Linksys WRT300N Router

Pros: Good range; ready for 802.11N once it's finalised

Cons: Mixed mode unreliable using FW 0.93.9

Summary: I was asked to set up a wireless network for a client in their condo at a local ski resort. Using the 0.93.9 firmware from Linksys, I noted that the signal would drop for 20s, then reappear for about 30s, and drop again. (My laptop's Intel 3945ABG card defaulted to 802.11g, but also works on 802.11a and b.) After changing the router to use only 802.11g, reliability was 100%. Range varied from 30m to 150m depending on how many walls were in between the router and my laptop, and seemed to fare better than other 802.11g Linksys products I've used in the past.

Without being able to test the N standard, I would like to see mixed mode performance improve. Other Linksys wireless routers I've installed also functioned poorly in mixed mode; so the problem is not unique to the WRT300N.

Throughput was a full 54Mbps in the entire range I tested the device. I hope the extra paddle shaped antenna has some use and is there for more than show!

In summary, range is good, and we'll have to wait and see on the new 802.11n standard. Unless you are an office user there is little point to upgrade to 802.11n because your connection is unlikely to keep up with the old 802.11b 11Mbps, let alone 802.11g at 54Mbps -- given that the average high-speed connection is around 1.5Mbps.