IEEE 802.1x 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: The TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless N router is a simple wireless N router with a friendly price. If all you require is a basic network and you have a mix of 802.11N and b/g clients, it does the job for cheap.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.9 in x 5.5 in x 1.1 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External

The Bottom Line: 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.

Specs: Wireless router, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz

The Bottom Line: With a fair price, decent performance, and dead-simple setup, the SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router is about as well-rounded a Draft N router as you'll find. It also boasts impressive range and a smart design. We strongly recommend it for general home use.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.5 in x 5.9 in x 1 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 12.3 oz

The Bottom Line: We wanted to like this funky-looking router, but the LevelOne N_One WBR-6000 performed so horribly in testing that we must warn you not to be tempted by its slick design and low price.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.8 in x 5.8 in x 1.5 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz

The Bottom Line: The TrendNet Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR is fast, but not as fast as a competing D-Link router, and it's easy to use, but not as easy as a Belkin router. Still, we like it for its winning combination of decent throughput and intuitive Web interface.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.4 in x 5.9 in x 1 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.8 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: If you don't need extended range from a router, the Linksys WRT54GX2 is a good choice if you want to take advantage of MIMO technology but can't afford the hefty price. Still, Belkin offers a better performer that costs less.

Specs: 6.4 in x 1.6 in x 6.4 in, Wired, Wireless, 108 Mbps, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Ethernet, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Full-duplex, External, DDos attack prevention, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), 2.4 GHz, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: Though it's not the best long-range performer, the U.S. Robotics Wireless MaxG router is one of the cheapest ways to achieve decent wireless throughput over long distances.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.1 in x 4.3 in x 1.7 in, Wired, Wireless, 125 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 0.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Linksys WRT54GX offers impressive performance, but Belkin's Pre-N router delivers more bang for the buck.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.4 in x 1.6 in x 6.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, External, 1.1 lbs