New 802.

11n Routers: The Best Wi-Fi Yet

The best new 802.11n wireless routers deliver strong performance, coverage,
and compatibility--but picking the right one for your network is more
complicated than ever. Our lab tests reveal the top choices, whether you are
looking for a basic bargain or consider speed and range paramount.

Becky Waring, Testing by Elliott Kirschling, PC World

Apr 30, 2008 1:00 pm

 Email
 Print
 RSS
 13 Comments

 0diggsdigg
 ShareThis



 399 Yes
 167 No

Recommends

Illustration: Mick WigginsWhat a difference a couple of years

makes. In our first roundup of draft-802.11n Wi-Fi routers (see "Wireless Routers:
The Truth About Superfast Draft-N"), we found so many problems, we couldn't
recommend any of them: Firmware was buggy, interoperability between vendors
was hit-and-miss, and performance was not as good as that of some enhanced,
earlier-generation 802.11g routers.

As of this year, we're happy to report, those issues have largely gone away.
Although the standard is still technically in draft form and final ratification of
802.11n by the IEEE isn't expected until next year, the Wi-Fi Alliance has been
certifying draft-2.0 n routers for interoperability and compatibility since last year,
and the final version should largely be a formality that at most may require a
firmware upgrade.

And the Wi-Fi certified products are worthy updates. With link rates--the nominal
connection speeds, as opposed to real-world throughput--of up to 300 megabits
per second (compared with 54 mbps for standard 802.11g) and extended range
(thanks to multiple smart antennas), 802.11n Wi-Fi is the first Wi-Fi technology
that can rival wired 100-mbps ethernet in performance. Upgrading your home
router to 802.11n is thus one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your
network.

But choosing a particular 802.11n router has become more complicated than ever
because the standard covers a lot of ground that lets vendors issue a dizzying
array of product options, with literally dozens of models ranging in price from $50
to $250. D-Link alone has six 802.11n routers.

To give an idea of the options, we chose two widely available models in each of
three categories: under-$90 routers for people who don't need maximum
performance, but who can nonetheless benefit from 802.11n's improved range
and speed; midrange (about $150) models that offer top wireless speeds and
gigabit ethernet; and dual-band routers ($180 to $200) that support both the
crowded 2.4-GHz frequency range (used by all of the less-Expensive models and
their 802.11b/g predecessors) and the relatively open 5-GHz band, with support
for legacy 802.11a gear. These top-of-the-line units target users preparing for an
expected influx of networked multimedia devices that need uncluttered
bandwidth to stream media. (The 802.11n spec supports both frequencies.) Up to
now, vendors have been focusing on the 2.4-GHz band in order to support the
vast majority of legacy devices.

For a point-by-point comparison of the six routers we examined, see our chart,
"Wi-Fi Draft-2.0 802.11N Routers: Good, Better, and Best."
Deconstructing the Technology

The 802.11n variant of Wi-Fi achieves its high through??put (typically four times
that of 802.11g) in two ways. First, it uses MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)
antenna technology to transmit more data at a time. Intelligent antennas
combine streams of data arriving at different times from multi??path signals
bouncing off walls, floors, and ceilings. Entry-level routers typically have two
receiving and transmitting antennas; midrange and high-end models have three
of each.

Second, draft-n uses channel bonding: Instead of the 20-MHz-wide channels

found in previous Wi-Fi standards, 802.11n can use 40-MHz-wide channels, which
in theory should double their data-carrying capacity.

Unfortunately, the limited bandwidth of the 2.4-GHz range means that just one
802.11n router using channel bonding will take up virtually the entire 2.4-GHz
spectrum, leaving no room for neighboring routers, and causing severe
interference. For this reason, draft-2.0's so-called good-neighbor policies require
that routers ship in 20-MHz mode, and that, when in 40-MHz mode, they drop to
20-MHz operation if they sense nearby Wi-Fi nets or other 2.4-GHz devices. The
top link rate in 20-MHz mode is only 150 mbps (rather than the much-advertised
300 mbps); since many users are likely to be within range of other 2.4-GHz traffic,
we ran our 2.4-GHz tests with 20-MHz channels.

More Bandwidth, Less Range

The 5-GHz frequency range, however, has much more bandwidth to play with and
can support multiple 40-MHz channels. It's also relatively unused (802.11a
products appeared primarily in business environments), so interference is
generally minimal to none. We therefore used 40-MHz channels in our 5-GHz
testing of the two routers that support 5-GHz operations.

Interestingly, even with twice as much channel bandwidth, speeds in our 5-GHz
testing at close range did not double; on average, they rose about 20 percent. But
they were generally more consistent than the 2.4-GHz results, and throughput at
close range never dropped below 40 mbps--well above the 25 mbps needed for
top-quality HDTV streaming.
The downside to 5-GHz: Its higher frequency doesn't allow it to cover as large an
area as 2.4-GHz draft-n. But its range is still generally far better than that of
standard unenhanced 802.11g.

Another 5-GHz plus: While draft-n is backward-compatible with 802.11b and g

gear in "mixed" 2.4-GHz mode, performance for n clients drops significantly on
networks when b or g clients are present. But with a dual-band router, you can
put newer draft-n gear that supports 5 GHz on the fast track while maintaining a
slower 2.4-GHz network for older gear. We recommend a dual-band router if you
need maximum performance for streaming media or networked storage--or if you
can't get a good Wi-Fi signal at all due to interference from neighbors' networks.

500mW 802.11n wifi booster ,2.4Ghz wifi

repeater ,wifi signal booster
Unit Price:
USD 111.82 ~ 133.28 / Piece
Description

The Xtreme N® Gigabit Router creates a powerful Wi-Fi computer network in your home
and is jam-packed with features. It's our most highly rated router for a reason.
D-Link's Xtreme N® products provide 14x faster and 6x farther range than 802.11g. In
Strong:
simple terms: a noticeably stronger connection at distance.

Always on and with no moving parts: set it and forget it.

Reliable:
D-Link's Quick Router Setup Wizard walks you through every step of installation, making it
Easy:
easy to create your network!

Why D-Link?:
We are proud of our products and value our relationships with our customers. Take a look at the Awards
and Testimonials section to read what customers and the experts are saying about our Xtreme N Gigabit
Router.

With the DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router You Can:

 Enjoy greater Wi-Fi coverage for your entire home or home office at incredible speeds.
 Easily connect computers, game consoles and media players to the internet.
 Share USB devices like printers and storage with all the users on your network with D-Link's
SharePort™ Technology
 Enjoy uninterrupted service with QoS Technology.

BEST-IN-CLASS FEATURES
The D-Link Xtreme N™ Gigabit Router (DIR-655) is a 802.11n compliant device that delivers up to 14x
faster speeds* and 6x farther range* than 802.11g while staying backward compatible with 802.11g
devices. Connect the Xtreme N Gigabit Router to a cable or DSL modem and provide high-speed Internet
access to multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. Create a secure wireless network to
share photos, files, music, videos, printers, and network storage.

Powered by Xtreme N™ technology and equipped with three external antennas, this router
provides superior wireless coverage for larger homes and offices, or for users running
bandwidth-intensive applications. The DIR-655 also includes a 4-port 10/100/1000 Gigabit
switch that connects Gigabit wired devices for enjoying lag-free network gaming and faster file
transfers.

With wireless prioritization technology and our award-winning intelligent QoS engine, jitter-free
Internet phone calls (VoIP), high-definition video streaming and Web gaming are achievable on
your wired and wireless networks. Support for WEP, WPA™, and WPA2™ security standards
ensure that you will be able to use the best possible encryption regardless of your other wireless
devices. To prevent possible attacks from the Internet, the DIR-655 uses dual active firewalls
(SPI & NAT) to help protect your valuable data. Below is a list of DIR-655 features.

