D-Link Systems Inc. Routers

The Bottom Line: At a very affordable price, the D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router and would satisfy most situations where a wireless network is needed.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a very good single-band Wireless-N router; however, its extra features hardly justify the price.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.4 in x 5.8 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 8 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825 is a stable performer with great features and an excellent Web interface. The outdated and bulky design, relatively short range, and merely average throughput, however, lessen its appeal.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.6 in x 4.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 is a stable performer with excellent Web interface. But because it comes in a bulky, old-school design, has a relatively short range, and carries a hefty price tag, consider waiting for the price to drop before investing in this router.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router almost succeeds for home networking and hardcore gamers. It bears a few flaws, among which is a random reset during heavy load that might be the deal breaker.

Specs: 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), Ethernet, HTTP, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), External, NAT support, VPN passthrough, Firewall protection, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is the fastest we've seen, but we're still reluctant to recommend it as it's based on an unfinished wireless spec.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.6 in x 4.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: Though inconsistent, the D-Link N 650 router performed admirably overall compared to its Draft N competition. Still, we are unimpressed with how it measures up to the promise of 802.11n. Pass on this for now; in fact, pass on all Draft N routers until the spec is finalized.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.6 in x 4.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 10.6 oz

The Bottom Line: You may be tempted by the DI-624M's low price and high scores, but you should resist--it's too unreliable.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.5 in x 4.6 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, 108 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 0.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: Get the D-Link DGL-4300 now if you can't stand another second of gameplay disruption; otherwise, wait until it incorporates a solid MIMO solution.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.5 in x 4.6 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, 108 Mbps, External

The Bottom Line: D-Link's DI-808HV is a great way to offer a secure VPN connection to your office when you're on the road.

Specs: 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, 100 Mbps, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Ethernet, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3x, External, Switching, NAT support, VPN support, Flow control, Auto-negotiation, Firewall protection, DoS attack prevention, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), 0.7 lbs