband modem and any of the LAN ports to a PC; it should obtain IP automatically and be on the Net in seconds. Note that you might have to reboot the Cable/DSL modem for it to bind to the MAC address of the router. Also, the PC's Network adapter should be set to obtain IP authomatically. Even if you are only setting up wireless clients, there is an useful "uConfig.exe" utility included on the CD that should make installation a breeze. If you feel confident in what you're doing, the uConfig utility is not necessary.
Once up and running, point your browser to http://192.168.168.1 (the default IP of the router) for additional configuration settings.
The Login screen. Just hit ENTER and you'll login with the default password, whatever that is. The admin password seems to be filled-in automatically, not a very secure approach. I'd suggest you change the password as soon as possible.
LAN Setup - The built-in DHCP server is set to provide IPs in the 192.168.168.100 - 254 range by default. Note one can specify a different DHCP Gateway IP. You can reserve specific IPs for clients based on their MAC addresses from these screens as well.
WAN Setup - One can set the router as a DHCP Client, PPPoE client, or with a Static IP address from this screen. The unit has the capability of cloning the client adapter's MAC address (some ISPs bind the modem to your Network adapter), and manually setting 10/100 Half/Full Duplex for the WAN interface.
Wireless Setup - WEP is disabled by default (for ease of use), leaving your wireless network wide open to anyone that is within range. I'd strongly suggest you enable it. Note that even when WEP is enabled, if any client's key is compromised your entire network would still be accessible. Also, I'd change the default ESSID from "compex" to something unique you'd use throughout your LAN.
Notes on securing the WLAN: The router accepts HEX WEP keys (even though it is not spelled out anywhare), you'd have to use either 10 or 26 digit hex key for 64 or 128 bit encryption, respectively. The "Close System" setting disables broadcasting of the SSID when enabled, another useful setting.
There are many other options in the Administrative interface, such as Remote Management, Parallel Broadband, Static Address Translation, DNS Redirection, etc. that the quick installation guide does not address: please read the PDF User Manual on the included CD for more details. If you go through those settings in the PDF manual it will help you better understand and secure your router.
Firewall - router comes with a good NAT firewall, as well as URL blocking and an optional SPI firewall.
Firewall custom rules - unlike many home broadband routers, the NetPassage 26G has an excellent interface for entering new custom rules for the firewall behaviour. One can set range of source/destination ports, protocols, as well as source/destination IPs and more.
