Adding a wireless network to your home or office is simply a case of adding the right equipment. We look at four of the latest pieces of kit that bring mobile computing to life

BELKIN HIGH SPEED WIRELESS G

The nondescript box of the Belkin contains the fastest Wi-Fi chipset on offer. The 125Mbps gives a faster throughput due to the chip’s doubling efficiency – it sends information as packets of data rather than as a stream. Running a 125Mbps network doesn't offer you this full bandwidth, but users will see an increased data rate in comparison to a 54Mbps network. Under test, we found that we were regularly able to get 40Mbps with the signal close to full strength. We also found that the signal was maintained over greater distances, making it the ideal choice for those looking to set up a network in an older building. The clear documentation makes the Belkin router easy to set up, making it suitable for the first-time user.

RATING 8
PRICE £66 (inc. VAT)
SUPPORTS 802.11g up to 125Mbps
CONTACT
08701 652202 (reseller)
www.belkin.co.uk

LINKSYS BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER

While not the most attractive of units, the Linksys Broadband Router is very much in keeping with this group, offering a modem, access point, four 10/100 BASE-T ports and firewall protection. Unlike some of the doubler chips, which effectively maintain throughput by pushing other networks out of the way, Linksys is claiming that SpeedBooster is a “good neighbour” making it better suited for use in Wi-Fi heavy locations. We found that this did hamper performance, with a maximum data rate, under test, of 28Mbps.

Families thinking of setting up a network will appreciate the addition of Linksys Parental Control Services, which allows parents to set individual profiles, adequately limiting access to younger members of the family. With its standard feature set and added extras, the Linksys router is an effective home solution.

RATING 7
PRICE £61 (inc. VAT)
SUPPORTS 802.11g up to 54Mbps
CONTACT
0800 0680327
www.linksys.com