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(Jun 04, 2008)
Matthew Elliott
Section Editor
You probably don't need a Draft N router for basic wireless networking around an average-size home with a laptop or two. But prices are such that you don't need to spend much more for the added bandwidth and range a Draft N router provides over an older 802.11g device. And if you have many connected systems, intend to stream HD video with other concurrent network activity, or if you need to provide wireless access over a wide area, then a draft 802.11n router is a must. The routers on this page are Draft N routers that are based on Draft 2.0 of the spec, which requires interoperability among vendors, adherence to the latest security schemes, and backward compatibility with previous generations of Wi-Fi equipment (802.11b and 802.11g, for example). Final ratification of the standard is projected for sometime later this year.
SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router
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.
Price: $129.99 - $168.95 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 13, 2008
Excellent
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Synet Windy31 USB Wireless Router
The Windy31 USB Wireless Router is not a router in the traditional sense. This small, USB drive lets you create a wireless network with access to the Internet from any one PC that has an Internet connection. It's a must-have for travelers who need to share their Internet access with different Wi-Fi devices.
Price: $54.99 - $59.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 30, 2008
Very good
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Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router
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.
Price: $88.99 - $175.40 (check prices)
Review date: May 29, 2008
Very good
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D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router
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.
Price: $92.99 - $219.79 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 30, 2007
Very good
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Linksys WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Router
The Linksys WRT110 RangePlus is an unconventional and stylish wireless router that supplies near draft 802.11n throughput without being an official Draft N router. We like this affordable, antenna-free router for networks where Wireless-G and Wireless-N clients coexist.
Price: $43.99 - $93.55 (check prices)
Review date: May 20, 2008
Very good
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Trendnet TEW-633GR
The TrendNet Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR is fast, but not as fast as a competing D-Link router, and it's easy to use, but not as easy as a Belkin router. Still, we like it for its winning combination of decent throughput and intuitive Web interface.
Price: $86.99 - $121.00 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 16, 2007
Very good
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Netgear WNR854T RangeMax
The Netgear RangeMax Next WNR854T Gigabit is a smart choice for home networks, thanks to its fast throughput and easy setup.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Feb 25, 2008
Very good
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D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router
The D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router almost succeeds for home networking and hardcore gamers. It bears a few flaws, among which is a random reset during heavy load that might be the deal breaker.
Price: $158.00 - $286.99 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 26, 2008
Very good
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Belkin N1 Vision
The Belkin N1 Vision router makes great strides in user-friendliness, but drops the ball when it comes to performance.
Price: $119.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 28, 2007
Very good
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Asus WL-500W
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.
Price: $99.99 - $159.70 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 18, 2008
Very good
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Edimax BR-6504n nMax
It's cheap, easy to set up, and delivers more than acceptable performance at shorter ranges. We like the sleek, white Edimax BR-6504N router, particularly for networks with a mix of Draft N and older 802.11b/g clients.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Mar 3, 2008
Very good
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