Linksys WRT600N Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router

The Linksys WRT600N is the first 802.11n draft 2.0 router that can operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands simultaneously. It’s also the most expensive Wi-Fi router so far.

The router at its default settings: The 5GHz radio operating in 802.11n-only mode and the 2.4GHz radio operating in mixed 802.11b/g/n mode. Both radios have access to the same integrated four-port gigabit switch. The latter was used for data and the former for streaming media to Linksys’s DMA2200. The router delivered impressive results, especially while simultaneously transferring data and streaming HD video.

In fact, the Linksys WRT600N is the best. The chasm widened to a staggering 170 percent when the client was placed at its furthest point from the router inside the home, but the gap narrowed to just 5 percent when we compared performance inside the well-insulated media room.

The dual-band feature really came to the fore when streamed 1080p video clips over the wireless network: The DIR-655’s data throughput dropped by nearly half in some situations; the WRT600N was unaffected.

Not everyone needs a router that can handle conventional traffic, VoIP, and high-definition media all at the same time. If you do or if your neighborhood is simply jam-packed with competing access points, Linksys WRT600N should be at the top of your router shopping list.

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Tags: Wireless