Microsoft Broadband Networking

Microsoft Broadband Networking was a series of computer networking hardware products marketed by Microsoft from 2002 through 2004.

In July 2002 Microsoft product managers stated that home networking was too hard to use, and the company was developing products using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b standard (sold under the Wi-Fi name).{{cite news |title= Microsoft heads for home networking |date= July 10, 2002 |author= Richard Shim |work= CNET news |url= http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-heads-for-home-networking/2100-1040_3-942986.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

Products announced in September included the MN-500 wireless base station, MN-510 WiFi Universal Serial Bus (USB) network interface controller and MN-520 PC Card for laptop computers.{{cite news |title= Microsoft unveils networking hardware |date= September 18, 2002 |author= Joe Wilcox |work= CNET news |url= http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-unveils-networking-hardware/2100-1035_3-958540.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

The MN-500 served as a wireless access point, a router, and included an Ethernet hub with four 10/100 Ethernet ports.

A five port Ethernet switch and Ethernet network interface controller cards were announced, along with kits.

Reviews noted the reasonable prices and simple interface, although the configuration software would sometimes fail.{{cite news |title= Microsoft MN-500 |date= June 30, 2003 |author=Bruce Brown |work= PC magazine |url= https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1116148,00.asp |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

One reviewer noted the 96-page book included with the base station.{{cite news |title= State of the Art: The Wi-Fi Boom; the Home, a Tool Kit For a Wireless Network |date= December 12, 2002 |author=David Pogue |work= The New York Times |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/12/technology/state-of-the-art-the-wi-fi-boom-in-the-home-a-tool-kit-for-a-wireless-network.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

It was one of the first products to enable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) by default, which provided at least some level of privacy.

Software included a setup wizard, a broadband network utility (BNU) and an auto-update feature.{{cite web |title=Interview with Todd Greenberg, Lead Product Manager: Microsoft Broadband Networking |date= March 3, 2004 |work= ActiveWin.com |url= http://www.activewin.com/interviews/microsoft/34.shtml |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

According to codes in the documentation, the initial MN-510 was developed by Accton Technology Corporation. Features were similar to products of SMC Networks, a subsidiary of Accton.{{cite news |title= Microsoft Goes for BroadBand Big Time |date= September 30, 2002 |work= Tom's Hardware |url= http://www.tomsguide.com/us/microsoft-goes-for-broadband-big-time,review-79.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

By January 2003 it was estimated the products were in the number two position in US retail sales for Wi-Fi products.

However market share declined by February when introduction of faster products based on IEEE 802.11g standards were delayed. Market leader Linksys was purchased by Cisco Systems in March. NetGear and D-Link also gained market share in 2003.{{cite news |title= Microsoft's Wi-Fi ups and downs |date= March 28, 2003 |author= Joe Wilcox and Richard Shim |work= CNET news |url= http://news.cnet.com/Microsofts-Wi-Fi-ups-and-downs/2100-1039_3-994518.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

The MN-700 model supporting 802.11g was available in September.{{cite web |title= MN-700 data sheet |publisher= Microsoft |date= July 28, 2003 |url= http://download.microsoft.com/download/B/6/9/B69C956C-85D9-4641-AA6F-1548391E0967/MN-700FY04.pdf |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

A new PC card for 802.11g was also available. Reviews noted easy setup, but limited features compared to competitors.{{cite news |title= Microsoft MN-700 |date= June 30, 2003 |author= Oliver Kaven |work= PC magazine |url= https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1572570,00.asp |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}

Microsoft discontinued the line in May 2004.{{cite news |title= Microsoft says bye-bye to Wi-Fi |date= May 10, 2004 |author= Ina Fried |work= CNET news |url= http://news.cnet.com/2100-7351_3-5209677.html |accessdate= June 27, 2011 }}