Buffalo launches trio of affordable Wireless-N devices able to get just about anything online

Is your wireless adapter pumping out signals using a letter designation lower than N? If so, think of all that delicious speed you're missing. Buffalo is here to give you a taste with three new Wireless-N devices, priced such that they'll fit into most budgets. First up is a fairly standard router, the WCR-GN, sporting 802.11n WiFi and four Ethernet ports in a cool white design for a mere $40. Then there's the WLAE-AG300N, a dual-port access point designed for making a pair of wired game consoles or the like wireless. That is a little more pricey, at $80, but the final product, the smallest of the bunch, brings us back down to $40. It's the WLI-UC-GNM, a USB 2.0 802.11n adapter that is barely bigger than the port it fits in, poking out just far enough for you to pull the thing back out again. All three are pictured in the gallery below, and all three should be shipping soon.

Buffalo Wireless-N Devices

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Buffalo Adds New Cost-Effective Wireless Solutions to Its Portfolio


New Wireless Solutions Make Sharing and Streaming a Snap
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking and network and direct attached storage solutions, today announced the newest additions to its wireless line-up, providing consumers cost-effective networking solutions that are easy-to-use and simple to install.
"Buffalo has always been committed to delivering high quality, high performance wireless solutions that consumers have come to rely on," said Ralph Spagnola, vice president of sales at Buffalo Technology. "With the latest additions to our wireless product portfolio, Buffalo is offering the best blend of robust value-model, entry-level and high performance wireless solutions on the market."
The Nfiniti™ Wireless-N Dual Band Ethernet Converter, Access Point and Bridge WLAE-AG300N is a versatile multifunction dual-band solution that can uniquely be configured to operate in three different modes. When configured as an Ethernet converter, the WLAE-AG300N simultaneously connects up to two wired devices to a wireless network; ideal for multimedia devices like gaming consoles, DVRs, video streaming hardware, etc. Additionally, WLAE-AG300N can be configured as an access point to create a wireless network or two units can be used to create a dedicated, high-performance 11n bridge or repeater, great for video streaming and extending the range of wireless networks. The WLAE-AG300N chassis has been streamlined for easy installation into just about any environment and dual-band 802.11n ensures high-performance data rates, whichever mode you configure the product in.
Buffalo's new compact N-Technology Wireless N150 Router and Access Point WCR-GN is a highly cost-effective router and access point that offers a sleek and convenient way to add high-speed wireless connectivity, up to 150 Mbps, throughout a house or home office simply and conveniently. With faster wireless data rates and more coverage than legacy 802.11 products, Buffalo's WCR-GN wireless solution provides sufficient bandwidth, range, and reliability for checking email and web surfing to streaming voice and music. Support for AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS™) and Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) allows users to set up a high-speed, secure wireless network within minutes. Enjoy the freedom of high-speed Internet sharing and media streaming - wirelessly!
The N-Technology Wireless-N Ultra-Compact USB 2.0 Adapter WLI-UC-GNM, a follow-up to Buffalo's highly popular WLI-UC-GN, provides the smallest possible footprint in a wireless client. The WLI-UC-GNM is a lightweight, compact USB adapter that complements consumers' active lifestyles and easily upgrades any notebook or netbook to 802.11n. Measuring in at a quarter of an inch, the WLI-UC-GNM helps prevent accidental disconnection or damage by virtue of its unique and compact design.
Pricing and Availability
Buffalo wireless solutions are all backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 technical support. The WLAE-AG300N, WCR-GN and WLI-UC-GNM will be available in August at estimated street prices of $74.99, $39.99 and $39.99 respectively.
About Buffalo Technology
Buffalo Technology (USA), Inc., based in Austin, Texas, is a leading provider of award-winning networking, storage, and multimedia solutions for the home and small business environments as well as for system builders and integrators. With almost three decades of networking and computer peripheral experience, Buffalo has proven its commitment to delivering innovative, best-of-breed solutions that have put the company at the forefront of infrastructure technology. For more information about Buffalo Technology and its products, please visit www.buffalotech.com.
Buffalo, Inc. trademark statements. Buffalo is a trademark of Buffalo, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Buffalo Technology

[Slick Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:00PM]

I am very curious if these are apart of their DD-WRT capable products.

[Slick Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:06PM]

@Slick

The WCR-GN that is

[rhomaion Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:33PM]

@Slick I think the bridge is however the router is just another low-grade wireless N router.

[Scrubs Posted Aug 10th 2010 6:50PM]

@rhomaion
I'd rather get a decent dual band netgear one fo the compatibility with the older devices. Well worth the extra 70 bucks in build quality an functionality

[nxp3 Posted Aug 10th 2010 9:17PM]

@Scrubs

I've had multiple netgear access points failed. Got so sick of it I got a d-link one. Has lasted me ever since. I'm glad I don't have to buy one or two every year.

[purefusion Posted Aug 11th 2010 1:10PM]

Can that tiny transceiver really get a decent signal? Methinks not.

[Mouniface Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:01PM]

Hi I'm a Mac, he's a pc. What cha doing today pc?

[TheSunman89 Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:18PM]

@Mouniface Idk know about pc but, I'm a mac too!! Hello cousin!!