 Intelligent QoS technology prioritizes both wired and wireless Internet traffic to enable
enhanced gaming and phone calling (VoIP) experience
 Ideal for streaming HD video or streaming multiple applications simultaneously
 Dual active firewall protection (SPI & NAT) helps block malicious attacks on networks from the
Internet
 Includes the latest wireless security (WEP, WPA & WPA2) features that help prevent
unauthorized access
 Virtually no wireless dead spots
 Advanced Parental Controls
 Supports Windows® Connect Now (WCN) for easy wireless setup
 Automatic Firmware Update Notification
 E-mail Notification for Triggered Events
 Integrated Wireless Security Wizard
 Removable Antennas for Flexible Installation Options
 Wall Mountable to Save Desk Space

SHAREPORT
D-Link has created SharePort™ technology to bring more flexibility to your network. With
SharePort technology you can connect a USB printer or storage device to your router and allow
users to access them from anywhere on the network. Conveniently turn your existing USB
printers and storage devices into network devices for everyone to share.

WHY INTELLIGENT QoS IS BETTER

With some routers, all wired and wireless traffic, including VoIP, Video Streaming, Online
Gaming, and Web browsing are mixed together into a single data stream. By handling data this
way, applications like video streaming could pause or delay. With D-Link’s Intelligent QoS
Technology, wired and wireless traffic is analyzed and separated into multiple data streams.
These streams are then categorized by sensitivity to delay, so applications like VoIP, Video
Streaming, and Online Gaming are given priority over Web browsing. This enables multiple
applications to stream smoothly to your TV or PC.

ADVANCED NETWORK SECURITY

The Xtreme N Gigabit Router supports the latest wireless security features to help prevent
unauthorized access, be it from over a wireless network or from the Internet. Support for WPA™
and WPA2™ standards ensure that you will be able to use the best possible encryption regardless
of your client devices. In addition, this Xtreme N router utilizes Dual Active Firewalls (SPI and
NAT) to prevent potential attacks from across the Internet. Also, the DIR-655 uses advanced
firewall features. The web-based user interface displays a number of advanced network
management features including:

 Secure Multiple/Concurrent Sessions - The DIR-655 can pass through VPN sessions. It supports
multiple and concurrent IPSec and PPTP sessions, so users behind the DIR-655 can securely
access corporate networks.
Delivering best-in-class performance, network security, and coverage, the Xtreme N Gigabit
Router (DIR-655) is the ideal centerpiece for your wireless network in the home or office.

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH INTERNET SECURITY AND PARENTAL CONTROL

SERVICES
SECURESPOT 2.0™ (optional) proactively protects ALL networked devices in the home. It not
only safeguards PCs like traditional Internet Security Suites, but also protects Mac’s and
browser-enabled devices such as Game Consoles. Integrating Internet Security and Parental
Controls into the router and utilizing services in-the-cloud lightens the load on the PC and brings
professional strength technology to the consumer.

FEATURES:

 Firewall Protection
 Parental Controls
 Parental Reporting and Alerts
 Identity Protection
 Pop-up Blocker
 Remote Management Console
 Spam Control
 Access Control
 Virus/Spyware Protection – Powered by McAfee®

WHAT THIS PRODUCT DOES

Create a wireless network to share high-speed Internet access with computers, game consoles, or
media players from greater distances in your home or office. Use the DIR-655 in your home to
surf the web, check email, instant message, and to get rid of the cables around the house. Use the
DIR-655 in your office to share Internet connection and printer with multiple computers, saving
additional office space.

XTREME N™ ROUTER BENEFITS

 Intelligent QoS Technology.

 Xtreme N technology allows for farther home coverage*.
 Secure your wireless network using advanced WPA™ or WPA2™ encryption.
 Easy to get started with D-Link’s new Quick Router Setup Wizard.
 Backward compatible with 802.11g devices including game consoles and digital media players.

THINK GREEN
D-Link Green™ devices*** are about providing eco-friendly alternatives without compromising
performance. They are designed to help conserve energy, protect our environment from harmful
substances, and reduce waste by using recyclable packaging.

