IEEE 802.11n (draft) 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 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 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, External, 2.4 GHz, 13.4 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: 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: 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 Netgear RangeMax Next WNR854T Gigabit is a smart choice for home networks, thanks to its fast throughput and easy setup.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.8 in x 1.5 in x 8.8 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 1.2 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Belkin N1 Vision router makes great strides in user-friendliness, but drops the ball when it comes to performance.

Specs: Wireless router, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, External

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: With its easy-to-grasp status icons, up-to-date security options, and stellar support, the Belkin N1 router is on the path to 802.11n wireless networking stardom, but like other Draft N devices, its performance fails to impress.

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