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With the number of home-based entertainment and productivity applications that are running over home networks growing by leaps and bounds, some Wireless-G routers just can’t handle users’ demands.

Netgear saw this problem, and as a result, developed a new Wireless-N technology, which they feel is leaps and bounds above anything out there now.  The “Green” crowd will also appreciate Netgear’s new products since they are eco-friendly. 

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It seems D-Link has filled the gap between mobile broadband wireless connections and good old Wi-Fi with it’s 3G Mobile Router. All you need to do is plug a compatible 3G notebook adapter into it’s CardBus slot, and instantly that UMTS, HSDPA, or EV-DO network can be shared with any Wi-Fi enabled device.

This is excellent for those that would like to save a few bucks (or spend a few more, depending on your data plan) on wireless by using their network adapter at home as well as on the go. Plus, it works just like any other Wi-Fi router if it does not have a broadband card plugged into it, by having 4 additional ports of full duplex 10/100 switches.

The D-Link 3G Mobile router is available in two different models, one for EV-DO (the DIR-450, available now) and the other (DIR-451, available next month) for UMTS or HSDPA networks. This device isn’t the cheapest, setting you back a cool $230.

Product [D-Link] via [Gizmodo]

The AS-8800 Router with Power-G wireless technology provides up to 20 times greater power, allowing increased Wi-Fi signal penetration—even through concrete walls. The Power-G also gives users near cable-like throughput (108Mbps) for dead-zone-free wireless internet access up to 1200 feet indoors or up to 3900 feet outdoors!

At the heart of the router is a high speed 32 bit wireless networking processor for handling large data bursts and sustaining high throughput and real-time applications such as gaming, VoIP and video streaming.  For added flexibility, users can take advantage of the AS-8800’s extreme Gigabit wired speeds via 5 auto sensing Gigabit Ethernet ports.  A Virtual Server option on the router LAN gives Internet users access to online hosting services such as FTP, Web, and game servers, while the bundled Internet Firewall Security protects from hackers, viruses and worms. The AS-8800 also supports VPN, making each connection secure and indecipherable between the two end points of the network. A default one-click configuration setup wizard ensures ease of installation for non-technical users, while still providing network professionals the flexibility to configure the AS-8800 to their unique environment requirements.

The bottem line/why should you care? Secure high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access within a 1.2 million square foot coverage area with no dead spots, secure hardware firewall and Gigabit wired access—for under $250 --sign me up.

Read [AlphaShield]

The guys over at Asus are giving you a couple more reasons to fork over your cash. Though the boxes may look like ordinary routers, the WL-500g Premium and WL-500gW are super routers. They each feature a BitTorrent client that turns them into instant downloading machines. The cool thing about the routers is that they’ll let you download from the internet even when you PC is off, so you can start a download, take a nice snooze, and wake up to a hard drive full of *insert copy-written file here*. Now that’s my kind of router.

The pricing isn’t set yet, but Asus’ previous BitTorrent router is going for about 250 bucks.

[Yahoo News] Via [eHomeUpgrade]

In the world we live in security is important. We lock our houses, cars, and double check our pockets for personal belongings. But what about those times when you can’t be home with your family or when your away and your out of the office? If you work from home or have a small business maybe a security network system is too expensive. The idea of wiring your house with fiber-optics or creating a whole secret security system in your closet might scare you away from the whole idea.

Swann, housed out of Australia, has created a line of cameras catered to securing your home, office, or other places of business. Setup was as easy as 1,2...I ran into a problem, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed. Swann’s helpful customer service had me saying 1,2...3 before I knew it. A simple connection from the camera to your router or modem few configurations and you’re good to go.

The camera comes with it’s own SD slot so you can store loads of information everyday, as well as room on the company’s website allows you to automatically store information. My favorite function was the motion sensor and their strong night vision. Even in a pitch black room the camera was able to pick up any movement. The 640x488 pixels made for a clear picture and the 160x120, 320x240 made for a clear video. The built in microphone was extremely sensitive, picking up every sound which was a good thing however often times the sensitivity of it muffled some sounds. 

One of the most important functions of a security camera or any security working in your favor is the ability to constantly check up on what is being guarded. With Swann’s Max-IP cam you can log in and check out in real time whatever is being watched. A TV-out jack allows you to complete your security system by giving you the option to plug your camera into any television.
With so many functions and features this camera is a great alternative to ultra expensive security systems.

