External Networking and Wi-Fi

The Bottom Line: The NetGear WNHDEB111 HD Gaming Wireless N Networking Kit is a good investment if you want to add a high-speed Wireless-N connection your HD video streamer or game console.

Specs: NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit WNHDEB111 - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)

The Bottom Line: The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router at an affordable price.

Specs: Wireless router, 6.9 in x 4.4 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 150 Mbps, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 - 2.484 GHz

The Bottom Line: The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a great dual-band router for networking enthusiasts who also want a quick and easy network storage solution.

Specs: Wireless router, 8.8 in x 6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 is a no-frills budget wireless-N router, with excellent range and a handy and comprehensive Parental Control feature. It's a good fit for those who just need a simple wireless network and the ability to control access to the Internet.

Specs: Wireless router, 7 in x 5.1 in x 1.4 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 14.1 oz

The Bottom Line: At a very affordable price, the D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router and would satisfy most situations where a wireless network is needed.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 11.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N broadband router has consistent performance, good range, a helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. Its lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, full-duplex, External, 2.4 GHz, 9.9 oz

The Bottom Line: The Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N broadband router has consistent performance, good range, a helpful software application, and a good set of networking features. Its lack of Gigabit and USB support are the only major knocks against it.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a very good single-band Wireless-N router; however, its extra features hardly justify the price.

Specs: Wireless router, 4.4 in x 5.8 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 2.4 GHz, 8 oz

The Bottom Line: The IOGear Wireless Audio/Video Kit may be expensive, but once set up, it's one of the easiest ways to get your TV to work as your computer's monitor.

The Bottom Line: The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N forces you to pick either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band for your wireless network. Given that, it's not an ideal choice for an environment with both types of wireless clients. The router offers good wireless performance and features a high-speed wired network that caps at 1,000Mbps.

Specs: Wireless router, 8 in x 6.3 in x 1.3 in, Wired, Wireless, Ethernet, HTTP, External, 10.6 oz