Buffalo’s Nfiniti router has all the features you need to set up a wireless network, including a built-in ADSL router and four Ethernet ports so that you can also make wireless connections if you need to. Unfortunately, the router is let down by its poor Mac support.

The set-up software provided with the Nfiniti is for PCs only, and the ‘Quick Setup’ manual doesn’t mention Macs at all. It does tell you the IP address that should allow you to connect your Mac to the router’s set-up web page, but we couldn’t get this to work on our Mac. Eventually we had to ring Buffalo’s technical support hotline before we were able to get the Nfi niti running properly.

That’s obviously not ideal, so we can’t recommend the Nfi niti to Mac users who aren’t already knowledgeable about network technology.

The Nfiniti router is primarily aimed at PC users.

You can always rely on Belkin to get its support and ease of use right, and the company will not disappoint you with the N1 router.

When you open the box there’s a very clear Quick Start brochure that leads you through the basic process of plugging the router in and getting it working properly. Even the glowing symbols on the front of the router are bigger than normal and clearly labeled so that you can see exactly what information they’re trying to convey.

It was a little careless of Belkin to slap a label on their CD that merely said ‘Windows 2000 and XP’, with no mention of the Mac. However, the installer does run on the Mac, and it quickly guides you through the process of setting up your wireless network. Belkin’s Mac-friendly approach makes this the obvious choice for Mac users who want an alternative to Apple’s own Airport products.

Belkin’s N1 router is the easiest to set up and install, click to view the details:

D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Good wireless throughput and above-average broadcast range are just two reasons why the DIR-655 should be at the top of your networking wish list. You also get four high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports and an impressive Quality of Service (QoS) configuration tool to help you prioritize bandwidth usage for specific applications like streaming video. The DIR-655 is a touch pricier than other Draft N routers, but it’s worth it.

“User-friendly” isn’t a term we’d apply to most routers, but Belkin’s N1 merits it. It’s backed by stellar support, is simple to set up, and has front-panel status icons that are easy to understand. Like other Draft N devices, however, its performance fails to impress.

If you’re not holding out for 802.11n, but still want a router that has long range and fast throughput, check out the WPN824. This 802.11g device supports MIMO and gives you better performance than you’d get from an 802.11b router, at a reasonable price.

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Because your home office may share an Internet connection with other equipment in the house such as your kid’s bedroom PC or your spouse’s laptop a wireless router is an easy way to eliminate many messy cables. Also, if you’re using a notebook with built-in wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi is great for you, too.

While considerable buzz surrounds next-generation Draft N (802.11n) Wi-Fi routers, we recommend sticking with 802.11g for the present. Unless you need to stream video or other bandwidth hogging data, you can save a bundle by settling for a model that supports just 802.11g. As its name implies, Draft N is not been officially ratified. Unsurprisingly, most Draft N-based routers fall short of their theoretical throughputs and don’t warrant their premium prices.

The Belkin’s Wireless G Plus MIMO Router is best. It has four Ethernet ports for hardwiring equipment next to the router or for connecting your desktop if it lacks wireless. As an access point, the router delivers suitable throughput of 27.6Mbps in a mixed-use environment. Belkin also offers excellent documentation and simple startup guides that are easy to follow.

Related Links:
Belkin F5D9230-4 Wireless-G Plus MIMO Router

Belkin 4-Port Wireless-N Broadband Router 802.11n

Belkin N1 Wireless PCI Card 802.11n Network Adapater

Stream your music & movies with the wireless-N Nfiniti router now.

Get great coverage and superior speed with the Wireless-N Nfiniti Router WZR2-G300N. Streaming photos, HD video, voice, and music is no problem, and setting up security is a snap.

• Wireless connections at speeds up to 300Mbps
• Easy setup with AirStation One-Touch Secure System
• Includes NAT/SPI firewall and intrusion detector
• Simple Web browser configuration
• Built-in 4-port 10/100 auto-sensing switch
• Up to 10X faster than standard routers

Now you can combine 801.11n speed and range with top-notch security and ease of setup. The Nfiniti router is perfect for streaming photos, audio, and video across your Wi-Fi network.