Networking devices - CNET reviews

Editors' Top Networking
updated February 1, 2006

Home networks let you share broadband Internet access, exchange files, access printers, or even duke it out with multiplayer games. Whether you're looking for a wired (Ethernet, HomePNA, HomePlug) solution, a wireless (802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g) setup, or both, these products will help you get your network up and running.
-- Allen Fear, Senior Editor

Networking devices

Networking	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Belkin Wireless Pre-N router Released: 10/01/2004	8.4 Excellent	Email me when product is available	If you're looking for a router with great range, this is it.

Netgear WG111 USB Adapter Released: 10/25/2004	8.2 Excellent	$38-$59 from 6 stores	The Netgear WG111 is one of the best all-around wireless USB adapters we've seen. Specs: 54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless , Hi-Speed USB

Apple AirPort Express Base Station Released: 07/01/2004	8.1 Excellent	$222	This is among the best compact wireless-networking devices available. Specs: Apple AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes - Wireless access point , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , 54 Mbps

Belkin Pre-N PC Card Released: 10/01/2004	8.1 Excellent	$68	If you're looking for a PC Card adapter with great range, this is it. Specs: 108 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless , CardBus

Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 Released: 11/01/2004	7.0 Very good	Email me when product is available	Fast speeds and easy setup make the AirCard 580 the mobile PC Card of choice.

Netgear WPN824 router Released: 03/01/2005	7.8 Very good	$19-$101 from 10 stores	The Netgear RangeMax router is among the best-performing routers we've seen.

NetGear WGU624 Double 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router Released: 10/04/2004	7.6 Very good	$45	Time and money are required to properly install the WGU624, but tech buffs will find both well spent.

Buffalo LinkStation 120GB Released: 08/16/2004	7.3 Very good	Email me when product is available	Buffalo's LinkStation is the best low-cost solution for adding storage and a print server to a home or small-business network. Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Network Storage Center - NAS server , 120 GB, PC , Mac , RJ-45 , 4 pin USB Type A , Standard , Ethernet , Fast Ethernet

D-Link DI-808HV Released: 07/23/2004	7.6 Very good	Email me when product is available	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

Netgear WGXB102 Released: 01/01/2005	7.2 Very good	$99-$149 from 11 stores	Netgear's wall-plugged wireless extender kit is one of the easiest means currently available for extending the reach of a wireless network.

Linksys WPC54GX adapter Released: 01/04/2005	7.1 Very good	$15	The Belkin Pre-N PC Card provides more MIMO bang for your buck than the Linksys WPC54GX. Specs: 108 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Wireless , CardBus

D-Link DGL-4300 wireless router Released: 12/08/2004	7.9 Very good	$129-$317 from 7 stores	Get the D-Link DGL-4300 now if you can't stand another second of gameplay disruption; otherwise, wait until it incorporates a solid MIMO solution.