Packet filtering Routers

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: If you want to set up a VPN for your home or small-business network, Buffalo's wireless secure remote gateway is a decent choice.

Specs: Wireless router, 1.5 in x 6.9 in x 5.5 in, Wired, Wireless, 125 Mbps, External, 2.4 GHz, 0.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: Unless you already own other Buffalo AOSS wireless devices, skip the WBR2-G54S in favor of a full-featured alternative.

Specs: Wireless router, 3 in x 6.1 in x 6.7 in, Wired, Wireless, 125 Mbps, Ethernet, External, 2.4 GHz, 0.9 lbs

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

The Bottom Line: The WR850G is a decent family router at a very affordable price, but it lacks the long range and speed enhancements of new MIMO gear.

Specs: Wireless router, 5.8 in x 5.9 in x 1 in, Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, Full-duplex, Half-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 0.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: Sony's router may look stylish, but it lacks the features, speed, and better documentation of Dell's TM2300, among others.

Specs: Wireless router, Wireless, 54 Mbps, External, 2.4 GHz

The Bottom Line: The low-cost Linksys WRT54G features fairly high throughput. But it has a relatively short operating range, and its poor performance with 802.11b devices makes claimed backward compatibility moot.

Specs: Wireless router, 7.3 in x 7.9 in x 1.9 in, Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, Full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: The NetPassage 16 has most of the ingredients for an office wired/wireless router, but its performance is merely acceptable compared to that of the competition.

Specs: Wireless router, Wireless, 10 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, Full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz

Specs: Wireless router, 7.7 in x 4.8 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, SNMP 1, SNMP 2c, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.5 oz