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Portal router aims to deliver us from congested WiFi
What happens when former Qualcomm engineers decide to build a router of their own? You get something like Portal, an innocuous looking device that aims to speed up WiFI networks using technology never before seen in consumer routers. It supports 802.11AC WiFi, but it works on all six channels of the 5GHz spectrum, whereas today's routers only work on two channels. That's a big deal -- it means Portal is well-suited to delivering fast WiFi in places like dense apartment buildings.
Google OnHub review: Routers don't have to be so complicated
If you're like me, a cold feeling of dread grips your heart every time your internet goes out. "Is Comcast down," I ask myself, "or is my horrible router misbehaving yet again?" This usually follows 10 minutes of unplugging and then plugging things back in, waiting and hoping for your internet connection to be restored, because there's no easy way to troubleshoot otherwise. And that's not to mention that setting up a router or completing a simple task like renaming your network or changing its password is usually far more of a chore than it should be. There has to be a better way. Google believes that its new OnHub wireless router is a step forward. Made in partnership with TP-Link, it's a powerful, intelligent and, yes, beautiful home networking device with a high price to match. Google is betting that the combination of ease of use and attractive design is the path wireless routers need to follow -- but those features come at the expense of others you'd typically expect from a $200 router. The question: Has Google made the right trade-offs to justify the OnHub's price?
HTC One M9, law-abiding cars and other stories you might've missed!
Saturday is finally here and it's a great time to catch up this week's top stories. We review the HTC One M9, learn about Ford's new car that will force you to obey the speed limit and get all the details on the best cheap WiFi router that you can buy. Find out about these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup.
Daily Roundup: The best cheap WiFi router, Tim Cook donations and more!
In today's Daily Roundup you can learn about the best cheap WiFi router from our friends at The Wirecutter, read about Tim Cook planning to donate his fortune to charity and how new memory technology may allow SSDs with up to 10TB of storage. Catch up on today's top stories past the break.
Which routers are worth buying?
Routers are one of those devices you probably don't think about very much. As long as it gets you online and gives you the content you need, there's no reason to. But with bandwidth demands increasing and new wireless standards emerging, the limits of your router start to become a little more apparent and a lot more frustrating. If it's time for a new one, there's a lot to consider beyond how fast it is -- though that's pretty important, too. Which routers can handle the traffic you throw at them, and which will support all your devices for years to come? While we don't review routers here at Engadget, we've taken a look at some sources we trust to find a few devices that might fit your needs.
Report: Google targeting businesses with subsidized WiFi routers
Google is readying a plan to provide heavily subsidized, commercial grade WiFi routers and equipment to businesses, according to The Information. The idea is to give companies like doctor's offices and restaurants easy internet access while letting Google mine the data for targeted ads. Insiders say that would also allow such businesses to set up a website and even learn about customers buying habits. That lines up nicely with other rumors about Mountain View's WiFi plans in Google Fiber cities and public spaces like Starbucks. There's even talk of an app to let you manage your myriad WiFi connections -- so we wouldn't be surprised to see Google's master plan soon.
Linksys brings back its hackable WRT router, adds dual-band 802.11ac WiFi
Remember Linksys' WRT family of routers? Based on the number of user reviews for the WRT54G alone, we think some of you do. For the uninitiated, however, the WRT line became something a cult favorite thanks to its open-source firmware, which allowed hackers to build custom software builds, and even introduce new features from time to time. Though the line was largely discontinued in 2004, Linksys continued to make a single model, which still sells to this day, despite the fact that it uses wireless-G. Fortunately for all you holdouts, the company is bringing back the WRT line in the form of the WRT 1900AC, which steps into the modern age with dual-band 802.11ac WiFi. As you can see in the above photo, it has largely the same design as all the retro models, with a black and blue color scheme and four big-ass antennas. This time, though, Linksys added a dual-core 1.2GHz ARM processor (an upgrade from the usual 800MHz), an eSATA port for file sharing and remote control via a mobile app. It also has a modular design: The antennas are removable, and the router itself is stackable, with indents in each corner. Speaking of which, Linksys will also sell an eight-port switch, extender/bridge and network-attached storage, all of which have the same stackable design. Everything will ship this spring, by which point Linksys says the first custom firmware build should be ready. Until then, you'll want to start saving your pennies: The WRT 1900AC has a list price of $300. Ouch!
