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  NETWORKING

Apogee HDMI 3x1 Mini Switcher

EDITORS RATING
8.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

Excellent design with a small footprint; doesn't need external power supply; includes an external IR receiver; handles 1080p video and high-resolution audio.

THE BAD

Only three HDMI inputs; lacks custom-installer-friendly features seen on some more expensive switchers.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Apogee HDMI 3x1 Mini HD Digital Switcher's power-free design and affordable price tag puts it at the top of HDMI switcher heap--so long as you can live with just three inputs.

REVIEWED: 05-Jun-2008 08:46 AM PDT
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Synology Disk Station DS-107+

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

Sophisticated, responsive, robust and intuitive Web interface; practical, useful, and original features such as Photo and Surveillance stations; supports Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as media adapters; great expandability.

THE BAD

The surveillance feature supports only one camera out of the box; eSATA port located on the front; Download Station doesn't support Web sites that require authentication. No RAID.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Synology DS107+ is the most sophisticated NAS device we've tested to date. Its more advanced features require some networking know-how, but the included software and Web interface go a long way in helping you tackle the various offerings. You can't beat all the features you get for the price.

REVIEWED: 08-May-2008 10:28 AM PDT
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SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.1
SPECS
THE GOOD

Decent throughput; long range; compact and practical design; USB port for print serving; intuitive Web interface makes setup and maintenance a snap; while not exactly lifetime, the warranty is generous.

THE BAD

USB port is on the front, no support for 5.0Ghz frequency.

THE BOTTOM LINE

With a fair price, decent performance, and dead-simple setup, the SMC SMCWGBR14-N Barricade N router is about as well-rounded a Draft N router as you'll find. It also boasts impressive range and a smart design. We strongly recommend it for general home use.

REVIEWED: 13-Mar-2008 02:53 PM PDT
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Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router

EDITORS RATING
7.9
SPECS
THE GOOD

Compact, internal antenna design; supports both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Draft N simultaneously; network-attached storage functionality; runs cool; supports Wi-Fi-Protected Setup.

THE BAD

Short one-year warranty; 2.4GHz close-range and mixed-mode throughput could be better; expensive.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The WRT610N can satisfy both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless clients with its solid performance, great design, ease of use, and its ability to work as a network storage device when coupled with an external hard drive.

REVIEWED: 17-Jul-2008 11:12 AM PDT
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Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS
THE GOOD

Compact, antenna-free design; great range, unparalleled performance among Draft N routers.

THE BAD

Runs very hot; no USB-related features; a short one-year warranty.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design.

REVIEWED: 29-May-2008 10:03 AM PDT
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Synet Windy31 USB Wireless Router

EDITORS RATING
7.8
SPECS

Wired, Wireless, 54 Mbps, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, External, NAT support, 2.4 GHz

THE GOOD

Compact; completely automated and fast installation; works with any Internet service; decent range.

THE BAD

No Mac support; flimsy design; no Draft N support; throughput could be better; short USB head.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Windy31 USB Wireless Router is not a router in the traditional sense. This small, USB drive lets you create a wireless network with access to the Internet from any one PC that has an Internet connection. It's a must-have for travelers who need to share their Internet access with different Wi-Fi devices.

REVIEWED: 30-Apr-2008 12:01 PM PDT
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D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 - wireless router

EDITORS RATING
7.6
SPECS
THE GOOD

True dual-band; great throughput performance; intuitive and responsive browser interface; gigabit LAN and WAN; easy to set up; supports separate wireless networks for guests; network activity display offers quick access to a variety of network information; convenient preset settings.

THE BAD

Middling range; confusing network activity display; expensive; bulky design; no print-serving or NAS functionality.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 is a stable performer with excellent Web interface. But because it comes in a bulky, old-school design, has a relatively short range, and carries a hefty price tag, consider waiting for the price to drop before investing in this router.

REVIEWED: 18-Jul-2008 04:12 PM PDT
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Linksys WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Router

EDITORS RATING
7.5
SPECS
THE GOOD

Compact and sleek design; affordable; RangePlus technology works with N adapters and offers noticeable enhancement in both performance and range.

THE BAD

No USB port; no Gigabit Ethernet; short one-year warranty.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Linksys WRT110 RangePlus is an unconventional and stylish wireless router that supplies near draft 802.11n throughput without being an official Draft N router. We like this affordable, antenna-free router for networks where Wireless-G and Wireless-N clients coexist.

REVIEWED: 20-May-2008 09:44 AM PDT
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Trendnet TEW-633GR Wireless Router (draft n)

EDITORS RATING
7.5
SPECS
THE GOOD

Supports all available wireless encryption methods; intuitive, feature-packed, responsive Web interface makes it easy to set up and manage your network connections; compact design; impressive throughput speeds at short range; three-year warranty.

THE BAD

Wireless connection drops with TrendNet wireless adapter; disappointing long-range throughput.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The TrendNet Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR is fast, but not as fast as a competing D-Link router, and it's easy to use, but not as easy as a Belkin router. Still, we like it for its winning combination of decent throughput and intuitive Web interface.

