router

After all the buzz at CES 2011 about a hybrid all-in-one option that combines Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and power line in one box, you now can lay your hands on an actual product.

D-Link announced today that it is now shipping the first hybrid router, the Wireless-N PowerLine Router (model DHP-1320).

The router combines a regular Wireless-N router with the 200Mbps HomePlug AV standard. This means the router's power cord itself provides power-line data connectivity, and you can use any other HomePlug AV adapters at the far end of the connection to extend the network there, via electrical wiring. Traditionally … Read more

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed from our readers. This week we have questions on Wi-Fi routers crashing when a specific Mac connects, Web pages not fully loading in Safari and Firefox, and using a computer firewall in addition to a network firewall. We continually answer e-mail questions, and though we present a few here, we certainly welcome alternative approaches and views from readers and encourage you to post your suggestions in the comments.

Question: Wi-Fi router crashing when Mac connects

MacFixIt reader "Tim" asks:

I have bought a brand-new MacBook Pro with … Read more

As promised, the review of the Cisco Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router, the very first true dual-band Wireless-N router that offers a 450Mbps ceiling speed, is now up.

And the router is the fastest we've seen among Wireless-N routers. It's quite unfair to compare it with others, however, as it is the first router that offers the higher 450Mbps speed on the 5GHz band. The only other router that offers this speed is the Trendnet TEW-691GR, but it works only on the 2.4GHz band.

The Linksys 4200's 2.4GHz band, on the other hand, … Read more

True dual-band 450Mbps Wireless-N routers were one of the main trends in networking during CES 2011, with Trendnet, Netgear, and D-Link announcing their own. Cisco, on the other hand, didn't make any announcements during the show, but it's now one of the first to have a 450Mbps true dual-band router on the market.

Cisco announced today that it now ships the new Linksys E4200 concurrent dual-band router, its first to offer the ceiling speed of 450Mbps on the 5GHz band. This is similar to the Netgear WNDR4000 and the D-Link DIR-857, which are not yet available for purchase.… Read more

LAS VEGAS--Media streaming, both locally and online, has been getting more and more popular. It doesn't matter what service you use or what player you have, what you see on the TV or computer screen has to go through your home router.

D-Link has that in mind and announced at CES 2011 HD media routers that it claims offer much better audio and video streaming, even when dealing with huge files of 1080p content.

These routers are all DLNA certified and incorporate a Quality of Service (QoS) engine, called HD Fuel technology, that prioritizes high-definition video streaming with services … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Powerline is a network connectivity solution that turns your home's electrical wiring into data cables and hence allows for expanding the wired networking through out the house without having to run network cable all over the place.

You can conveniently add a power-line connection to any existing network by using a power-line kit, such as the Linksys PLK300, the WD Livewire, or the Netgear AV 200. All of these kits include at least two adapters, the minimum you need to create the first power-line connection, since you need an adapter at each end. After that you can buy … Read more

LAS VEGAS--It's been getting more and more exciting in the wireless networking world recently since Trendnet shipped the first 450Mbps single-band Wireless-N router, the TEW-691GR, and announced yesterday the first 450Mbps true-dual band Wireless N router (model TEW-692GR).

Netgear today joined the party by announcing its first 450Mbps dual-band router, the N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (model WNDR4000).

Like those from Trendnet, Netgear's new networking device is based on the three-stream standard (or 3 by 3), in which each stream carries up to 150Mbps, hence the cap of 450Mbps.

The WNDR4000, however, unlike the TEW-692GR from Trendnet, … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Two years ago, Netgear announced its first dual-band Wireless-N router with built-in DSL modem, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router + DSL Modem DGND3300, offering DSL consumers a high-end alternative to modem/wireless router combo solutions offered by service providers, which tend to be slow and lacking.

Now, here at CES 2011, the company is kicking this solution up a notch, by announcing today the N600 Wireless  Dual-Band Gigabit ADSL Modem DGND3700 Router, which it calls "the ultimate home gateway."

The new DGND3700 differentiates itself from the old DGND330 via a long list of new features. Apart from the fact that it also has a built-in DSL modem, supports concurrent dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), and other usual networking and security features, it also offers:

Two USB ports to support external storage. These ports are compatible with Netgear's ReadyShare network storage functionality.

Gigabit Ethernet and DLNA compliance that allows for network digital media streaming to any DLNA-compliant TV, game console, or media player within the network.

Live parental controls that enable comprehensive Web filtering functionality.

Guest networking, which allows for giving separate Internet access to guests while keeping them from accessing local resources, such as file or printers.

A broadband usage meter that automatically tracks broadband usage notifies if a set level is reached.… Read more

LAS VEGAS--Trendnet is one of a few networking vendors that's been strong on being green. During CES 2010, the company expanded its GreenNet technology networking portfolio to hubs and switches and now it announced at CES 2011 the integration of energy efficient Green Wi-Fi technology in its wireless networking products.

Green Wi-Fi is designed specifically for wireless networking products. The company claims that this would result in the reduction of power consumption in its applicable wireless routers, access points, and adapters by up to 50 percent.

The GreenNet technology, which was introduced back in 2008, determines and supplies the … Read more