Belkin to acquire Cisco's home division, scoop up Linksys in the process
Belkin has just struck a deal to acquire Cisco's Home Networking Business Unit, which will bring Linksys' name, products, technology and employees under its new owner's umbrella. Mothballing isn't in the cards for Linksys, however, as Belkin plans to keep the brand alive and even offer support for its existing products. The two networking titans haven't said a peep regarding a sticker price, but they expect the pact to be finalized in March. Once the transaction is rubber stamped, Belkin figures it'll compose roughly 30 percent of the home and small business networking retail market in the US. Hit the jump for the press release.
Bloomberg: Cisco Systems preparing to sell Linksys, hires Barclays to handle sale
Cisco's hardware offerings are about to narrow slightly, according to Bloomberg -- the company has asked Barclays to help it get rid of its Linksys unit. The move is part of Cisco's ongoing effort to minimize its consumer businesses, the same strategy that dissolved its Flip Video division last year. The usual "people with knowledge of the situation" suggested that the company may be courting TV manufacturers, noting that the brand is likely to sell for significantly less than the $500 million Cisco paid in 2003. Both Cisco and Barclays declined to comment on the sale. We understand -- after the Connect Cloud debacle, we wouldn't want to talk either. [Thanks, Tom]
D-Link expands Cloud lineup with two new routers and NAS drive
D-Link is expanding its Cloud lineup today, announcing two new routers and a two-bay NAS device. The Cloud Gigabit Router N300 is capable of up to 300 Mbps, while the Cloud Gigabit Router N600 hits 600 Mbps. Both products include a USB port for sharing content over a network, along with DLNA support and Gigabit Ethernet ports. The routers will also feature the company's mydlink Cloud Services functionality, which lets users keep tabs on their networks via an app for Android and iOS. D-Link also introduced the new ShareCenter 2-bay Cloud NAS, which supports up to 3TB hard drives and handles RAID 1, RAID 0, Standard and JBOD configurations. Like the two routers, the 2-bay Cloud NAS offers DLNA support and works with the mydlink mobile app for monitoring your network remotely. According to SlashGear, the N300 will go for £64.99 (about $100), while the N600 will cost you £84.99 (about $131). The NAS should set you back about £89.99 ($139), and all three devices will be available for pre-order on July 16th.
D-Link unveils Cloud Router 1200 and 2000, dishes out WiFi in tube form
We'll admit: one of the biggest appeals for us in D-Link's new Cloud Router 1200 and 2000 is that tube shape, which is a nice break from the amorphous blobs we're used to as our WiFi routers. Not to say that there aren't convincing technical reasons to like them. Both will let you remotely administrate the 802.11n router's devices from an Android or iOS app, and they both carry four gigabit Ethernet jacks as well as a USB port for some network media storage. The differences lay exclusively in the wireless support, where the single-band 1200 caters to the frugal set at 300Mbps and the simultaneous dual-band 2000 hums along at 600Mbps. Thankfully, the prices of the just-shipping access points are both about right for what you get: the Cloud Router 1200 is a cheap and cheerful $60, and the 2000 won't strain the wallet much more at $100. You can catch the full details of our new cylindrical overlords friends after the break.
D-Link SharePort DIR-505 is a router / repeater that fits in your pocket, ships today for $70
An April ship target may have come and gone, but that's not stopping D-Link -- the company's SharePort DIR-505 Mobile Companion is finally ready to join your side, beginning today. The $100 $70 pocketable WiFi-enabled hub can serve a variety of wireless functions, making it an ideal choice for road warrior types hopping from hotel to hotel while longing for just a hint of consistency. In router mode, the SharePort pumps out an 802.11g/n WiFi signal, converting a lone Ethernet hook-up to a shareable connection. There's also a nifty repeater mode, for those rare check-ins met with a spacious suite upgrade, where a single access point won't get the job done. Or, if you're covered on the connectivity front, you can use the DIR-505 to link your USB hard drive with the web -- or, if all else fails, it'll at least charge your smartphone. Ready to hand over a Benjamin in exchange for a slab of all-in-one wireless goodness? Jump past the break and hit up our source link to make your purchase. Update: The press release references a $69.99 price tag, though the DIR-505 carries a list price of $99.99, which is what you'll pay if you order it directly from D-Link. The device is available through third parties (including Amazon and TigerDirect) for $70, however. Update 2: D-Link representatives have confirmed a list price of $69.99. The headline and text above have been corrected to reflect this adjustment.
