IEEE 802.3 Routers

The Bottom Line: The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router at an affordable price.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.9 in x 4.4 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 150 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 - 2.484 GHz

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 Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N broadband router has consistent performance, good range, a helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. Its lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 9.9 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 Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N forces you to pick either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band for your wireless network. Given that, it's not an ideal choice for an environment with both types of wireless clients. The router offers good wireless performance and features a high-speed wired network that caps at 1,000Mbps.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 10.6 oz

The Bottom Line: The Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router is a good option for your wireless network, thanks to its support of both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands, its helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. The router's unimpressive 5Ghz throughput speed and lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.

Specs: Wireless router, 8.1 in x 6.3 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, HTTPS, External, 16.2 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 The outdated and bulky design, relatively short range, and merely average throughput, however, lessen its appeal.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 WRT610N can satisfy both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless clients with its solid performance, great design, ease of use, and its ability to work as a network storage device when coupled with an external hard drive.

Specs: Wireless router, 8.9 in x 7.1 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, HTTPS, External, 15.9 oz

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 12 oz