REVIEWED: 16-Dec-2007 02:13 PM PST
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Drobo DroboShare

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS

Drobo DroboShare, PC, Mac, RJ-45, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Incredibly simple to set up and manage; can switch from networked-attached to direct-attached storage; can connect two Drobos to DroboShare; supports major file systems NTFS, HFS+, FAT32, or EXT3.

THE BAD

DroboShare costs an extra $200 on top of the Drobo, which, it might be argued, should have included an Ethernet port in the first place; cannot designate different access rights to specific users on your network.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For those bemoaning the lack of network support on last year's innovative Drobo drive, DroboShare offers Gigabit Ethernet and as simple and straightforward a setup as we found with the direct-attached Drobo.

REVIEWED: 15-Apr-2008 02:36 PM PDT
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Apple AirPort Express Base Station (802.11n)

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS

Apple AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n and AirTunes - Wireless access point, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)

THE GOOD

New, faster 802.11n wireless standard; same price as the original model; audio streaming capability remains unique; imminently portable because of its small size; easy setup.

THE BAD

Not as fast as other 802.11n routers; can't connect an external hard drive to the USB port; no Ethernet ports for wired clients.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Don't pick up a new, 802.11n-enabled AirPort Express if you're looking for superfast wireless networking performance. You should consider it, however, if you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi router that offers portability, ease of use, and the unique ability to stream iTunes over your network.

REVIEWED: 19-Mar-2008 02:49 PM PDT
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D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS

4.6 in x 7.6 in x 1.2 in, Wired, Wireless, 300 Mbps, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), Ethernet, HTTP, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), External, NAT support, VPN passthrough, Firewall protection, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), 11.2 oz

THE GOOD

Intuitive and responsive browser interface; Gigabit LAN and WAN; excellent range; easy to setup; Network Activity Display offers quick access to a variety of network information; preset with a lot of settings for special services and applications, including games.

THE BAD

Random reset during heavy load.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The D-Link DGL-4500 GamerLounge Xtreme N Gaming Router almost succeeds for home networking and hardcore gamers. It bears a few flaws, among which is a random reset during heavy load that might be the deal breaker.

REVIEWED: 26-Feb-2008 12:10 PM PST
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Netgear WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

Easy setup, thanks in large part to the intuitive and responsive Web interface; high throughput speeds; Gigabit LAN; attractive antenna-less design.

THE BAD

Range could be better; no USB port; some advanced settings are absent.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Netgear RangeMax Next WNR854T Gigabit is a smart choice for home networks, thanks to its fast throughput and easy setup.

REVIEWED: 25-Feb-2008 10:22 AM PST
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D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure

EDITORS RATING
7.1
SPECS

D-Link DNS 323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure - NAS server, PC, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Compact design; very easy to set up; intuitive Web interface; fast write speed; print-serving capability; two drive bays with RAID support; can operate as a UPnP AV, iTunes, and FTP server; can also act as DHCP server; USB port for sharing a printer.

THE BAD

Drive bays' cover comes off too easily; doesn't support hard drives in FAT32 or NTFS format; drive bays only hold drives of regular thickness.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure is a comprehensive solution to extend your network storage and functionality. It offers great performance and, despite its long list of features, remains very easy to use.

REVIEWED: 09-Apr-2008 02:51 PM PDT
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Asus WL-500W 802.11n Multi-Functional Wireless Router

EDITORS RATING
7.1
SPECS
THE GOOD

Great range and signal penetration; integrated print, media, FTP, and Webcam servers; can support multiple USB devices simultaneously.

THE BAD

Bulky and impractical design; buggy Web interface; confusing instruction if you're trying to figure out the special USB features; throughput at close range could better; no Gigabit Ethernet.

THE BOTTOM LINE

We like the Asus WL-500W for its wealth of unique features and its strong signal at long range, but its short-range throughput is substandard and there's no Gigabit Ethernet support. This is a good choice only for advanced users who will take advantage of some of router's USB features and aren't afraid to wade into those waters without help.

REVIEWED: 18-Mar-2008 10:14 AM PDT
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HP Media Vault MV2120 (500GB)

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS

HP Media Vault Mv2120 - Network drive, 500 GB, PC, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Removable, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Very easy to set up with an intuitive Web interface and convenient desktop application; ships with 500GB hard drive and a free bay for the addition of a second drive; USB ports for additional storage; supports RAID 1; includes an iTunes server and Web access for photos.

THE BAD

Does not support writing to external drives formatted in NTFS; installs programs that start automatically and doesn't provide a method to disable them; rigid RAID setup; no print-serving capability; flimsy drive tray.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The HP Media Vault MV2120 is a two-bay NAS drive that novice networkers will find simple to set up and use. While it offers flexible expansion options with a free internal drive bay and two USB ports, the intrusive Media Vault software and lack of a print server dampen our enthusiasm a bit.

