Truesee's Daily Wonder

Globe Correspondent

  November 29, 2009

Customers can often spend more than $50 per month for Internet service and hundreds or thousands of dollars on computers and laptops, so it’s important to invest in a networking router to match. After all, your Internet is only as fast and your network is only as reliable as your router. But be prepared to spend more than $100 here.

The three most popular brands of home routers are D-Link, Linksys by Cisco (formerly just Linksys), and Netgear. Belkin is another good brand. We tested four routers, one from each brand.

The Linksys by Cisco WRT610N at $179.99 is a powerful solution that requires some know-how and configuration to get going. The D-Link DIR-685 Storage Router at $229.99 is a great gadget-y choice because of its multimedia features. The Belkin N+ Router at $119.99 is a value-minded solution that packs features despite its low price. Finally, Netgear’s WNDR3700 for $159.99 is a well-rounded solution that works just as well for people who want to plug it in and go, and for those who want to delve into more complicated networking setups. Wireless range is great for all four devices: Place the router in the middle of the house, and everyone will be online.

The D-Link product is fun, but its price will turn some off. It has a built-in digital photo frame and internal storage for sharing files throughout your network, but the 3.2-inch screen is hardly ideal for showing off all your family pictures.

The Linksys by Cisco WRT610N is great for advanced users. You should know a thing or two about networks before you buy this, as you’re going to have to do more than just plug it in. The device is compatible with current and emerging standards of Wi-Fi technology, but all those options mean you have to configure the router to talk to your computers, and vice versa. Read the manual.

We liked the Belkin N+ because it’s simple. You can plug it in and go pretty quickly, but it’s not without its bonuses. There is a USB port where you can plug in an external hard drive for instant network attached storage. This makes sharing files, music, and videos very easy. You will have to go out and buy a hard drive though.

We liked the Netgear product the most because it combines the best of both worlds. The WNDR3700 has extremely fast wired networking and the latest wireless specifications. It has a fast processor (routers are basically tiny computers) and a dedicated wireless band designed for streaming video. Security is also something to consider. With this product, you can create two virtual networks: one for you and your family, and one for friends or guests. This is really handy.

Our Choice

NETGEAR WNDR3700$159.99
Pros: The WNDR3700 balances advanced features like the latest Wi-Fi standards and powerful security options with relative plug-and-play ease for the less technically minded.
Cons: Price may worry some. Quality is an investment.
The final word: It’s the best on the list. Plug it in, configure it, and it will always be there for you.

LINKSYS BY CISCO WRT610N

$179.99
Pros: The WRT610N is great for advanced users who want to customize their system.
Cons: The price is a concern, and novice users might get confused.
The final word: If this is your first time buying a router, pass.

D-LINK DIR-685 STORAGE ROUTER

$229.99
Pros: The D-Link has onboard storage and doubles as a digital photo frame.
Cons: Price. You’re paying for that digital photo frame.
The final word: It’s a great gadget, if you like gadgets.

BELKIN N+ ROUTER

$119.99
Pros: The Belkin is easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and powerful, with the ability to add a storage device.
Cons: None.
The final word: This is a fine choice for the 21st century multimedia family.