Indeed, having Linux on the RangeMax right from the start means you can load unofficial firmware on the router out of the box. And the USB port means you can also set it up as a media server. Other features include a a 480MHz MIPS processor with 8MB of flash and 64MB of RAM. Expect the WNR3500L to ship sometime this fall for $140. [Netgear via Electronista]

Interesting tidbit, they've run out of letters to stick onto 802.11 for new wireless standards, so they'll be confusingly called things like 802.11ac. [PC Mag]

Compatible with PCs and Macs, the Mvix Nubbin can be used on 802.1b/g/n networks despite its stature of just 3/4 of an inch. I'm ever so skeptical about the Nubbin's ability to ferret a weak signal compared to its larger brethren, but I'll give the little guy the benefit of the doubt while adding that it ships tomorrow from retailers around the web. [Mvix]

Measuring 2.5 inches wide by 3.25 inches long by 0.75 inches high (slightly smaller than the AirPort Express), Trendnet's router claims to pack speeds up to 300Mbps (a significant upgrade from the current crop at 54Mbps). The carrying case comes with a thin 3-foot Ethernet cable, an electrical adapter and an alternate USB cable—allowing you the convenience of powering up via your computer. If you travel a lot, and it works as advertised, this little router would be well worth the $90 price tag when it is released in March. [Trendnet via CNET]

This isn't a print server situation, or a network-attached storage thing either, from what we can tell. Technically, D-Link didn't say a whole lot, except:

SharePort turns the local USB port located on the back of the 802.11n family of Wi-Fi routers into a fast and responsive virtual port so users can access a range of USB devices, by utilizing a new technology of USB over TCP/IP.

Models that can be upgraded include D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Routers DIR-655, DIR-825, DIR-855 and DGL-4500 Gaming Router, plus the RangeBooster N DIR-628. We'll try to run a test of this soon, but if you beat us to it, tell us about your experience.

Press Release for DIR-825 Router

D-LINK NOW SHIPPING COST-EFFECTIVE DUAL BAND 802.11n Wi-Fi ROUTER WITH SharePort(tm) TECHNOLOGY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2008 - D-Link, the end-to-end provider of network solutions for consumers and business, today began shipping an Xtreme N(tm) Dual Band Gigabit Router for the home or small office, featuring dual band access that simultaneously creates two networks to provide superior clarity, faster Wi-Fi and wired gigabit speeds and HD Fuel(tm) enhanced Quality of Service (QoS).

The D-Link(r) DIR-825 also features SharePort(tm) technology that allows users to share USB devices such as printers, multi-function printers (MFP) and storage drives with other computers on the network — in either a wired or wireless environment.

SharePort turns the local USB port located on the back of the DIR-825 router into a fast and responsive virtual network port so users can access a range of USB devices regardless of their location in the home or office. With the power of 802.11n Wi-Fi technology, D-Link's latest addition to its Xtreme N wireless family allows the user to check email and browse the Internet on the 2.4GHz band while simultaneously streaming high-definition (HD) movies and other media on the 5GHz band, making it ideal for online gaming applications on the PC and gaming consoles such as PS3(r), Xbox 360(r) and the Nintendo Wii(r).

The latest offering in the D-Link Green(tm) family of routers, the DIR-825 integrates D-Link Green Ethernet(tm) technology that uses an innovative, energy-saving feature that automatically detects link status and network cable length, then adjusts power accordingly. D-Link routers also feature Wi-Fi scheduling that allows customers to easily program when the Wi-Fi radio signals are turned on and off to further save energy consumption.

With the router's powerful new HD Fuel technology users can enjoy the clarity of the 5GHz wireless band while benefiting from intelligent quality of service ideally suited for streaming HD media and for other bandwidth-intensive applications such as online gaming applications.

HD Fuel takes wired and wireless data traffic, categorizes and separates it into multiple data streams and assigns priorities - Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video streaming and online gaming are given priority over Web browsing, for instance. The dual band capability helps to enhance speed even more by using the 2.4GHz band for regular computer applications and the 5GHz band for larger, more intense data transfer.