CONSERVES ENERGY

 Automatically powers down ports that have no link

 Budgets power output for different Ethernet cable lengths
  Includes wireless LAN scheduling, which can shut down your wireless network when not in use
for further power savings
 Reduces energy consumption by using an Energy Star® qualified power adapter

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

 Complies with the European Union's RoHS directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous
materials
 Uses recyclable packaging to help reduce waste that goes into the environment

WIRELESS FAMILIES COMPARISON

As part of the Xtreme N family, the DIR-655 contains features not found on the Wireless G or
Rangebooster N families. Please see the chart for a comparison of features and recommended
applications of the various wireless families.

Works with Windows Vista™

Allows easy management, high standards of wireless security, and various levels of compatibility

 DIR-655 has been designed by D-Link to Work with Windows Vista.

 Products that carry the Works with Windows Vista logo are designed to easily connect to
Windows Vista and deliver a reliable experience.

D-Link’s Xtreme N router was rigorously tested and verified for compatibility with Intel’s Next-
Gen Wireless N, utilizing intensive real-world testing conducted in typical home and enterprise
environment scenarios. In Intel’s testing process, which was conducted over the period of several
months, D-Link’s Xtreme N router met or exceeded Intel’s requirements for performance,
extended range, co-existence with other 802.11b/g clients and access points, and the ability to
eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots.
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions
and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, buildings materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput
rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. Wireless range and speed rates are D-Link RELATIVE performance measurements
based on the wireless range and speed rates of a standard Wireless G product from D-Link. Maximum throughput based on D-Link 802.11n devices.
** Requires SharePort Client Utility installation on the PC.
  SharePort upgrade is available for the hardware versions A2, A3, A4.
*** D-Link Green references contained herein apply to Hardware version A3 or later.
SharePort and SecureSpot 2.0 references contained herein apply to Firmware version 1.21 or later.

Windows Vista and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Intel, the Intel Inside Logo, Intel Centrino and the Intel Centrino logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the
United States and other countries.
Types of wifi
b - 11Mbps tuns at 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum
g – up to 54Mbps runs at 2.4 GHz
n - 150Mbps

a – 54 Mbps runs at eh 5 GHz wireless spectrum – shorter range

a & b not compatible with each other

WiFi (802.11)
     To make a local area network with wireless, WiFi is the way to do it. WiFi is also known by its
IEEE standard name, 802.11. The most common form of WiFi is 802.11b, but recently 802.11g
was introduced into the PDA market allowing for faster connection speeds. WiFi is, in essence,
a wireless version of Ethernet in the form of a local area network. WiFi can make a local
network either through use of a wireless router or by added a wireless access point to a wired
local area network. WiFi can be used to connect two devices directly (ad-hoc) though is usually
used in infrastructure mode for connection to access points. Some stores, like Starbucks,
feature WiFi networks for use by those that purchase an account on the service for a monthly
fee. WiFi is a moderate-range wireless, only connecting to access points and other devices
within 150-500 feet (depending on obstructions)
     As was noted earlier, there are different types of WiFi, noted by the letter at the end of the
802.11. The most common type of WiFi is 802.11b which has a bandwidth of 11 Mbps. 802.11a
is seen in more businesses than consumer settings, supporting 54 Mbps of bandwidth but runs
on the 5 GHz wireless spectrum as opposed to 802.11b which runs at the 2.4 GHz frequency
(which is why A and B devices are not compatible). 802.11a also has a dramatically shorter
range than other WiFi standards. Today, 802.11g is taking off as a replacement for 802.11b.
Like 802.11a, 802.11g supports a bandwidth of up to 54 Mbps but like 802.11b, it runs at a
frequency of 2.4 GHz and is completely compatible with 802.11b devices (though they run at 11
Mbps not 54 Mbps). In the future, 802.11n may be the new standard, running at 108 Mbps with
improved access distances as well. 802.11n is also expected to support MIMO (multiple input
multiple output) adding technology to bounce signals off walls. Companies like Belkin already
have "pre-n" devices available which boast features of the 802.11n wireless standard even
though the 802.11n standard isn't standard yet.