Linksys’ WRT110 Router, is their entry level addition to the Wireless N market. While not technically part of the Wireless N draft standard, it does use the technology behind Wireless N to provide some very solid performance well over what Wireless G is capable of. Capitalizing on the new Multiple Input Multiple Output functionality of Wireless N, this router seeks to provide home users a gateway into better connections and faster data rates. Combine that with the latest security features, interoperability with Wireless B and G, and a slick new look and you have yourself a nice starter router in the Wireless N realm.

First and foremost, the biggest feature that stands out on this router is its Wireless N capability. Wireless N is the next major advance in wireless technology, offering eventually offering speeds up to 14 times faster than Wireless G counterparts. In addition to speed bonuses both the N capability plus Linksys’ RangePlus technology offers superior wireless coverage through walls and floors alike. In fact, you will have to take extra precautions to lock this router down because your neighbors well almost certainty be able to see your network now. The added bonus of RangePlus, is that unlike other manufacturers similar feature sets, RangePlus works with any vendors equipment. This means for you, that any existing, or future for that matter, Wireless N adaptors will take full advantage of what this router has to offer.

In addition to the Wireless N features, the WRT110, also comes with the standard set of features most home wireless routers come with. This includes a full security suite, providing both a hardware firewall, as well as the latest in over the air encryption. In addition to the standard security it also offers Wi-Fi Protected Setup which forces users to push a button on the physical router before a new device can connect for the first time. Very good tool in keeping unwanted neighbors or would be attackers from connecting to your network. Along with the security features, the WRT110 also offers the standard 4 port switch built in, allowing for nearby computers to connect into your network via a hardwired connection.

As a dual capable router, the WRT110 can operate both with Wireless N networks as well as the Older Wireless B and G networks. The nice thing about this particular router though is, that it suffers very little in terms of performance when running in a mixed mode environment. This allows you to upgrade your home network over time rather than having to run out and spend an arm and a leg upgrading every piece of wireless technology in the house.

While not the highest end wireless network on the market, the WRT110, offers quality at a much higher level than G counterparts, and comes in just slightly behind full on Wireless N equipment. Shop around for this and get a decent sale price and it will be more than worth the investment as a step up from an older worn out router.

Today wireless networking has almost become synonymous with home networking. Go down to Best Buy, pick up a Linksys router, connect in your laptop and you are all set. While there are a few basic security features that should be turned on, this wireless solution is more than sufficient for that majority of home networkers. However, there is a much wider world to explore when considering wireless networking. First and foremost one must decide on a standard. For personal use you will see as many as four different letters describing wireless technologies, A, B, G, and N, but to the laymen, these terms mean nothing more then a spoonful of alphabet soup.

Wireless A

Wireless A came out at the same time that Wireless B did. It provides faster data transfer speeds but much shorter range then its B counterpart. Generally Wireless A did not catch on or achieve very high market saturation. Few routers or wireless equipped laptops even support this standard anymore and with newer standards such as Wireless G and Wireless N, this standard is mostly obsolete.

Wireless B

Wireless B was significantly slower than it’s a counterpart, but it did however offer superior range and home coverage making it ideal for early home networking solutions. Its two bigger drawbacks however are in the reduced speed, and the interference the signal can receive from microwave ovens and some cordless phones. Most new laptops and wireless devices that support Wireless G are still backwards compatible with Wireless B as it is still found in many locations.

Wireless G

Wireless G operates on the same frequency as Wireless B, however, it uses the same still of signal as Wireless A, allowing it to send at a much higher rate than Wireless B. Wireless G opened the door to widespread implementation of wireless technologies. Wireless G made wireless much more prevalent both for home users as well as business class networks. Like Wireless B though it still suffered from the same interference.

Wireless N

Wireless N despite still being in draft phase is now becoming very common in both the home and business markets. Offering both incredible improvements over range and speed, Wireless N is also backwards compatible with both Wireless B and G. In terms of performance, Wireless N is the current leader in what it can offer, and is not significantly more expensive than Wireless G.

Choosing a standard – G versus N

In implementing a home wireless solution, the question comes up, should one go with G or N? Wireless G is most likely more than sufficient for the average home user. With companies like Linksys putting out their RangeBooster, and SpeedBooster options, why would one want to spend any more money than they have to? Especially considering that more than likely any existing laptops will only support wireless G. Perhaps the single biggest reason to adopt Wireless N is scalability. Even if all of your devices are Wireless N, a Wireless N router will still produce a stronger signal. Also, as more devices start supporting wireless N adopting a Wireless N router now will mean that the infrastructure will already be in place. Ultimately the decision needs to be made on cost versus performance and scalability, based on both ones current needs as well as future growth.