"By expanding our Xtreme N wireless router product line, we are further meeting the consumer's need for full Wi-Fi network functionality and reliability for powering their digital home at prices they can afford," according to Steven Joe, president and CEO, D-Link Systems, Inc. in Fountain Valley, Calif.

Key Features and Benefits
? Xtreme N technology for farther home or office coverage
? Support for advanced WPA and WPA2 encryption, advanced firewall and
parental controls for maximum security
? D-Link's Quick Router Setup Wizard for easy installation and online access
? Good Neighbor Policy support to prevent interference with other wireless
networks
? Backward compatibility with 802.11g, 11b and 11a devices, including game
consoles and digital media players.
? Compliance with D-Link's ongoing Green initiatives to promote energy
conservation and environmental protection
? 24/7 basic installation support
? One year limited warranty

Price and Availability
The DIR-825 will be widely available Oct. 1, 2008 through D-Link's network of retail, etail and solution providers, and online at www.dlinkshop.com for the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $199.99. SharePort also will be available in D-Link's family of high-end 802.11n routers, including the DIR-628, DIR-655, DIR-855 and DGL-4500**. Current owners of those routers will be able to upgrade to SharePort technology by downloading the firmware and client utility from the D-Link website, www.dlink.com.

NETGEAR Family of New Energy-Efficient Wireless-N Routers, Modem Routers and Kits Makes It Even Easier to Upgrade Wireless Networks and Computers to High Performance Wireless-N

The Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Modem Router (DGN2000) include NETGEAR's Smart Wizard(TM) installation CD for quick and easy installation. Once the routers are installed, NETGEAR's Push 'N' Connect with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) eliminates the need to remember network security passwords by enabling users to securely connect computers to the router with the simple press of a button. Both the Wireless-N Router and Wireless-N Modem Router incorporate eco-friendly "NETGEAR Green" features including packaging manufactured using at least 80 percent recycled materials, Energy Star(R)-qualified power supplies, and an on/off switch to help save energy when the network is not in use. A conveniently accessible on/off switch on the Wireless-N Modem Router (DGN2000) enables users to turn off just the wireless mode as well.

"The growing number of home-based productivity and entertainment applications running over the home network infrastructure is now exceeding the capabilities of older Wireless-G (802.11g-based) routers and modem routers," stated Som Pal Choudhury, NETGEAR's senior product line manager for advanced wireless products. "The enhanced wireless speeds and greater coverage provided by Wireless-N technology enables the simultaneous use of applications such as voice-over-IP, video and multimedia streaming, console gaming, and Web surfing. The launch of these new Wireless-N networking solutions makes it easier and more affordable for consumers to replace their existing routers or modem routers and upgrade their WiFi networks to support these more bandwidth-intensive applications. The new product family is feature-rich in terms of performance capabilities and ease of use as well as energy-efficiency."

In addition to the Wireless-N Router and Wireless-N Modem Router, which enable users to affordably upgrade their networks to simultaneously support both new Wireless-N devices and legacy Wireless-G devices, NETGEAR also announced the availability of networking kits that package a Wireless-N USB Adapter with each of the new routers. The Wireless-N Router and USB Adapter Kit (WNB2100) and Wireless-N Modem Router and USB Adapter Kit (DGNB2100) enable users to upgrade their computers at the same time as their home networks to support the high performance and long ranges provided by Wireless-N technology.

The Wireless-N Modem Router (DGN2000) incorporates an ADSL2+ modem enabling users to upgrade existing DSL equipment and eliminate the need for an external modem. In the U.S., it is fully compatible with Verizon, AT&T, Qwest(R), EarthLink(R), and other DSL Internet service providers. With multiple SSID support in the Wireless-N Modem Router, creating a unique SSID and security for guest access is now possible without needing to share the user's own security code.

Mr. Choudhury continued, "These new products boast many of the features, performance, ease of use and 'green' attributes comparable to the highest-end routers and gateways, while still being very affordable. Our Wireless-N Router and Modem Router are not only fully backward-compatible with legacy 802.11b/g devices, but the USB adapter included in the networking kits also enables users to upgrade their existing computer to enjoy the performance of Wireless-N at a fraction of the cost of buying a new notebook with Wireless-N."

