Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, t
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars