WIRELESS N ROUTERS

Looking For a Wireless Router? Here's Your Guide to Wireless N Routers


802.11n is the third generation of wireless routers. At the time this article was written, the wireless N was still in draft status and not officially ratified by the industry, although that is expected to occur sometime in 2008. What is currently available is called "pre-n" or "draft-n," and may be somewhat changed by the time it is out of draft status, and what is currently available may not be compatible with final routers. But if you can't wait for official status to be granted, you can certainly enjoy the faster speeds, longer range and other features of today's Wireless N draft routers. This article will show you the features you can expect, including speeds and range, filtering and firewall security and other features. We'll also tell you where you can buy one and for how much. Expect to pay more than the cost of Wireless G routers, but you may find the extra money well worth the extra speed and range over Wireless G models.


Wireless N Routers by D-Link

At the time this article was written, the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router was available from a number of outlets, including Circuit City, Target, TigerDirect, Super Warehouse, and PC Nation. Prices ranged from $120 to $160. Quite a bit higher than wireless g, but you may find the extra speed and range benefits to be well worth the money. Installs easily, compatible with both PC and Mac systems. This one got good reviews from Smartguider.com. This is also the only wireless N currently listed by D-Link. Also recently ranked #1 Wireless N router by SmartGuider. Features SPI/MAC filtering firewall for greater security.

Linksys Wireless N Routers

Linksys' WRT150N Wireless-N Home Router was ranked #2 by a recent poll on SmartGuider. Reviews indicate it's easy to set up, has great range and speeds, and consumers who purchased this router were happy with their choice. If money is a concern, this one is priced a little lower at prices ranging from $100 to $120 at places like TigerDirect, Super Warehouse, PC Nation, and Circuit City. For security purposes, has SPI/MAC filtering firewall.

Linksys also has the #4 rated Wireless N Router, according to this same poll done by SmartGuider. It's their WRT300N Wireless-N Broadband Router, and it's priced from $81 on up to $130 at such places as Tech For Less, PC Nation, TigerDirect, and Super Warehouse.

Linksys' WRT330N Wireless-N Gigabit Gaming Router was created with the online gamer in mind. Pricier than most Wireless N routers, if gaming is foremost in your mind, you may find the extra dollars worthwhile. Prices range from about $155 to $180 or so, and can be found in places like Dell, PC Nation, and Circuit City.

Wireless N Routers by Belkin

Ranked #3 on the SmartGuider poll, Belkin's N1 Wireless Router offers faster speeds and greater range than previous Wireless G routers. Easily set up, you can share video and audio files with all the computers on your network. And all the computers on your network can connect wirelessly to your broadband Internet account. Pick up your Belkin N1 at PC Nation, Super Warehouse, TigerDirect, or Circuit City for prices ranges between $110 to $130.

Belkin's Wireless Pre-N router landed a #10 spot on the list. Has good range and speed, easy to set up, and comes with software for both PC & Mac. Priced between $105 and $130 and available at places like Amazon.com, Circuit City, Super Warehouse.

NetGear Wireless N Routers

NetGear's WNR854T RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N Router claims up to 15 times the speed and 10 times the range over Wireless G routers, if you also use a RangeMax Wireless N adapter. You can surf the 'Net, email, do streaming video and online gaming simultaneously with no noticable loss of speed or range. Available from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Dell, Comp USA, TigerDirect, and Staples, just to name a few. NetGear.com's price was $130, but we found it at TigerDirect for $65.

NetGear also makes the WGT624 - 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router which is one of the top-ranked Wireless N routers currently on the market. Used with Netgear's WG511T 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card, it claims speeds up to 108 Mbps. Online gaming and streaming videos are no problem for this router. This router is priced from $60-$70 at places like TigerDirect, Amazon.com, and Circuit City. Gets the best results when used with the Pre-N network adapter.

In Conclusion

Things look promising for the 3rd generation Wireless N router. They should move from draft status some time in 2008, meaning that the kinks should mostly be worked out and you can expect a stable wireless router with faster speeds, greater range, and perhaps at a slightly lower price.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes