Wireless
December 7, 2009
Gadgets & Gear
Gifts on the Go!
Expert Wireless advice from our editors
Thinking about a gift of a router for your dad or soon-to-be graduate? The convenience and ubiquity of 2.4ghz Wi-Fi still make it the technology of choice for the router at the heart of your network. But you might also consider a powerline networking kit, which let you use your home's existing electrical circuits to hardwire devices requiring more reliable performance. Powerline is as fast as 802.11n Wi-Fi but without the drop-outs and other interference-related problems that can make a video unwatchable on a wireless network. A hybrid Wi-Fi powerline network solves many problems: By using powerline to hard-wire bandwidth-intensive devices where mobility is not an issue (NAS drives, printers, game consoles, home entertainment center components), you not only improve performance for those devices, but for gear that uses Wi-Fi (say, a laptop or iPhone), you reduce the demand on the wireless bandwidth. When looking at Wi-Fi routers, key features are USB ports for networking standard hard drives and/or printers, guest Wi-Fi access mode, and strong parental control features.Top Wireless Products
Support for simultaneous top-performing 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz Wi-Fi nets, superior router features, and USB hard-disk sharing send this Linksys to the head of the class.
This speedy and versatile router can run in either 2.4- or 5-GHz mode, supports both printer and hard-drive sharing, and comes with excellent software and a good setup wizard.
Sleek and speedy, this Linksys is a good choice for a small business that wants 2.4-GHz and gigabit support but doesn't need the multimedia-friendlier 5-Hz option. Has deep routing features.
A workhorse n router with very good performance and features. Its ability to expand range wirelessly with additional access points is a plus for large offices or homes.
A low-cost router that doesn't skimp on performance or design, though it lacks gigabit ethernet. Great setup software and a lifetime limited warranty.
This router is priced right and hits all the routing high notes (gigabit ethernet aside), but it stumbles on performance and ease of use.
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