(Nov 10, 2008)
Dong Ngo
Senior Assoc. Technology Editor
It's always tricky when it comes to home networking as it's the category that once set up you only know about its existence when it's not working properly. There are actually a lot more you can do with it than you probably already know. If you live in a neighborhood saturated with wireless signals, a dual-band router that supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies would serve you well. Are you looking for a storage device that also works as a surveillance system? You'll find it here too. Of many products we've reviewed, these five are our favorites to date, in their respective categories.
Linksys WRT610N
The Linksys WRT610N is the first true-dual band Wireless-N router we've reviewed and happens to be one with the best design. When coupled with a USB external hard drive, the router can also work as a network attached storage server.
Price:$152.99 - $225.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 networking devices
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MediaSmart Server LX195
Powered by Intel Atom processor and Microsoft Windows Home Server 2003, the MediaSmart LX195 is the fastest home NAS server to date. It also comes with great backup and photo management features, a comprehensive remote access solution and a price that won't break your bank.
Price:$374.98 - $399.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 networking devices
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Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440 (4TB)
The very first Seagate-branded NAS server and it really impressed us with excellent performance, vast amount of storage and great expandability. The BlackArmor 440/420 NAS server, however, is rather hard to use and suite better the business environment or users with advanced computer and networking know-how.
Price:$1,043.69 - $1,199.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 networking devices
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D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825
The D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825 is a stable performer with great features and an excellent Web interface. The outdated and bulky design, relatively short range, and merely average throughput, however, lessen its appeal.
Price:$129.99 - $175.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 networking devices
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Synology DS209+ NAS server
The Synology Disk Station DS209+ offers near all you would want from a NAS server, including the ability to support up to ten IP camera to form a complete surveillance system. It's also the first network storage device that offers throughput speed that's faster than that of most directly attached external hard drives. The NAS server also comes with a extraordinarily intuitive Web-interface that looks and works much like a desktop application.
Price:$522.12 - $579.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best 5 networking devices
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