IEEE 802.11b Wireless Access Points

The Bottom Line: The AirPort Extreme Base Station is a great wireless router for Mac or novice users who need something that's simple, nice-looking, and works well for their homes. Savvy Windows users will find many other alternatives that offer a lot more features for their bucks.

Specs: Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

The Bottom Line: Don't pick up a new, 802.11n-enabled AirPort Express if you're looking for superfast wireless networking performance. You should consider it, however, if you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi router that offers portability, ease of use, and the unique ability to stream iTunes over your network.

Specs: Apple AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n and AirTunes - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)

The Bottom Line: The Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station is a solid router that keeps up with the Draft N competition. Unfortunately, we've yet to test a Draft N router that lives up to the promise of 802.11n. As with the rest of the .11n routers we've tested, we advise you postpone your purchase until the spec is finalized.

Specs: Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Buffalo AirStation WLA2-G54C - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The SMCWTK-G is a fast, easy way to add Wi-Fi to an Ethernet connection, but we like 3Com's travel router a little better.

Specs: SMC EZ Connect g SMCWTK-G Wireless Traveler's Kit - Wireless access point, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The DWL-2210AP is packed with features well suited for small businesses.

Specs: D-Link AirPremier DWL-2210AP - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: This access point's high price will seem fair to those with a lot of wireless equipment.

Specs: NETGEAR WG302 802.11g ProSafe Wireless Access Point - Wireless access point, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: Compex's NetPassage WPE54G is a stylish and versatile miniature access point that performs well. Unfortunately, it's pricey, and it lacks Wi-Fi certification.

Specs: Compex NetPassage WPE54G - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: Small and light, the Asus WL-330 is inexpensive and can create a wireless network anywhere there's a broadband connection, but the device has disappointing range and weak security.

Specs: ASUS WL-330 Pocket Wireless Access Point - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11b, 11 Mbps

The Bottom Line: This is among the best compact wireless-networking devices available.

Specs: Apple AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, 54 Mbps