Although Linux-based Tomato and DD-WRT firmwares work with a plethora of routers, Netgear is getting savvy with its marketing by actually aiming its WGR614L at tweakers who just melt upon hearing either term. The so-called open source Wireless-G router features a 240MHz MIPS32 CPU, 4MB of flash memory, 16MB of RAM, an external 2 dBi antenna and a second internal diversity antenna to enhance range. Additionally, the unit will "soon" support OpenWRT, and there's also four 10/100 Ethernet ports in case you're looking for a bit of wired action as well. Potentially best of all, the WGR614L is available as we speak for a very manageable $69.

We hate to be bearers of bad news, but it looks like those of you squeaking by on a WEP-protected or unprotected wireless router have yet another reason to undertake the difficult task of selecting "WPA" on that router admin screen. A team of researchers at Indiana University have published a paper on how easily malware could spread through a densely populated area, with unprotected routers providing zero resistance, and WEP moderately more, while WPA proved generally unhackable. The spread of the malware was alarmingly similar to a biological virus, and while no such router "WiFi flu" has yet been developed by nefarious types, it's probably only a matter of time before something of its ilk takes a city by storm. In test attacks, after the initial infection phase, 10-55 percent of the routers were infected. We can do better, people. Oh, and to the guy upstairs: thanks for all the WiFi these years, those torrents will probably never be traced back to you, so don't worry.

Belkin is finally adding some action to the wireless router game with its newest entry, the N1 Vision. Instead of the uninformative and confusing blinking lights which adorn most routers, the N1 has a full monochrome LCD display which tracks your upstream / downstream speeds, logs your bandwidth, displays date, time and network access key info, and also shows you what devices are connected and how much bandwidth each one is eating up. Clearly an ideal solution for those of you requiring cold, hard facts with which to confront roommates about their rampant "film" downloading. In addition to all the displayed data, the N1 sports 802.11n, gigabit ports, a link rate of 300Mbps, a range of up 1,600 ft., and a hefty $199.99 price tag. Check some more pics after the break.

We've covered this a couple times already on Ask Engadget, but it's always worth another go. Oh, and as usual, keep sending your queries to ask at engadget dawt com for answerin' by your peers. We were checking out media streamers a few week ago, and taking things a bit more basic with Brad who's looking for a new router:

"I have a Core Duo MacBook, and my mom has an iBook G4. We have a Belkin Pre-N Wireless router. The problem is that my internet is slow, which can't be fixed by my router, obviously, but also, there are points when my router just stops working, and I've tried getting it replaced, so I'm convinced it's the router. Any suggestions on alternatives that might play nicer with my Mac, in case that's my problem?"

Everybody gets a lemon now and then, which sounds like it could be Brad's problem, any recommendations?

Just weeks after teasing us with succulent 802.11n gear, NEC is hitting back with an interesting WiFi / power line adapter combo dubbed the AtermCA2100P set. The AtermCR2500P WLAN router sports four Ethernet ports, the usual host of IP and security features, and purportedly works in conjunction with the AtermCA2100P HD-PLC wall adapter (shown after the jump) to provide a wireless extension anywhere you can find a nearby AC outlet. Additionally, NEC claims that throughput of 190Mbps is doable, but judging by the ho hum reaction to the power line alternatives that have come before it, we wouldn't be so sure. Still, the two devices can be purchased together for a price of ¥25,000 ($206), or you can pick up the router (¥20,000; $165) and HD-PLC adapter (¥13,000; $107) separately if you so desire.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

We're fairly sure Amigo Technology's R622AG WiFi router meant no harm when it came out of the laboratory looking exactly like Microsoft's latest console, but we'll be surprised if no legal teams are contacted over this one. The four-port router supports 802.11a/b/g, includes a pair of USB 2.0 connectors for sharing external data or printers over the network (shown after the jump), and should look like a long lost twin situated beside your Xbox 360. No word yet on price nor availability, but this thing definitely outdoes the other 360 copycat we saw just days ago in terms of closest resemblance.

The security-minded folks at ZoneAlarm are branching out from their cozy nook in the software space into the wild world of hardware, with parent company Check Point announcing its first ZoneAlarm-branded wireless router. While it sure ain't pretty, the Z100G should keep you relatively safe behind its variety of security measures, including firewall, antivirus, and intrusion prevention, in addition to remote access VPN and secure remote desktop features. The router itself is a Super G number, promising speeds up to 108 Mpbs while still, of course, remaining compatible with regular 802.11b and 802.11g-based options, with a promised range of 984 feet indoors (right). Not surprisingly, you'll have to pay a bit of a premium over your run-of-the-mill router to get this one to watch your back, with the Z100G coming in at the $199 price point, although Check Point's knocked that down to $149 'till the end of December. Or you could, you know, buy a dd-wrt or OpenWRT compatible router and save yourself a bundle. Something tells us you're gonna be every bit as safe.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]