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Wireless Router Reviews
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Wireless Routers Performance
Wireless routers aren't devices that users spend a lot of time interacting with, unlike PCs or MP3 players. You know your cheap wireless router is working as it should when you don't notice it's there.
Budget Wireless Routers Ease of Setup.
When wireless networks first became available, they were often frustratingly difficult for home users to set up, even if they were fairly tech-savvy. Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to simplify the setup of inexpensive wireless routers, and based on the routers reviews we read, we found that the majority of consumers are pleased with how quickly and easily they can set up their routers, even if they don't have a lot of experience using networking devices. For example, several wireless routers reviews on the Walmart website praise the simple setup of Belkin's N150 wireless router; likewise, several Radio Shack customers note how easy it is to set up Netgear's WGR614NA wireless g router (starting at $39, Amazon
). Wireless routers reviews on Newegg.com praise the DLink DIR-628 for its simple setup routine. Ditto for the Linksys WRT120N, according to routers reviews on and Amazon.com and Walmart.
Bargain Wireless Routers User Interface.
In order to set up a router, you'll have to access the router's graphical user interface (UI). A nice, clean, easy-to-use interface makes setting up a budget wireless router a breeze, but a clunky or confusing UI can make setup a real chore. PCmag.com likes the fact that there are many options to tweak in the DLink DIR-628’s interface, but notes in its routers review that the interface looks pretty complex and will intimidate less experienced users. Wireless routers reviews on Newegg.com bear out that concern, with some users complaining that the interface is simply overwhelming.Users also like to have good documentation to go along with the UI. Many wireless router manufacturers forego including paper documentation with their routers and put all the setup information on CDs instead. Although some users don't mind using CDs only, other users clearly prefer having an instruction booklet included with their wireless router. A user posting on Buy.com writes that the paper and online documentation for the D-link DIR-615 Wireless N router aren't helpful and require a lot of determination to get things working.
Wireless Routers Range/Connectivity.
A router with a good range and fast, strong connection is essential to a good wireless network. We found that users who purchase budget 802.11n routers often have very good range, with the routers providing coverage for their entire homes. A CNet wireless routers review of the D-link DIR-615 notes that it maintains a stable connection up to 230 feet. A Walmart reviewer writes that his Belkin N150 wireless router provides excellent coverage throughout his 1,400 square foot home. PCmag.com tested the DLink DIR-628 and reports in a routers review that it maintained solid connection speeds even at long range.The biggest complaint consumers have about their routers, by far, is dropped connections. The Belkin Surf Wireless router seems to draw a near-endless stream of complaints about dropped connections from users posting routers reviews at several sites, including Walmart and Amazon. Several users also complain that their Belkin Surf routers stopped working altogether after only a few days or weeks.
The Linksys WRT120N also draws a fair share of criticism in users’ wireless routers reviews on Newegg.com and Amazon, who also mention several incidents of dropped connections and faulty hardware. Users commenting on Walmart, however, report far fewer problems with the Linksys router. Most of these users like how well the router works and mention how easy it is to set up. Indeed, we found in most cases that once the router is properly set up, users don't have trouble maintaining a connection to their router and the Internet.
Our final word.
Wireless networking is a popular way to get connected at home, and it's no wonder why. Most home users don't want to string dozens of feet of Ethernet cables all over their homes but want the freedom to access a network from anywhere in the house. Clearly, a wireless network is the way to go, and if you choose the right equipment, you can get plugged in pretty cheaply.
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Wireless Routers
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Products Mentioned in This Review
Rosewill RNX-EasyN4 D-link WBR-1310
Linksys WRT54G2
D-link DIR-615
TRENDnet TEW-652BRP
Belkin N150
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