If you don’t already know, Skype is offering free PC to landline calling until the end of this year (and maybe forevermore). Now all you need to make this convenient is a Skype enabled handset, taking your hands off of your keyboard and cutting the headset cord. Belkin’s Wi-Fi Phone gives you mobility to place free, unlimited domestic and international calls over the Internet to other Skype users as well as Grandma’s 100 year old, five digit phone number.

The Belkin Wi-Fi Phone connects to Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, especially the one in your home, allowing you to easily access your Skype account without turning on the computer, making it an ideal traveling companion. To make a call, simply use the on-screen color menu to locate your contact and view your online availability—just like using Skype on a computer. Don’t worry about eavesdropping as the handset has built in WPA and WPA2 encryption and is 802.11b/g compatible.

The Wi-Fi Phone (model number F1PP000GN-SK) will ship in North America for $189.99 in August 2006, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow shortly.

Read [Belkin]
Via [Palm Addicts]

According to their website FON, “is the largest WiFi community in the world, open to anyone who wishes to unite and connect to the Internet for free from any corner of the world without cables.” The company took a step toward thier very ambitious goal yesterday stating that it will subsidize $60 Cisco Systems’ Linksys or Buffalo routers for $5 in the United States or 5 euros in Europe.

Though it may sound like a crazy idea, FON has raised $21.7 million from backers including the founders of Google and Skype, and is looking to turn the brand-name equipment into what it calls “social routers.”

FON is aiming to have 50,000 working hotspots worldwide by September, 150,000 by year-end and 1 million hotspots by the end of 2007. So far, 54,000 people globally have signed up to become “foneros,” up from 3,000 in February, according to the company.

Read more about the pricing and expected legal issues arising from FON.

In exchange for receiving a $5 box, users must agree to share their wireless connections with other FON users for 12 months, shipping and taxes are extra. Users who grant access to their Wi-Fi connections at home would be free to roam on other FON networks. Users who decline to share their home Internet access can pay $3 a day to share a wireless connection with other FON users.

Someone please tell me when the legal battles will begin, because I say by the end of this week the cable and DSL providers will be up in arms about this ‘free access’ heist FON is trying to pull off. Correct me if I am wrong but it is illegal to use someone’s wireless network signal without being a member of the household because then you are ‘stealing’ internet from not only them but from the providers. FON clears up the issue between users but there is no advantage to Optimum or Verizon or Time Warner to want you to sign up with FON. Can the powerful backers from Google and Skype have their hand in preventing lawsuits?

Sign up and start sharing [FON]
Read [WiFi Net News]

Want to sit down over the weekend and really juice up your router? The guys over at Lifehacker have compiled a nice hack for you to really beef up your Linksys router.

This hack instructs you how to turn a regular $60 wireless home router into a $600 router powerhouse. It involves installing Linux on your router (if the word Linux makes your cringe or conjures up a confused look check out another How To). Hope this not only makes your router more stable but allows you to do lots of neat tricks with software hacks and add-ons.

Check it out (at your own risk) [Lifehacker]

PC World ranked the top 26 products of the first quarter, ending in April, of 2006. All products on the list were given at minimum a 4.5/5 rating by the editors. Here are the top 10, check out the article to see the rest of the list and read the reviews. Drumroll please:

1. Desktop: Dell Dimension E310


2. Desktop: Apple iMac Intel Core Duo


3. Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X60s


4. Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad T60


5. Laptop: Acer TravelMate 8204WLMi


6. LCD: Gateway FPD2185W


7. LCD: Samsung SyncMaster 204T


8. DVD Burner: Sony DVDirect VRD-MC1


9. Hard Drive: Maxtor OneTouch III Turbo Edition


10. MP3 Player: Creative Zen MicroPhoto

The remainder of the list rounded out with speakers, routers, accessories, software, a webcam, and some games.

Read [PC Mag]

Last week we brought you Linksys’ pre-N routers and Belkin is up next. The N1 offers up to six times the throughput of 802.11g products. Based on the 802.11n draft, N1 Wireless enables multiple receivers and transmitters to send and receive data using MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) techniques. N1 Wireless offers a link rate of up to 300Mbps in 40MHz Channel Mode and up to 150Mbps in 20MHz Channel Mode.

This Belkin model helps you manage your entire network by with the Network Status Display that shows the status of your network blue (good) or amber (bad). It also has built in security, an firewall, and is backward compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks.

The Belkin N1 Wireless line includes the Router for $149.99, Notebook Card for $99.99, Desktop Card for $119.99, and USB Adapter Card. The N1 Wireless networking line will ship in North America on June 1, with launches in Asia, Europe and Australia shortly thereafter.

Read [TG Daily]