IEEE 802.11a Wireless Access Points

The Bottom Line: The NetGear WNHDEB111 HD Gaming Wireless N Networking Kit is a good investment if you want to add a high-speed Wireless-N connection your HD video streamer or game console.

Specs: NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit WNHDEB111 - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)

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: This access point's speed is nice, but its competition offers greater configurability and easier setup--and Actiontec's support quality is dicey.

Specs: Actiontec Wireless access point, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, Fast Ethernet, 72 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The Linksys offers small businesses 802.11a bandwidth and the increased range of 802.11b at a price that's hard to beat.

Specs: Linksys Instant Wireless WAP51AB - Wireless access point, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, Fast Ethernet, 72 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The multilingual WAB102 is a good fit for small businesses looking to go wireless.

Specs: NETGEAR WAB102 802.11a+b Dual Band Wireless Access Point - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, 108 Mbps

The Bottom Line: With its simultaneous support of 802.11a and 802.11b, the Intel Pro/Wireless 5000 LAN dual access point is well suited to open office areas packed with wireless PCs.

Specs: Intel PRO/Wireless 5000 LAN Dual Access Point - Wireless access point, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, 54 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The WAP54A gives small-business users excellent performance and top-notch security in an affordable and easy-to-configure package. But its warranty is just average.

Specs: Linksys Instant Wireless WAP54A - Wireless access point, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, Fast Ethernet, 72 Mbps

The Bottom Line: The DWL-5000AP will get lots of points from users for its helpful setup videos and fast performance.

Specs: D-Link Air Pro DWL 5000AP - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, 72 Mbps