WirelessRouter
Latest
Netgear's WNDR 3800 with ReadySHARE, the roll-your-own cloud service
Netgear's stable of dark gray rectangles of joy has swelled to include the premium edition WNDR 3800, which comes with two features uncommon to most home routers. First is the Clear Channel Selector, which analyzes the wireless traffic and switches to the quietest channel to prevent dropouts. Second is ReadySHARE Cloud -- using the router's USB port, you can attach an external HDD and access the data anywhere there's an internet connection. The only downside is the iOS / Android app for the service costs an extra $2.99, which seems unnecessary considering you're already paying $180 for the device itself. There's a press release in it for you, so why not take a wander down after the break?
Comcast launches Xfinity 3G / 4G MiFi for $25
Comcast teamed up with Clearwire to bring WiMAX to the masses a couple of years ago, and now the company is jumping on the bandwidth-sharing bandwagon by offering a mobile hotspot. It's the same Novatel 3G/4G MiFi from Sprint that's been putting internet access in our pockets for a month, only this one sports an Xfinity badge and cheaper price tag. While the Now Network version costs $80, Comcast's Internet 2go customers get the device for $25 on a one-year contract. Plus service is only $40 a month for the same Clearwire coverage that costs $50 from Sprint. Sounds like a winning WiMAX combination to us.
LCD-equipped Cisco REN301 Residential Gateway stops by FCC, reveals all its dirty secrets
Ah, the all too familiar WiFi troubleshooting dance: the network goes down, you dig through the closet for an Ethernet cable, saunter over to the router, jack yourself in, type in the IP address, and start poking around at your settings. Cisco's REN301 Residential Gateway (a fancy way of saying "router"), which just passed through the FCC, could make things at least a little bit easier thanks to its built-in LCD screen and capacitive touch controls. Wave your hand over the display to bring it to life and you can check the status of your connections, modify some basic settings, and peruse a log of calls that have come in over the SIP VoIP phone jacks. The REN301, which has a single band 802.11b/g/n radio, can also turn USB drives and SD cards into NAS storage -- the company even throws in a 32GB card to get you started. We don't have a price or release date, but since it's been splayed open for federal regulators we probably won't have to wait long. There's a couple of pics of the router's UI after the break.
AT&T's MiFi 2372 gets DLNA update, streams media even without 3G connectivity
Novatel 2372 MiFi owners could always stream tunes from the web, but now they can do it from microSD -- after downloading Maintenance Release 1.0, that is, which finally brings DLNA server functionality. DLNA support means your mobile hotspot can share music, video and other content to devices over the network from an inserted flash card, even when the router can't serve up 3G -- especially useful on AT&T devices, which, you know, tend to suffer from occasional network congestion and data caps. The update also includes a new Customer Care Widget and a more intuitive MiFi OS web interface, so even average consumers might be able to configure one of these without consulting tech support. Sounds like a win for everybody.
Novatel's 2372 MiFi gets DLNA certified, can serve up some beats with those bytes
The humble MiFi from Novatel has, in various guises for myriad carriers, saved our bacon on repeated occasions at press events, feeding up sweet connectivity when 3G USB modems were few or ineffective. Now it can make that bacon sizzle, too, receiving DLNA certification and becoming a little media streamer. Content loaded to the MiFi's microSD card will now be served up to any compatible media player, receiver, or computer, which includes watching movies on iPads and Xboxes and PS3's. Oh, my! It remains to be seen whether existing 2372s will be upgradeable to support DLNA or whether it'll be new devices only, but the company has said that AT&T will be the first carrier to offer the service. So, there's something to look forward to, T-Mobile subscribers.
Cisco unveils Linksys E4200 dual-band router capable of speeds up to 450Mbps
Cisco has continued its push to make home entertainment wire-free with its latest E-Series wireless router, the Linksys E4200. Cisco's new dual-band 802.11n rig enters a high-end market segment currently occupied by the TRENDnet TEW-692GR. Both routers utilize a 3x3 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration for a max throughput of 450Mbps on the 5GHz band, and while the E4200 only reaches speeds of 300Mbps at 2.4 GHz (as compared to the TEW-692GRs 450Mbps) it should still be quite the video streaming powerhouse. As we've seen in previous Cisco offerings, the company's latest has USB connectivity and UPnP media server capabilities to add network storage and share all of your movies and music. Additionally, the E4200 packs technology similar to that seen in other routers, which allows users to prioritize bandwidth for movies, voice, or music. To keep everyone connected, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, six antennas, and several internal and external signal amplifiers to provide coverage for even the most palatial of estates. For those itching to pair a performance router with their new internet capable TV, the E4200 is priced at $179.99 and is currently available at Best Buy.
