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Cayman Systems 3220-H-W DSL Modem/Router and Wireless review

Cayman Systems has long been a leader in the DSL modem/router market, and is poised to continue leading the pack with this offering, the 3220-H-W. When we first got G.LITE DSL into our labs, we had never heard of PPPoA - Point to Point over ATM. Apparently, not many DSL providers use this method of authentication, most use PPPoE. We decided that since our DSL provider was forcing us to use PPPoA to login to our DSL, that we would take a look at some DSL routers that we capable of handling PPPoA authentication.

Cayman systems was the first company that we decided to contact, since they also supply Bellsouth with the 3220 series modems/routers for use on the Bellsouth DSL service. This means that there are thousands and thousands of Cayman modems/routers in use right now, which made us excited to take this popular router for a test drive.

When we first got the review unit, we were surprised to get the newest router at the time, the Cayman 3220-H-W. The 3220-H-W unit is the standard Cayman DSL modem/router, but it also includes an 802.11b PCMCIA card integrated into the rear of the unit. The wireless 802.11b PCMCIA card is a Z-COM OEM, or from Proxim, and the antenna is a paddle style antenna. We have not seen any signal strength difference between dipole and paddle type antenna's, and this 802.11b signal from the Cayman 3220-H-W was just as strong as any Linksys, or SMC wireless routers we have tested.

The Cayman Systems 3220-H-W has a simple, clean interface

The router measures approximately 1" high, 8" wide, and 9" deep. It has an integrated 4 port switch on the front, and 4 lights, one for power, wireless activity, DSL and status. The rear of the unit has a power jack, a ground terminal for grounding the unit, a console port for configuring the router without using the network, the wireless 802.11b PCMCIA paddle sticks out of the back of the unit. We had a few problems with the paddle on the 802.11b card falling off, probably in shipping. We stuck the antenna back on the PCMCIA card and it seemed to hold, and it stayed there since the router was high up in the rafters of the house and it never really gets moved.

The setup was very simple, and all we did was plug the router in, obtain an IP address from the DHCP server in the Cayman router, and clicked the QUICKSTART. This gave us a simple screen to set the PPP username and password, and our wireless SSID, and our router name. Once we clicked save, we were on the Internet within 30 seconds! One problem that we ran into was that the Cayman 3220-H-W DSL port looks for the DSL signal on line 2. Our DSL is on line one, and this took a few minutes for us to finally look in the box for a Blue RJ-11 telephone cable, with one end marked DSL. This is what we needed, since it converted our DSL signal on line 1, to the outer line 2, so the DSL port of the Cayman would recognize the signal.

The Cayman Systems 3220-H-W has a simple, clean interface

We liked the quick and clean interface, and since we are more towards the advanced side, we like a router that doesn't use a flashy interface with lots of graphics to make it look good. When we want to get into a function, we don't have to play around, we get right to the function we are looking for. One big bonus is the remote admin of the router, and it's ability to change ports. We changed the remote admin of our router to port 81, so we could use port 80 for hosting a web server inside the network.

Although the Cayman doesn't have the prettiest interface on the block, the modem, router and wireless functions are rock solid and very easy to administer. The novice user will love the stability and the plug and go setup. The advanced user will love the rock solid stability, the port mapping (pinhole) functions, and the advanced logging and diagnostics. We are looking forward to reviewing the next series of routers from Cayman - the Calypso line, which include HomePNA as well as other enhancements.

Here are some of the features of the Cayman 3220-H-W:

- Easy setup using any browser, PPPoE and PPPoA compatible
- DSL Modem, Router and Wireless, all in one little box
- Includes (2) RJ-11 for easier configuration
- Very stable, small and compact size, 4 RJ-45 ports
- NAT supports 253 internal users, extensive port mapping
- Supports all clients, Windows, Mac, Linux
- Good Quick Start Documentation included
- Full port mapping capability with PINHOLE functions
- Configuration from Console port allows more flexible setup

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - The Cayman 3220-H-W is a great router, but the Pinhole function and the "NAT default host" needs work, and the router does not have a DMZ function or work with incoming calls using H.323 applications like Netmeeting.
Pros: Rock solid and speedy, platform independent, super easy setup, console port, very quick and clean admin, and the Instant PPP gets you back online quick, and remote admin and remote port change functions are great!
Cons: We didn't have good luck with the DMZ or "NAT default Host" function in the router. The function does not truly "DMZ" an IP address internally. We had trouble getting H.323 calls internally, and the pinhole should allow easier add and edit functions to make it easier to host your own applications.

