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Wireless Router Guide

After links to comparative and individual product reviews, we also offer links to articles on Getting Started & How-To, wireless security, and networking utility and security software. For information on and tools for wireless hot spots, see our Mobile Security page.
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Choices -- Wireless routers with Internet connection sharing, networking and firewall features are an alternative to Wired routers or Networking Software. Wireless routers are actually wired routers with wireless access points built in so you can have wired and/or wireless at the same time. Another choice is a wireless router with a built-in DSL or cable modem. Finally, you can consider a hardware and software security combo box to connect and protect your home network, see our Broadband Gateways page for more information.

Security -- Wireless routers are not as secure as hard wired. If you want wireless and security, read the security articles on this page and be prepared to spend some time setting up the security features of your wireless network. To make this easier, look at getting started and wireless utility software.

Testing -- We recommend that you test the firewall features of a wireless router after installation and setup using an online service like Security Space.

Firmware -- Router vendors offer updates for their firmware to add new features and to resolve problems found by their customers. After installing a new router or updating to Windows 7, check for updates.

Prices -- For current prices, see our custom Wireless Routers Price List powered by Amazon.com or click on one of the products pictured below:

Amazon.com Widgets

Comparative Wireless Router Reviews

  • How to Buy a Wireless Router, Samara Lynn, PC Magazine, July 15, 2010 -- editor's choices included Cisco Valet Plus, D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router, D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router (DIR-855), D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router (DIR-685), Linksys by Cisco Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N.
  • Wireless Routers Review 2010 -- 10 products, TopTenReviews
  • Wireless Router Reviews, Consumer Search, updated October 2009

Cisco / Linksys Routers March 2010 Changes

 Individual Wireless Router Reviews

Belkin N+

D-Link DIR-628

D-Link DIR-655

Note: The optional Secure Spot 2.0 security package available directly from D-Link adds parental controls, safe surfing/searching, remote management, anti-virus/antispyware protection with McAfee® technology, internet usage time scheduling and activity reporting, web-managed firewall, access control for Internet usage, application control (blocking and scheduling), spam control and identity protection.

D-Link DIR-825

Netgear WNDR3700

Getting Started & How-To

Wireless Router Security

Networking Utility and Security Software

Resource Sites