Choosing the Best Wireless Router for Your Bucks - Hobbies - Games

Wireless routers are a great invention. They give you all of the power and capabilities of a wired router without a lot of the hassle. Chances are that if you're a serious gamer, you either have one already or are in the market to buy one. If you're ready to replace the one you have or buy your very first wireless router, what exactly should you be looking for?

1. Speed - a higher speed means that the router is better for the network. Router speeds are measured in megabits per second.

2. Number of antennas - the best connections are made with multiple antennas. A higher number of antennas translates into more transreceivers.

3. Coverage Range - the higher the range, the better it is for your network. This is one of the most important features for you to consider in your router.

4. Networking standard - the two most popular choices are the Wi-Fi networking standards 802.11N and 802.11G. For higher speed select the newer 802.11N.

5. Wired access points - wired access points enhance the use of a wireless router. In this case, more is better.

6. Dual band/single band - although single band may be adequate for your needs, a dual band allows more speed and two frequenices of transmission.

7. Firewall and network security - security features including a firewall and a secure data encryption standard is important. The best security standard to buy is a WPA2.

Preferred brands of routers that carry these features include Linskys, Belkin, D-link, and Netgear. Ideally you will choose one with the easiest setup, a minimum of maintenance problems, and long-life performance. Some models you might consider include:

* Linskys WRT610N - this is a fast, reliable router. Some of its features include 4 gigabit ethernet ports, external hard drive sharing, WPA2 security, 802.11a/b/g/n compatibility, 6 internal antennas, and excellent range. This is one of the best and most maintenance-free routers you can buy. It costs around $165.

* Apple AirPort Extreme - this model is one of the best available. It has Windows/Mac compatibility, a simultaneous dual band with both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHZ frequency range, and a variety of excellent security features. It is a great choice for Mac centric users and comes with a one year guarantee, all for about $175.

* Linskys WRT400N - if you're looking for a wireless router that is a bit more economical, the WRT400N is a great deal at $115. It features great speed and range as well as simultaneous dual band connectivity.

access point vs router