Cayman 3220-H-W DSL Modem, Router, Wireless 801.11b
Current Street Price: $299 - $699
Available through ISP's or EBAY, or Cayman directly

Cayman Systems
Billerica, MA
800-473-4776;
978-262-1700
http://www.cayman.com

*SIDENOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: We dropped this router in the sink, while it was full, with the power ON. What? Did you say what I thought you said???
Yes, it's true. We tested this router in a house with a fast DSL line, and decided that we wanted to use a laptop out back to stream MP3's from the house and Internet using the wireless functions of the router. We were not getting a signal so we moved our Cayman 3220-H-W onto a few dishes near the sink, and it seemed like a great spot to get line-of-sight to the back patio approx 500 feet away near the lake. Well, to make a long story short, the router fell off the dishes, and FELL INTO THE KITCHEN SINK, with the power on, and it blinked and blinked for a few seconds, and was approx 90% submerged, and we pulled it out by the RJ-45 Cable into port 1. We opened the unit (after disconnecting the power!) and shook it out. We dried the unit for an hour or so by leaving it upside down with the cover off. To our surprise, we plugged it back in after 1 hour, and it worked!!!!!! Yes, it actually worked! We are as surprised as you, and the funniest thing about the whole incident, is that it managed to reset the firmware back to a factory state. We couldn't believe it, and laughed about it for a while. So, we have 2 suggestions for you - never mount or attempt to balance any wireless router near or above ANY body of water, because you might not be so lucky! Secondly, if you are having troubles with your firmware in your router, just dump it in the sink or bathtub for a few seconds...just kidding. We hope you enjoyed this story, we had fun telling folks about the "dumbass move" of the year. :)