[PlatinumSkeet Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:21PM]

@Mouniface

Dims lights... Time to "STEAM" things up a little bit...

BOW-CHICA-WOW-WOW

[rhimbu Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:01PM]

Can they get my dog to use facetime?

[mikeroselli Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:03PM]

This is great for people who do a lot of wireless computer-to-computer file transfers. For everyone else, what difference does N make? The N signal is in fact faster than any internet connection you might have, so it certainly won't make downloading pronz any faster.

For networking: yes.
For pronz: no.

[hunterlholder Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:11PM]

@mikeroselli Just think about the future man! The future!

[mikeroselli Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:11PM]

@hunterlholder haha

[jgriff Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:16PM]

@mikeroselli

My wireless N drops to around 15mbps in parts of my house. If I connect via G it drops even further. My internet is 30mbps down and 2.8mbps up. In the upstairs of my house I'm limited on internet speed by the wireless connection.

[Xcharles718 Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:18PM]

@mikeroselli
If your isp is giving you speeds over 54mbps, then yes...
Networking-yes
Pronz-yes

[kapanak Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:35PM]

@mikeroselli

I switched to N in 2008, and bought a new router just a few months ago. Since 2008, my microwave has stopped interfering with my signal, and I have barely dropped a connection between the computers in my house. It does make a difference...leave the ice-ages and move on to the future my friend.

[ckrames1234 Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:39PM]

@mikeroselli

Wireless for file transfers? Unheard of! My house is all wired for Gigabit ethernet, including the plethora of servers in my basement.

[daphreak Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:04PM]

@mikeroselli 802.11n utilizes multipath signals significantly increasing link quality in buildings and other environments where there are lots of reflections. Its definitely an improvement over 802.11b/g in terms of being able to use your computer in more places.

[DoctarPeppar Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:09PM]

Can I ask a Q?
Why are people making products that still use 100mbps ethernet (the WCR-GN)?
I got a gigabit switch (d-link I think?) for 40$ at best buy.
It's 10 times faster and the underlying chips are probably just as cheap...

[AiRSK Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:19PM]

I got one of those little wireless adapter, I don't think I have that model, but I lost it. :(

[shockr Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:23PM]

His veins are blue!

HIS VEINS ARE BLUE!

Sorry, I just haven't seen that before. :/

[kevlar Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:15PM]

@shockr Then I suggest you spend some more time around the HUMAN RACE.
Veins describe the blood vessels that take "used", oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The lack of oxygen causes the veins to appear blue, despite the fact the blood they carry is more of a maroon color.

The veins on my wrists are blue, now, too... and I imagine in your old age, your veins will be as well. I'm just amazed you've never noticed this before.

[rhomaion Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:16PM]

@shockr "Vein color is determined in large part by the color of venous blood, which is usually dark red as a result of its low oxygen content. Veins appear blue because the subcutaneous fat absorbs low-frequency light, permitting only the highly energetic blue wavelengths to penetrate through to the dark vein and reflect off." - Wikipedia

[shockr Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:26PM]

Thanks for the explanation, guys. We all learn something new everyday.

Regarding not noticing it previously, the veins usually blend with the skin colour on dark skin, so I've never expected to see differently coloured veins.

[rhomaion Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:29PM]

@shockr :)

[tekdemon Posted Aug 11th 2010 1:36AM]

@shockr Really!? I hope you're not from the U.S. or you seriously need to hang out with people of different ethnicities. Even on people with medium skin tones you can tell that veins are a different color. The other possibility is that you only hang out with really fat people who have veins that are harder to see.

[ModernTenshi04 Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:24PM]

Holy crap, with the wall adapter/extender you can give your PS3 and 360 .11n connections for less than Microsoft's own .11n dongle for the 360.

This is assuming, of course, that the Ethernet jacks on the adapter are gigabit jacks.

Still pretty sweet, though.

[linnkz Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:12PM]

@ModernTenshi04 this is even better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162029

[yodajedi Posted Aug 10th 2010 10:41PM]

@linnkz The one here also acts as an ACCESS POINT while the WLI-TX4-AG300N (which you mention) doesn't do.

[texaspi Posted Aug 10th 2010 4:33PM]

If you buy your electronics at best buy YOU BLEW IT....or blow it?! Lol

[linnkz Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:06PM]

Nice. But are any of them dualband? N without 5Ghz = Fail!

[rhomaion Posted Aug 10th 2010 6:07PM]

@linnkz The bridge is dual-band and works with Buffalo's high end line of dual-band routers/accessories.

[SirMaster Posted Aug 10th 2010 5:35PM]

Do they work with OSX?

[engadget fanboy Posted Aug 10th 2010 9:02PM]

@SirMaster Do what work with OS X? The only thing that would even need a driver is the USB Dongle and I see no reason why it wouldn't. It's been a long time since I have seen a piece of hardware that just doesn't work with OS X.

[yodajedi Posted Aug 10th 2010 10:44PM]

In this day & age, was hoping that these will have gigabit ports, not that it matters when it comes to browsing but atleast for HD streaming.... I know you dont need gigabit speeds for that too, but hey what the heck