TRENDnet TEW-692GR 450Mbps concurrent dual band router, yet another first
We told you to keep an eye out for TRENDnet at CES this year, and guess what? They delivered. The kings of first-to-market WiFi devices will demo another first this week: the first 450Mbps concurrent dual band wireless router, or TEW-692GR. TRENDnet will be the first to tell you that their new router is the first to offer full 450Mbps on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, simultaneously. As with the company's TEW-690AP, the TEW-692GR delivers a max theoretical throughput of 450Mbps, with three spatial streams per antenna, and can hit a whole gigabit via wired ethernet port. The TEW-692GR goes to market in April and will retail for about $250. If you want to be the first on your block to see the power router in action, check out the TRENDnet booth at CES.
Samsung's dual-band CY-SWR1100 wireless router prioritizes for media streaming
Worried about your son's World of Warcraft habit? More worried about your son's World of Warcraft habit interfering with your ability to stream last week's episode of Glee? We feel you, and so does Samsung. Amidst loads of new televisions and sound systems announced here at CES, the aforementioned company has just let loose a rather novel new wireless router. The currently unpriced CY-SWR1100 is a dual-N band device, supporting 802.11a/b/g/n and doing one thing in particular that your current router probably doesn't: it prioritizes data flow and sends the strongest signal to the television when streaming is ongoing. There's even an on-screen router configuration panel that does away with the need for a PC to initially configure it, but it's only compatible (for now) with the LED D5000 series and up, LED D550 series and up, and Plasma D550 series and up. Now, if only you could convince Comcast to do away with that pesky bandwidth cap...
TRENDnet TEW-690AP wireless access point has a theoretical 450Mbps top speed, a real $200 price
It's a sad fact of our digital lives that no matter how stylish we make our daily-used devices, we'll still need some antenna-riddled ogre in the corner of the room to blast out the WiFi goodness. Enter TRENDnet's latest contender, the TEW-690AP (even its name betrays an absolute lack of charisma), which has three spatial streams per antenna to deliver a max theoretical throughput of 450Mbps. It goes up to a full gigabit should you find any reason to connect via its wired Ethernet port, while a few extra bells and whistles -- like a repeater mode, WiFi Protected Setup with compatible devices, and up to four unique, encrypted SSIDs per wireless band -- complete the $200 value proposition. Whether you say yay or nay, look out for more from these guys at CES, they're promising to announce some more "first to market" wireless innovations.
Nexaria BC2 router supports iPhone tethering for some reason (video)
Tethering a smartphone to get data on the go is a great way to stay online without lugging around a separate device. However, lugging around a separate device exclusively for the purpose of tethering your phone seems a bit less great, especially when that device must be plugged into a wall. Such is the Nexaria BC2, an 802.11b/g/n router that can be connected to compatible iPhones (namely the 3G, 3GS, and 4). Pop one in and, assuming you're paying AT&T the requisite extra $20 a month, it'll start beaming sweet, sweet internets out to all of your devices. Performance naturally depends on the strength of your signal, but getting a couple megabits down and one megabit up are entirely believable and respectable, though ping rates in the hundreds of milliseconds ensure you won't be racking up the headshots when connected thusly. It's yours for $189 right now if you're feeling the need.
Final Fantasy XIV wireless router sure to make the next 14,000 hours of your life zip by
Our first impulse when we spotted this abstractly formed Final Fantasy XIV-branded 802.11n router on the TGS show floor was that Planex Communications was some sort of rogue IP-infringing KIRFufacturer. It turns out that's not the case. Planex Communications is a totally upstanding manufacturer of all things networking and Japanese-video-games-branded, and the fact that this ¥9,980 (about $116 US) router was located a few feet from Square Enix's own booth should quell any other misgivings. Now, as for misgivings about dedicating the majority of your life over the next couple years to another treadmill of XP, loot, and Moogles, those are in your hands. %Gallery-102486%
Netgear's HBR1210 HSPA+ / 802.11n mobile router pings the FCC
What's this? The best of both worlds, wrapped neatly into one elegant mobile router? Sure looks that way, as Netgear's HBR1210 looks to have support for HSPA+ mobile networks as well as traditional 802.11n WiFi for the home. Based on the FCC filing (which seems down at the moment), there's a foursome of gigabit Ethernet jacks, a SIM card slot, an external antenna port and a chassis that looks to be around 9.8- x 7.9-inches. In other words, we wouldn't expect a Rover here, but we suppose "mobile" can mean lots of things to lots of people. We'll keep you posted once an official release date and price falls into our lap.
Vizio rolls out dual-band 'HD' router, trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players
WiFi-equipped TVs may have been Vizio's big focus at CES earlier this year, but it's now expanding things to some other devices as well -- it's just announced a trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players, and a dual-band 'HD" router to go along with them. That router, the XWR100, apparently earns the 'HD' designation by prioritizing HD media streamed to Vizio's VIA-enabled devices, like the company's three just-announced Blu-ray players. Those include the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231, the latter of which is the first dual-band wireless Blu-ray player, and all of which include Vizio Internet Apps (or VIA) to stream content from Vudu, Netflix and other services. Look for the router (pictured after the break) to set you back $99.99 when it rolls out sometime in the third quarter, while the three Blu-ray players will be available this month and next for $189.99 and $199.99. Head on past the break for the full press release.
