SMC Barricade 4-Port Broadband Router Review and Specifications
The good: Lifetime warranty; user-friendly, Web-based configuration; analog or ISDN modem connections; can act as a print server.
The bad: No uplink port; no reset switch.
The bottom line: The SMC7004BR router has something for everyone; novices will appreciate its usability and lifetime warranty, while experts will like its fast performance and advanced features.
Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch Review and Specifications
The good: Web-based configuration; user-friendly manuals.
The bad: Short warranty; network cables not included; no serial COM port.
The bottom line: It's hard to go wrong with the EtherFast router, but if you do, you'll wish you had a longer warranty.
Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with 4-Port Switch Review and Specifications
The good: Smooth installation; excellent performance; great phone support.
The bad: Sometimes confusing documentation; lacks a key security feature.
The bottom line: The Linksys wireless router joins wireless and Ethernet networks with broadband in a well-designed, economical package for SOHO users, but a few flaws in documentation and security pull it up short of perfection.
NetGear RP614 4 Port Cable/DSL Router with 10/100 Mbps Switch Review and Specifications
The good: Excellent documentation; free, 24/7 phone support; can block URL keywords.
The bad: Must register product to activate warranty and obtain technical support.
The bottom line: With its extensive setup help, new design, and content-filtering features, the RP614 will appeal to families looking to build an affordable and secure home network.
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ Review and Specifications
The good: Top throughput; easy setup; advanced firewall protection; 256-bit WEP encryption; inexpensive.
The bad: Short range; no wall-mounting hardware; must register to activate warranty.
The bottom line: Its ease of use, good performance, excellent security features, and low price make the DI-614+ a strong candidate for home and office use--but its limited range and strict warranty requirements pull it up short of perfection.
NetGear MR814 802.11b Cable/DSL Wireless Router Review and Specifications
The good: Detachable wireless antenna; attractive design; includes vertical stand; 24/7 phone support; inexpensive.
The bad: So-so performance; no wall-mounting hardware.
The bottom line: The extremely affordable MR814 gives families with limited networking experience an easy way to build a wireless home network.
Wireless-G Broadband Router Review and Specifications
The good: Speeds approaching those of 802.11a at an 802.11b router price; easy setup.
The bad: Short operating range compared to that of 802.11b; mixing 802.11b and Wireless-G clients results in poor 802.11b performance; one-year warranty.
The bottom line: The low-cost Linksys WRT54G features fairly high throughput. But it has a relatively short operating range, and its poor performance with 802.11b devices makes claimed backward compatibility moot.
802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router Review and Specifications
The good: Easy setup; very good performance; compatible with older 802.11b cards; lifetime warranty.
The bad: Expensive; no wireless bridge capabilities; sparse Web site support.
The bottom line: With its top performance and easy setup, the Belkin 54g wireless router could be all you need to unwire your home.
Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router Review and Specifications
The good: Connects Ethernet, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a adapters; excellent speed and range; easy setup wizard; three-year warranty.
The bad: A little pricey; no technical support for non-Windows systems.
The bottom line: If you need a way to connect your 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g adapters with Ethernet, the Linksys WRT55AG is the best solution to date.
NetGear WGR614 54 Mbps Wireless Router Review and Specifications
The good: Excellent 802.11g speed; long operating range; very easy setup; includes four Ethernet ports; toll-free, 24/7 phone support.
The bad: Below-average speed when an 802.11b device connects; wizard skips wireless security; must register to activate warranty.
The bottom line: The WGR614 is a good choice for those unfazed by the bleeding-edge nature of 802.11g.