Auto-negotiation Routers

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 Belkin N+ Wireless Router is a great performer with excellent range and throughput speed. If its bulky design and lack of 5GHz frequency support don't put you off, the router is worth every penny of its $100 or so price tag.

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

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

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: 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: 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

The Bottom Line: With a little hunting for a good deal, you can get the faster version of this router, the DI-624, for the same price or less.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.3 in x 5.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 7.1 oz

The Bottom Line: Unless you need a router that can connect a Webcam to your network, there's little to recommend the NetPassage 26G.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.9 in x 4.1 in x 1.6 in, Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz