| SmokeyTheBear |
01-10-2006 01:55 PM |
1) D-Link DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G
The D-Link DI-624 combines the features of a four-port network switch, DHCP server, and advanced firewall. Owners of this wireless router have commented on both the ease of installation and reliability. The DI-624 supports WEP and WPA security and signal range up to 328 feet (100 m). D-Link boasts that their five hardware compression technologies give the DI-624 router a noticeable performance advantage over competitors' products. The DI-624 comes with a three-year limited warranty in the USA.
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2) Netgear WGR614
The WGR614 router continues Netgear's tradition of attractive, powerful home networking products. Owners have remarked on the WGR614's great signal range, a key feature in homes with brick walls or similar obstructions. No device is perfect, though, and some have reported intermittent problems (presumably firmware related) that may require resetting the WGR614 router occasionally. Netgear offers a three-year warranty for the WGR614, and their customer support receives positive comments.
3) Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G
Some owners of this Linksys router have reported a clean installation, good performance and signal range, and helpful customer support. By contrast, some other WRT54G owners report serious problems or instabilities in these same areas. Because Linksys updates their router firmware often, it's important to keep the WRT54G firmware revision current to ensure maximum stability. Linksys sometimes holds a price advantage; strive to buy the WRT54G for less than competing models.
4) Apple M8799LL/A Airport Extreme Base Station
This 802.11g wireless router from Apple is called the "Extreme Base Station." Apple's wireless router / access point products are priced higher than the competition for comparable features. However, they do work with both Macintosh and Windows computers and are a logical purchase for those wanting to demonstrate Apple brand loyalty. Presumably Airport base stations also work best with Apple's 802.11g wireless network adapters. Apple provides a limited one-year warranty for their Base Stations.
5) SMC SMC2804WBR Barricade
This SMC 802.11g wireless router competes well on features and overall quality. The SMC2804WBR supports Macintosh, Linux and Windows clients. It features two detachable antennas, a strong firewall, and good signal strength. SMC offers a lifetime warranty for this product. SMC may not be one of the more well-recognized brand names in this space, yet their products compete with others technically. For the right price, the SMC2804WBR is a worthwhile purchase.
6) Belkin F5D7230-4
The F5D7230-4 supports Macintosh and Linux/Unix systems in addition to PCs. Belkin's Easy Install Wizard is designed to get F5D7230-4 owners wirelessly connected to the Internet in just a few minutes. Included with this product is a free six-month subscription to a Parental Control service that filters Web content. Belkin also provides their Lifetime Warranty for the F5D7230-4.
7) US Robotics USR8054
When the USR8054 was first released in 2003, some owners reported difficulty installing the hardware and in obtaining technical support from the vendor. US Robotics has since revised their documentation and is presumably working to improve their support. Overall, the USR8054 is known for fast performance and a rich set of firewall and virtual server features that appeal to experienced networkers. With mail-in rebates sometimes available for the USR8054, the budget-conscious may land a good deal.
8) Buffalo WBR-G54 AirStation
The Buffalo AirStation 802.11g wireless router is not as well known in the USA as competing brands. Some owners have reported that the setup interface on this product is difficult to use. Once installed, however, the WBR-G54 should provide good performance. Purchasing an external antenna separately may be necessary to improve range. Buffalo uses some of the same core technology found in comparable Linksys products. Buffalo may have an edge over some competitors in quality of customer service.
9) Dell TrueMobile 2300
The Dell TrueMobile 2300 contains all the standard features you need in a home broadband wireless router, Buying network gear and computers from the same vendor is a nice added convenience for some. Note, though, the TrueMobile 2300 supports only Windows XP and Windows 2000 PCs. Some owners of the TrueMobile 2300 have claimed installation is difficult, signal range is poor, and product documentation lacks detail. Dell has discontinued this product.
10) Microsoft MN-700 Base Station
The MN-700 was Microsoft's follow-up to their first wireless router product, the MN-500 for 802.11b-only networks. The MN-700 router (called "base station" for marketing purposes) has since been discontinued. However, owners have indicated its signal range is very strong, and the form factor is attractive. One would expect Microsoft's configuration software for the MN-700 to integrate well with their Windows operating system. Consider picking up a MN-700 wireless router if the price is right.
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