About the NETGEAR Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem (DGN2000)

The NETGEAR Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem (DGN2000) deliver the highest wireless performance and longest ranges to support today's Wireless-N notebooks and adapters while providing simultaneous support for legacy 802.11g devices. The Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem incorporates an ADSL2+ modem enabling users to easily and seamlessly upgrade existing equipment provided by DSL Internet service providers. The WNR2000 and DGN2000 both incorporate efficient Energy Star-qualified power supplies and feature an on/off switch to save energy when the network is not in use.

The NETGEAR Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem (DGN2000) enable users to quickly and easily establish a secure network with a robust security feature set that includes: double firewall (NAT and SPI), Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack protection, Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS), WiFi Protected Access(TM) (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wireless Access Control to identify authorized wireless network devices, and Wi-Fi Protected Setup(TM) (WPS) for push-button connection of network devices.

The Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem (DGN2000) are backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. Both are available worldwide via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at retail prices in the U.S. of $89 and $119, respectively.

About the Wireless-N Router and USB Adapter Kit (WNB2100) and Wireless-N Modem Router and USB Adapter Kit (DGNB2100)

The NETGEAR Wireless-N Router and USB Adapter Kit (WNB2100) and Wireless-N Modem Router and USB Adapter Kit (DGNB2100) package the RangeMax(TM) Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter (WN111) with the NETGEAR Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) and Wireless-N Router with Built-In DSL Modem (DGN2000). The two Kits enable users to upgrade their home networks and a computer to enjoy the high wireless speeds and extended ranges delivered by Wireless-N technology. Designed to deliver superior performance and range, the Kits incorporate the NETGEAR Push 'N' Connect button to easily establish a secure connection between the USB adapter and the router with the simple push of a button.

The NETGEAR Wireless-N Router and USB Adapter Kit (WNB2100) and Wireless-N Modem Router and USB Adapter Kit (DGNB2100) are backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Wireless-N Modem Router and USB Adapter Kit (DGNB2100) is available in Europe and Asia, while the Wireless-N Router and USB Adapter Kit (WNB2100) is available worldwide via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at a retail price in the U.S. of $129.

Apple Introduces New AirPort Express With 802.11n

All AirPort Base Stations Now Run Fastest Wireless Standard

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today updated its AirPort Express(R) mobile base station with 802.11n to deliver up to five times the performance and twice the range of the previous model*. Priced at just $99, AirPort Express is the world's smallest 802.11n-based mobile base station. It can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connectivity and USB printing at home or easily brought on the road for wireless freedom wherever there is an Internet connection. AirPort Express features AirTunes(TM), which works seamlessly with iTunes(R) to give users a simple and inexpensive way to wirelessly stream iTunes music from a PC or Mac(R) to any room in the house.

"Apple is leading the way with a broad range of innovative 802.11n base stations for almost any wireless networking need," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "From the small and portable AirPort Express, to AirPort Extreme for workgroups of up to 50 users and the new Time Capsule for automated backups, Apple customers now have more great ways to extend their wireless networks with 802.11n."

AirPort Express features a single-piece, compact design weighing just 6.7 ounces, providing maximum portability. AirPort Express offers both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. Apple's AirPort Utility software provides easy step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring AirPort Express; and with its advanced security features, AirPort Express safeguards data on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2),

128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks as well as iMac(R), Apple TV(R) and Time Capsule(TM).

AirPort Express includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a simple pop-up list for the user to select. Once the remote speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams iTunes music from the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Multiple AirPort Express base stations can be set up around a home, each connected to a set of powered speakers for a whole-home music experience. AirPort Express can also extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme(R) wireless network.

Pricing & Availability

AirPort Express is available immediately through the Apple Store(R) (http://www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $99 (US).

*AirPort Express is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors.

The DIR-855 also features three dual external antennae, an OLED network activity display, Dual Active Firewall (SPI, NAT), Green Ethernet technology, backwards compatibility with 802.11a/g, and a 1 year warranty. Not to mention a hefty £169.99 ($340) price tag. No word on when we might see it in the states [D-Link and Trusted Reviews]

We've actually set up the Time Capsule several different ways already, as the only router in the network, and as an Ethernet-linked node on an existing wireless network. The start-up wizard in AirPort Utility asks you plainly what you want to do, in increasing steps like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book. I know some of you don't need that kind of child's play, but this kind of thing will even help you when you tell your mom to get one of these and realize you won't have to do tech support too.