REVIEWED: 27-Jun-2008 10:12 AM PDT
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Buffalo LinkStation Mini (1TB)

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS

Buffalo LinkStation Mini LS-WS1.0TGL/R1 - NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Small footprint and near silent operation; dual drives offer data redundancy; USB port allows for easy expansion or print sharing; DLNA support for streaming media files over your network.

THE BAD

Pricey per gigabyte; remote access feature took some work to enable.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The tiniest of NAS drives, the Buffalo LinkStation Mini keeps up with its full-size competition in terms of both features and performance. However, you'll pay a premium price for this small, silent networked drive.

REVIEWED: 25-Jun-2008 03:07 PM PDT
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Buffalo LinkStation Mini (500GB)

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS

Buffalo LinkStation Mini LS-WS500GL/R1 - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Small footprint and near silent operation; dual drives offer data redundancy; USB port allows for easy expansion or print sharing; DLNA support for streaming media files over your network.

THE BAD

Pricey per gigabyte; remote access feature took some work to enable.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The tiniest of NAS drives, the Buffalo LinkStation Mini keeps up with its full-size competition in terms of both features and performance. However, you'll pay a premium price for this small, silent networked drive.

REVIEWED: 25-Jun-2008 03:07 PM PDT
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Edimax BR-6504n nMax Wireless 802.11n Broadband Router

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Sleek design; excellent throughput, particularly in mixed environments; intuitive Web-based interface; bountiful wireless networking and security options; supports an antenna extender; two-year warranty.

THE BAD

Range could be better; no Gigabit Ethernet.

THE BOTTOM LINE

It's cheap, easy to set up, and delivers more than acceptable performance at shorter ranges. We like the sleek, white Edimax BR-6504N router, particularly for networks with a mix of Draft N and older 802.11b/g clients.

REVIEWED: 03-Mar-2008 10:08 AM PST
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Apple Time Capsule (500GB)

EDITORS RATING
6.9
SPECS

Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

THE GOOD

Clean design; good deal for Draft-N router and 500GB or 1TB of storage; low maintenance data backup for Mac users; extensibility via USB port.

THE BAD

Only average networking performance; few advanced storage features beyond backup capabilities, and those only for Mac users.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.

REVIEWED: 03-Mar-2008 04:06 PM PST
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Apple Time Capsule (1TB)

EDITORS RATING
6.9
SPECS

Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

THE GOOD

Clean design; good deal for Draft-N router and 500GB or 1TB of storage; low maintenance data backup for Mac users; extensibility via USB port.

THE BAD

Only average networking performance; few advanced storage features beyond backup capabilities, and those only for Mac users.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.

REVIEWED: 03-Mar-2008 04:06 PM PST
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TP-LINK TL-WR941ND Wireless N Router

EDITORS RATING
6.7
SPECS
THE GOOD

Simple and responsive Web interface; easy setup; good performance and range; supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup; affordable.

THE BAD

No N-only mode; mediocre feature set; bulky, dated design; no desktop setup application.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless N router is a simple wireless N router with a friendly price. If all you require is a basic network and you have a mix of 802.11N and b/g clients, it does the job for cheap.

REVIEWED: 24-Jul-2008 03:53 PM PDT
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LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini - Home Edition (500GB)

EDITORS RATING
6.7
SPECS

LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini - Home Edition - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

THE GOOD

Network-attached drive with 500GB of storage; can serve up media to iTunes and uPNP-capable devices; easy to share files with friends and family; rugged design.

THE BAD

Remote access is slow and unreliable; drive can be noisy during use; browser-based interface has its quirks.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini - Home Edition is a solid mediacentric network-attached storage drive with an easy-to-use Web interface, but don't expect glitch-free access outside your home network.

REVIEWED: 15-Apr-2008 02:43 PM PDT
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LevelOne N-One WBR-6000

EDITORS RATING
5.7
SPECS
THE GOOD

Striking design; easy-to-use setup

THE BAD

Terrible throughput speeds; short range; no Gigabit Ethernet

THE BOTTOM LINE

We wanted to like this funky-looking router, but the LevelOne N_One WBR-6000 performed so horribly in testing that we must warn you not to be tempted by its slick design and low price.

REVIEWED: 03-Mar-2008 10:08 AM PST
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Vox BlackBox (1TB)

EDITORS RATING
5.4
SPECS

VOX BlackBox Hard drive array, PC, Mac, Unix, 4 pin USB Type B, RJ-45, Hot-swap

THE GOOD

It has 1TB of storage; it is affordable; easily accessible hard-drive bays; USB ports for additional storage; supports RAID 0 and RAID 1; includes iTunes server; sturdy build.

THE BAD

Noisy; confusing setup software and Web interface; does not support writing on external drives formatted in NTFS; rigid and rudimentary user account and file-sharing management; no print-serving capability; high latency.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Vox BlackBox is a 1TB NAS drive that serves up a lot of storage but not many features for a good price. Though you may be tempted by its low cost per gigabyte, be warned it's noisy and plagued by brutally bad software.

REVIEWED: 11-Jul-2008 12:11 PM PDT
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