Western Digital enters the router market, higher-end models include built-in hard drives
Western Digital is no stranger to media streaming, but until now its specialty has been moving content off a set-top box and onto your television. Now, though, the company is getting into the wireless game as well: it just announced its first networking products, including four dual-band routers and an Ethernet switch. Across the board, the routers use WD's so-called FasTrack technology to prioritize bandwidth-hogging activities like movie streaming, video chats and online gaming. And, like any modern-day router worth its salt, they include options for parental controls, as well as setting up a guest network. At the high end, the N900 Central (pictured) doubles as network-attached storage, suggesting WD was eager to put its hard drive know-how to good use. That'll be available in 1TB and 2TB flavors, and you can use a WD 2 Go website to access the drive remotely. (There are also iOS and Android apps, with a Windows Phone version coming soon.) Rounding out the list, it has four Ethernet ports and one USB connection. Similarly, the N900 router is rated for top speeds of 900 Mbps, except it lacks the built-in storage. In its place, it has seven Gigabit sockets, along with two USB ports. Moving on down the line, the N750 and N600 each have four Ethernet ports and two USB openings, with the N750 maxing out at 750 Mbps and the N600 -- well, you get the idea. Lastly, that switch has eight Gigabit ports if increasing your wired connections is what you're really after. With the exception of the storage-enhanced N900 Central, these are all available today, with prices ranging form $70 for the switch, $80 for the N600, $120 for the N750 and $180 for the N900. The N900 Central won't be available until next quarter, and will cost either $300 or $350 depending on whether you go for the 1TB or 2TB model.
Ask Engadget: best sub-$200 super-powerful router?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Richard, who needs a router capable of handling all of his not-inconsiderable household traffic. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm looking into buying a router than can handle Netflix streaming to my Blu-Ray player, a wireless printer, two smartphones, a tablet, an always-on desktop, external HDD and an Airave signal booster. My Linksys WRT45G can't handle two data-heavy connections at the same time, so I have to restart it when it drops. I'll need something hefty, but under $200 would be ideal, if it's got a USB 3.0 connection for my HDD, even better. Distance isn't as important as stability and capacity, since I've got a single-level 3 bedroom house. Thank you!" Several of our staffers are fans of Netgear's N900, a dual-band unit that can certainly handle everything you'd care to throw at it, although it does only have USB 2.0 ports. There's always Amped's R20000G, but whilst we know its signal strength is good, we don't know how well it could handle a hefty load. But that's just our first thoughts, plenty of you out there will know the answer, so celebrate the long weekend and share your knowledge in the comments below.
Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20
Verizon has just finished trotting out the last of its known 2012 Jetpack hotspots through the arrival of the ZTE-made model we saw back at CES in January. Now carrying a bit more Verizon red on the surface and a bit less Chinese in the name, the Jetpack 890L can share its 4G LTE sugar with as many as 10 WiFi devices at once. There's no removable battery like its Novatel-made Jetpack cousin, but you do get Global Ready (read: HSPA) roaming abroad. We're most liking the price. At $20 on a contract after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 890L will be the most frugal way to board the LTE hotspot train once it reaches stores on May 24th.