Once you've got it set up, either as your router or a node on your network, you can just pop into Time Machine and see it listed as a drive. If that's all you want, select the drive and you're as good as done. That first dump can be a real doozy though, so keep some things in mind:

• Set aside an entire night to get it done.

• Consider connecting via Ethernet, especially if you have an 802.11b/g Mac. (Time Capsule has Gigabit 10/100/1000Base-T wired connectivity.)

• Try not to interrupt the first dump, as the subsequent file-integrity check will take a long time too.

But say you buy the 500GB Time Capsule, and want to use an external 1TB drive to do all your serious backing up. When you connect it via USB, it is automatically visible in both the AirPort Utility and the Time Machine on your Mac. What you can't do is merge the two to make one massive 1.5TB volume, though. You have to choose one or the other.In some cases, you may want to connect the USB drive you already use for Time Machine to the Time Capsule, to simply make the process wireless. Bear in mind that if you do that, you still have to make the massive initial dump: Time Capsule won't recognize that drive as your previous Time Machine drive, but just as new storage that you can use.

The internal drive and any external drives can be seen as standard network drives, too, across both Mac and PC platforms—checking the guest friendly option in AirPort Utility's disk settings is helpful there. Speaking of PC compatibility, Apple appears to be promoting Time Capsule, at least by word of mouth and in all the support literature, as a dual-platform product, even though its core Time Machine software is not available to Windows users. You can use third-party backup software and select Time Capsule as the target drive, though there are certainly many competing products that will let you do this for cheaper.

The only significant problem I've run into is the networked printer. I connected a printer to Time Capsule that I had set up for local use on my Mac. Time Capsule recognized it immediately, and the printer selection on the Mac itself showed it just fine, but when I went to actually send over a print job, I got an error that the printer was offline. (Eddie Izzard fans would've appreciated the ensuing angry outburst: "Not offline! No. Online. Control-P Print!!") I don't blame Time Capsule yet. I'm going to try it with some other printers soon, and will get to the root of it.

We will continue to test this and alert you to any issues, but in the meantime it's safe to say that this is a worthwhile product for people who have the money and want the convenience. How often do you refuse to connect the USB to your backup drive because it would hamper your style? How often are you afraid, after a long period of not backing up, of the time it may take you to perform a backup. Those issues go away with Time Capsule.

But there's a cost, particularly at the 1TB model, which is $200 more than the $300 500GB model. When we ask about this, all we get back is that these are "server grade" drives. Great, thanks, but we're gonna recommend the 500GB version. If you have 300GB of backup or less you're covered, and if you have 1TB of backup or more, you're better off scoring some massive drive or drive array at discount, and plugging it in via USB. Now go back the #&#;$% up!!! [Time Capsule on Giz]

•Interactive network display •Plug-and-Play "CD-less" setup •Operating Range: Up to 1,600 ft.** •Link Rate: Up to 300Mbps in 20/40MHz channel mode •Compatible with IEEE 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11n draft 2.0*, 802.3ab •Ports: WAN - 1 Gigabit port; LAN - 4 Gigabit ports •Security: Wi-Fi Protected Setup™; WPA™, WPA2™; 64-/128-bit WEP encryption; multiple SSID •VPN Support: PPTP; IPSec pass-through

Wi-Fi Alliance to begin certifying 802.11n gear [CNET]
Wi-Fi Alliance® Reveals New Logo and Announces First Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ 802.11n Draft 2.0 Products and Test Suite [Wi-Fi Alliance]

802.11n in all but name: draft hardware in the clear [Ars Technica]

New Intel Wireless Product for Laptops Extends Networking Speed and Range [eHomeUpgrade]

If you don't like using this WZR-AG300NH as a router, switch it over to bridge mode and then you can use it as an access point. In addition to its wireless feats of strength, it also has a quartet of gigabit Ethernet ports. Buffalo didn't announce pricing, but said the product is designed for the consumer market "and small to medium businesses." – Charlie White

CES 2007 [Gizmodo]

Wi-Fi USB2 Lan Adaptor [via Akihabara News]