Novatel shows off next-gen GPS-enabled MiFi, integrated 'apps' (video)
If you haven't freaked out and given up on MiFi after they were shown to be, well, a little bit vulnerable, good for you, because there's good things in store. Novatel is working on a new revision of its routers with integrated GPS, USB charging, and what's pledged to be better battery life. Perhaps most interesting among the revisions is firmware able to run Linux "apps" that display content within the MiFi's admin webpage. Current apps are things like data usage and weather but the possibilities are endless -- or slightly broader than weather and usage, at least. It's unclear which (if any) of the current MiFi models will be also be blessed with this firmware update and its resplendent selection of homebrew widgets, but we do know that the new MiFi model will be hitting carriers sometime toward the middle of 2010 and will be selling unlocked around the end of the year.
D-Link announces Touch and Pocket 802.11n routers, Rush wireless accelerator
D-Link just dropped a bunch of new 802.11n gear here at CES -- a couple of new routers and the intriguing Rush accelerator pictured above, which is basically a powerful 4x4 access point. It's switchable between 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and it can do up to 600Mbs over 802.11n. As for the routers, there's the new D-Link Touch, which sports a three-inch touchscreen for configuration and simultaneous dual-band 2.4 and 5GHz support for up to 450MBps transfers, and the Pocket, which is designed as a quick'n'dirty travel router. Sadly we don't have prices for any of this stuff, but we'll find out more closer to the middle of the year when it all goes on sale. Pics in the gallery, PR after the break. %Gallery-81596% %Gallery-81599%
Qisda-sourced 'multimedia router' hits the FCC
Ever wish your wireless router was more than just a router? So have the folks at Qisda, apparently, who have come up with this wild concoction of a device that certainly does many things and may or may not actually do any of them well. Sort of like a less huggable, less rollable mash-up of a Chumby and a Rolly, this touchscreen-equipped, speaker-packing "router" will let you view YouTube vidoes, tune into internet radio stations (or FM radio, for that matter), access media stored on its internal memory (but not your local network, it seems), and even double as a clock radio, to name a few features. Oh, and as a router it'll do 802.11n, but packs just one spare Ethernet port. Of course, all of this news comes to us courtesy of the FCC, which means there's no details on things like price or availability, but there are plenty of less than flattering pics, dissection photos, and test reports. Hit up the link below to dive in.
ZyXEL to debut 'world's first' LTE router at CES 2010
If we're able to avert this looming "spectrum apocalypse" we've heard so much about, it looks like 2010 will be the year that many of you get to partake in LTE. What better way to indulge your lust for airborne data than ZyXEL's newest, the ZLR-2070S LTE CPE/SOHO router? Apparently "the world's first," this guy features two VoIP ports, a four port 802.11n wireless switch, a USB port for storage or printer sharing, and data rates up to 50Mbps. Not bad, eh? We expect to hear more about this one in short order -- it will make its society debut at next year's CES. In the meantime, peep the PR for more info -- it's after the break.
ZyXEL's MWR222 Mobile Wireless Router will stop at nothing to get you connected
Finding connections on the road can be tough, but like a digital Sherpa ZyXEL's MWR222 will drag you straight to that bounteous broadband then sit by quietly while you take all the credit. It can act as a wired router, connecting to your DSL or cable line and beaming out 802.11g/b/n wireless, but also offers integrated 3G/4G support, meaning just about wherever and whenever you turn this on you should find a connection. It'll even keep track of your monthly wireless plan quota and help you avoid expensive charges. An integrated battery means completely wireless operation and a rugged design means it won't complain if you throw it in the bottom of your laptop bag when it ships sometime in Q1 of next year. That said, at $299 you probably won't want to be too rough with it.
Novatel MiFi 2200 gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it
If you're using one of the various MiFi incarnations, you may have been slightly annoyed at the thing shutting itself down after a few minutes of inactivity. It's a lovely feature to save juice when running disconnected -- a little less desirable when running on AC. There's a new firmware in town and it does away with such bad behavior whilst also adding better compatibility with the Nintendo DS and BlackBerry Curve. It's not an automatic update, though, so you'll need to dig through some menus to make the magic happen, but we're sure you can figure it out. (If you get stuck, the read link has pictures.) [Via Zatz Not Funny]
TRENDnet 'world's smallest' Wireless N travel router now on sale
Looking to take 802.11n to places you never thought possible? You know -- like your studio apartment on the Upper East Side? TRENDnet's Wireless N Travel Router (which was announced way back at CES) is tailor made for cramped spaces, fitting within the palm of your hand and offering up a single WAN port, a carrying case and a USB socket. Unfortunately there's no internal battery to keep this puppy alive in the wild, but for $79.99 we can't kvetch too much.