Buffalo beats others to the 802.11ac WiFi punch, ships 1.3Gbps router and bridge
As intrigued as we were by the Netgear R6300's high-bandwidth chops, it won't be the one to claim the early 802.11ac WiFi crown with a shipping product. That distinction is instead going to a Buffalo AirStation router and a matching bridge, both of which should be on shelves now. Either can hit the eye-watering 1.3Gbps peak speed of the standard if you get cozy on the 5GHz band -- and if you have a computer or mobile device that recognizes the spec, for that matter. The duo still has a more leisurely paced 2.4GHz, 450Mbps WiFi option as well as a quartet of Ethernet jacks if you prefer your gigabit speeds the old-fashioned way. Both the router and the bridge will set you back $180 each, so there's not much of a penalty versus high-end alternatives to satisfy your need for network speed.
Netgear's R6300 router is first to use Broadcom 802.11ac chipset, will ship next month for $200
That 802.11n router not keeping up with the gigabit pipe to your homestead? Netgear's latest may just give you a much-anticipated boost. The R6300 Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Router is the first to utilize Broadcom's 5G WiFi IEEE 802.11ac chips, making it roughly three times faster than aging 802.11n. This means the R6300 could be an excellent fit for folks lucky enough to take part in Google's Kansas City fiber experiment, assuming of course that they that also adopt yet-to-be-announced 802.11ac-compatible gadgets. For its part, the Netgear base ships with the usual suite of features, including Netgear Genie for configuring the network from a computer or smartphone, MyMedia with DLNA support, AirPrint (there's two USB ports built-in) and pre-configured wireless security, keeping your hotspot off the neighbors' radar right out of the box. The Netgear R6300 will ship next month, letting you future-proof your home for a mere $199.99.
Amped Wireless High Power R10000G Router and Smart Repeater hands-on
Until now, Amped Wireless has been best known for its industrial networking gear, capable of maintaining a signal up to 1.5 miles away from the base station. Now, though, the outfit's also selling some equipment for folks with a more modest setup: the R10000G Home Router and SR10000 Smart Repeater, which promise to coat 10,000 square feet of your abode / office in robust, high-quality WiFi. Of course, we just had to test these claims out for ourselves, and see if these units really were formidable enough to leave our own router crying in the corner. We devised three simple experiments to see how they hold up in the real world -- head on past the break to find out how they fared.
Researcher will enable hackers to take over millions of home routers
Cisco and company, you've got approximately seven days before a security researcher rains down exploits on your web-based home router parade. Seismic's Craig Heffner claims he's got a tool that can hack "millions" of gateways using a new spin on the age-old DNS rebinding vulnerability, and plans to release it into the wild at the Black Hat 2010 conference next week. He's already tested his hack on thirty different models, of which more than half were vulnerable, including two versions of the ubiquitous Linksys WRT54G (pictured above) and devices running certain DD-WRT and OpenWRT Linux-based firmware. To combat the hack, the usual precautions apply -- for the love of Mitnick, change your default password! -- but Heffner believes the only real fix will come by prodding manufacturers into action. See a list of easily compromised routers at the more coverage link.
Belkin Surf, Share, Play and Play Max app-equipped routers may finally make wireless configuration tear-free
Belkin may have once been about flashy, blue LED-glowing routers with alpha-numeric model numbers, but its new Surf, Share, Play and Play Max are certainly horses of a different color. We caught a glimpse of the new range this morning, and while routers are usually a bit of a snooze fest, this group of boxes show potential of being the easiest routers in the world to configure. While they are surely vanilla-looking, they come with the SSID and encryption pre-configured. Just plug in and you are good to go, though if you want to change your network name to something "creative" you can do that with the included software. Beyond the simplistic setup, all of the 802.11n routers -- save for the entry level $49.99 Surf -- come with "apps." For instance, the $79.99 2.4GHz Share comes with a USB port that supports external USB hard drives or printers and Belkin's own backup and printing software. By far the snazziest of Belkin's "progs," as we now like to call them, is the Vuze Torrent Genie, which gets baked into the $129.99 Dual-Band, Gigabit Play Max. The software shifts the download of your totally legal torrents to the router when your computer isn't powered on or has been disconnected from the network, ensuring that your transfer keep on humming with or without PC intervention. We know, the fact that we're remotely excited by a group of new WLAN routers seems like an early April Fools joke, but this time around we actually encourage you to read the PR below for more details on these boxes. %Gallery-88917% %Gallery-88918%