	08/28/08


Cayman Systems 3220-H-W DSL Modem and Router PRODUCT REVIEW "This Cayman Systems router is one of the only DSL modems, Routers and Wireless devices available today" "The Cayman interface is not meant to be pretty and flashy, it's down to business and the router has some impressive features" "We have been using this router for 3 months straight, and it's ROCK SOLID" "Advanced users will love the Console port and the advanced logging and diagnostics"
			Cayman Systems 3220-H-W DSL Modem/Router and Wireless review Cayman Systems has long been a leader in the DSL modem/router market, and is poised to continue leading the pack with this offering, the 3220-H-W. When we first got G.LITE DSL into our labs, we had never heard of PPPoA - Point to Point over ATM. Apparently, not many DSL providers use this method of authentication, most use PPPoE. We decided that since our DSL provider was forcing us to use PPPoA to login to our DSL, that we would take a look at some DSL routers that we capable of handling PPPoA authentication. Cayman systems was the first company that we decided to contact, since they also supply Bellsouth with the 3220 series modems/routers for use on the Bellsouth DSL service. This means that there are thousands and thousands of Cayman modems/routers in use right now, which made us excited to take this popular router for a test drive. When we first got the review unit, we were surprised to get the newest router at the time, the Cayman 3220-H-W. The 3220-H-W unit is the standard Cayman DSL modem/router, but it also includes an 802.11b PCMCIA card integrated into the rear of the unit. The wireless 802.11b PCMCIA card is a Z-COM OEM, or from Proxim, and the antenna is a paddle style antenna. We have not seen any signal strength difference between dipole and paddle type antenna's, and this 802.11b signal from the Cayman 3220-H-W was just as strong as any Linksys, or SMC wireless routers we have tested. The Cayman Systems 3220-H-W has a simple, clean interface The router measures approximately 1" high, 8" wide, and 9" deep. It has an integrated 4 port switch on the front, and 4 lights, one for power, wireless activity, DSL and status. The rear of the unit has a power jack, a ground terminal for grounding the unit, a console port for configuring the router without using the network, the wireless 802.11b PCMCIA paddle sticks out of the back of the unit. We had a few problems with the paddle on the 802.11b card falling off, probably in shipping. We stuck the antenna back on the PCMCIA card and it seemed to hold, and it stayed there since the router was high up in the rafters of the house and it never really gets moved. The setup was very simple, and all we did was plug the router in, obtain an IP address from the DHCP server in the Cayman router, and clicked the QUICKSTART. This gave us a simple screen to set the PPP username and password, and our wireless SSID, and our router name. Once we clicked save, we were on the Internet within 30 seconds! One problem that we ran into was that the Cayman 3220-H-W DSL port looks for the DSL signal on line 2. Our DSL is on line one, and this took a few minutes for us to finally look in the box for a Blue RJ-11 telephone cable, with one end marked DSL. This is what we needed, since it converted our DSL signal on line 1, to the outer line 2, so the DSL port of the Cayman would recognize the signal. The Cayman Systems 3220-H-W has a simple, clean interface We liked the quick and clean interface, and since we are more towards the advanced side, we like a router that doesn't use a flashy interface with lots of graphics to make it look good. When we want to get into a function, we don't have to play around, we get right to the function we are looking for. One big bonus is the remote admin of the router, and it's ability to change ports. We changed the remote admin of our router to port 81, so we could use port 80 for hosting a web server inside the network. Although the Cayman doesn't have the prettiest interface on the block, the modem, router and wireless functions are rock solid and very easy to administer. The novice user will love the stability and the plug and go setup. The advanced user will love the rock solid stability, the port mapping (pinhole) functions, and the advanced logging and diagnostics. We are looking forward to reviewing the next series of routers from Cayman - the Calypso line, which include HomePNA as well as other enhancements. Here are some of the features of the Cayman 3220-H-W: - Easy setup using any browser, PPPoE and PPPoA compatible - DSL Modem, Router and Wireless, all in one little box - Includes (2) RJ-11 for easier configuration - Very stable, small and compact size, 4 RJ-45 ports - NAT supports 253 internal users, extensive port mapping - Supports all clients, Windows, Mac, Linux - Good Quick Start Documentation included - Full port mapping capability with PINHOLE functions - Configuration from Console port allows more flexible setup Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars - The Cayman 3220-H-W is a great router, but the Pinhole function and the "NAT default host" needs work, and the router does not have a DMZ function or work with incoming calls using H.323 applications like Netmeeting. Pros: Rock solid and speedy, platform independent, super easy setup, console port, very quick and clean admin, and the Instant PPP gets you back online quick, and remote admin and remote port change functions are great! Cons: We didn't have good luck with the DMZ or "NAT default Host" function in the router. The function does not truly "DMZ" an IP address internally. We had trouble getting H.323 calls internally, and the pinhole should allow easier add and edit functions to make it easier to host your own applications. Cayman 3220-H-W DSL Modem, Router, Wireless 801.11b Current Street Price: $299 - $699 Available through ISP's or EBAY, or Cayman directly Cayman Systems Billerica, MA 800-473-4776; 978-262-1700 http://www.cayman.com *SIDENOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: We dropped this router in the sink, while it was full, with the power ON. What? Did you say what I thought you said??? Yes, it's true. We tested this router in a house with a fast DSL line, and decided that we wanted to use a laptop out back to stream MP3's from the house and Internet using the wireless functions of the router. We were not getting a signal so we moved our Cayman 3220-H-W onto a few dishes near the sink, and it seemed like a great spot to get line-of-sight to the back patio approx 500 feet away near the lake. Well, to make a long story short, the router fell off the dishes, and FELL INTO THE KITCHEN SINK, with the power on, and it blinked and blinked for a few seconds, and was approx 90% submerged, and we pulled it out by the RJ-45 Cable into port 1. We opened the unit (after disconnecting the power!) and shook it out. We dried the unit for an hour or so by leaving it upside down with the cover off. To our surprise, we plugged it back in after 1 hour, and it worked!!!!!! Yes, it actually worked! We are as surprised as you, and the funniest thing about the whole incident, is that it managed to reset the firmware back to a factory state. We couldn't believe it, and laughed about it for a while. So, we have 2 suggestions for you - never mount or attempt to balance any wireless router near or above ANY body of water, because you might not be so lucky! Secondly, if you are having troubles with your firmware in your router, just dump it in the sink or bathtub for a few seconds...just kidding. We hope you enjoyed this story, we had fun telling folks about the "dumbass move" of the year. :)

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