ORiNOCO Classic Gold PC Card Category: Adapters/NICs This tried-and-true 802.11b card is a fine value, especially for knowledgeable Windows XP users who need a little extra range. Asus WL-500W 802.11n Multi-Functional Wireless Router Category: Routers We like the Asus WL-500W for its wealth of unique features and its strong signal at long range, but its short-range throughput is substandard and there's no Gigabit Ethernet support. This is a good choice only for advanced users who will take advantage of some of router's USB features and aren't afraid to wade into those waters without help. Hawking HBB1 Broadband Booster Category: Networking Accessories Hawking Technologies' HBB1 Broadband Booster can help make a high-speed connection more efficient and improve the quality of audio and video streams. 3Com 11Mbps wireless LAN PC Card with XJACK antenna Category: Adapters/NICs For companies that buy 3Com equipment, this 802.11b card's proprietary features could be worth the price. Others should look elsewhere. Wireless-G Access Point -The fastest available wireless technology Category: Wireless Access Points The WAP54G offers a significant speed improvement, making it a good buy for offices looking to upgrade existing 802.11b networks. Buffalo WBR2-G54S Category: Routers Unless you already own other Buffalo AOSS wireless devices, skip the WBR2-G54S in favor of a full-featured alternative. XE102 Powerline Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge Category: Adapters/NICs The Netgear XE102 is one of the most compact power-line Ethernet bridges on the market, making it ideal for outlets in cramped corners or along baseboards. Wireless 4350 Small Network Access Point with 3-Year Service and 3-Year Tech Support Category: Wireless Access Points The Dell 4350 access point lacks frills, but it covers all the basics. Iomega Home Media Network Drive (500GB) Category: Network Storage The Iomega Home Media Network Drive, a single-volume NAS server, is easy to set up and use for even the most novice user; however, its lack of advanced features might lessen its appeal to savvy users. AirStation 54 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter-g Category: Adapters/NICs Great range and high speeds grace Buffalo's 802.11g USB adapter, but its incomplete documentation may confuse those new to networking. Instant Broadband EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN EndPoint Category: Routers The BEFSX41 is an affordable solution for those who need secure access to their home or office network via the Internet. LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini with Gigabit Ethernet (320GB) Category: Network Storage The LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini is a decent NAS drive for a good price. If you need more features or faster performance, look elsewhere. Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Category: Adapters/NICs If your priorities don't include long-range connectivity, then by all means get the somewhat ironically named Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 wireless notebook adapter for its record-breaking short-range speeds. Apple AirPort Extreme base station wireless access point Category: Wireless Access Points The AirPort Extreme performs well in a close-knit 802.11g network, but it's not fast enough in mixed mode to warrant upgrading. 3Com OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway Category: Networking and Wi-Fi With its simple installation and low price, the OfficeConnect wireless cable/DSL gateway is among the best Internet-sharing solutions for home or small-business users. Zyxel NSA-220 NAS Category: Network Storage If you don't need remote access and can look past sluggish RAID 1 performance, the Zyxel NSA-220 NAS drive offers a useful set of basic features, solid performance, and best-in-class Web-based management. Microsoft MN-710 Category: Adapters/NICs Compact and secure, the MN-710 is a good choice for home or small-business users looking for an easy, wireless way to connect a desktop to an 802.11g network. Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router Category: Routers If you need a cellular router, the Kyocera KR1 is the one to go for--if you live in EV-DO country. Actiontec USB Bluetooth adapter Category: Adapters/NICs This adapter's dicey installation and configuration software make it difficult to use. Unless you're an expert, steer clear. Buffalo AirStation WZR-RSG54 Category: Routers If you want to set up a VPN for your home or small-business network, Buffalo's wireless secure remote gateway is a decent choice. Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (Premium Edition) Category: Routers The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a great dual-band router for networking enthusiasts who also want a quick and easy network storage solution. Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router Category: Routers Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design. AirStation 54 Mbps Wireless Compact Repeater Bridge-g Category: Wireless Access Points The Buffalo WLA-G54C is the best wireless repeater we've seen to date, and it's a great building block for an expandable network. Linksys WPC54GX4 Category: Adapters/NICs If you plan to sit within 10 feet of your WRT54GX4 router, you'll get satisfying throughput. But if you want an adapter that's faster than standard 802.11g, opt for the Belkin Pre-N, which shows more consistent performance. NetGear WGPS606 54 Mbps Wireless Print Server w/4 Port Switch Category: Bridges Though it works with only a smattering of printers and can be a chore to configure, this Wi-Fi print server gets the job done. |