Hardware

While the key components of the Web Cube may be the same as your average, pocket-sized mobile hotspot, the device as a whole is much bigger. Almost a 10cm cube (it’s 9.5cm high) it’s a distinctive addition to your desktop, with white base and top plates sandwiching a frosted midsection that reveals a fluted inner pillar. An array of blue LEDs cause the whole thing to glow when a device is connected via WiFi.

Physical controls are limited to a single button on the top, which doubles as a WPS pairing key and, with a longer press, a power button to shut the Web Cube down. Three of the top edges have tiny hatches, one sliding out for the SIM card, another hiding a reset button and external antenna port, and the last a microUSB port used for firmware updates. Unfortunately you can’t plug an external drive into the USB connection and share its data across the network.

Inside the Huawei-made device there’s a HSPA+ radio supporting up to 21.6 Mbit/s downloads and up to 5.76 Mbit/s uploads, network depending, along with a WiFi b/g/n router supporting up to five WiFi connections at any one time. 3G signal strength is shown via blue LEDs on the top panel.

Setup

Three is aiming for plug and play simplicity with the Web Cube, and the most confusing part is probably going to be loading the SIM. The quick-start guide shows where to slot it in, though hopefully in-store sales staff will do that for most users; then it’s just a case of plugging in the mains power lead and watching the Web Cube load up automatically.

Both the SSID and WPA2 encryption key are preconfigured, each printed on the base of the Web Cube as well as on the back of the quick-start guide. We were connected and surfing in sixty seconds from plugging the modem in, in fact.

As with most routers, there’s a browser-based control panel for checking status and accessing more complex settings. The home view shows data connection, upload/download speeds and a data counter, along with icons for signal status and how many WiFi clients are connected; you can also turn off the main body light. There’s also text message support, including incoming and outgoing messages; it’s worth noting that any WiFi user can access this and send SMS billed to your account. While you can’t turn off text messaging or lock it down with a passport, you can put in an incorrect service center number and block the functionality that way.

Log into the admin pages, and the Web Cube’s true router abilities become visible. It may look toylike but there’s most of the advanced settings and options that you’d expect from any wireless hardware: a DHCP server, static routing, MAC filtering and optional WiFi bridging, a firewall (sensibly on by default) and IP filtering, virtual server support and a DMZ. If you want to lock down the Web Cube to only support visiting certain sites, you can do it.

Performance

Mobile broadband download speeds are obviously dependent on carrier coverage, and the Web Cube’s 110cm cable doesn’t give you a huge amount of flexibility to move the modem around. Still, the integrated signal strength meter does make positioning easier, though we’d recommend doing some online speed tests just to see where the best results can be had.

Shifting the Web Cube one meter closer to the window saw download rates double (to 4.06 Mbps) and upload rates more than quintuple (to 1.72 Mbps), for instance, so there are significant benefits to be had in experimenting. At least, unlike most wired home broadband connections, you can take your pick of locations, as long as they’re near enough to a power socket. Moving to the other side of the building saw download rates jump to 5.89 Mbps and upload rates to 2.74 Mbps.

As for WiFi strength, we had no problems keeping a connection even with three walls (one external brick) and solid wooden doors between us and the Web Cube. In fact, our test computer was still showing full signal strength at the time. This could be the Web Cube’s biggest advantage over traditional mobile hotspots, which generally suffer from relatively short range WiFi radios.

Pricing

Three offers two options for Web Cube data packages. If you’re willing to commit, you can get 15GB of data per month on a two year £15.99 agreement, and pay nothing upfront for the modem itself. Those feeling more flighty can opt for a £15 month-to-month package, getting them 10GB of data instead; they’ll also have to pay £59.99 for the Web Cube.

There’s no unlimited data option, however, and Three tells us the target audience wouldn’t really want it, though we’re not so sure that’s actually the case.

Wrap-Up

It’s easy to be dismissive of the Web Cube, at least at first glance. Three’s HSPA+ can deliver reasonably speedy burst rates but still lags behind top-tier wired broadband connections, while you also miss out on the battery-powered portability of a traditional mobile hotspot. Unlike the carrier’s own WiFi Hub – which shares a USB modem’s connection over WiFi – you don’t get wired ethernet either, and the Web Cube is even larger.

Where the Web Cube begins to show merit is in its ease of setup and WiFi performance. Ignore the advanced settings – as most users will – and you can be up and running moments after plugging in. It’s portable enough that you can take it on holiday with you, and the data plans, while missing an unlimited option, are probably enough for casual users. The dramatically stronger WiFi range than a battery-powered hotspot singles the Web Cube out for semi-fixed usage too.

Definitely a niche gadget, then, but if you fit the target demographic then there’s plenty of appeal. We can see the Web Cube being ideal for broadband-shy grandparents or catering to a temporary office; it’d make a good backup option if your home broadband goes down. More advanced users will undoubtedly be able to find cheaper ways to share out a 3G connection, but if simplicity is your guiding star then the Web Cube will take some beating.

A WiFi SSID and encryption password are preset, and once you plug the Web Cube into the mains it automatically starts sharing its HSPA+ connection. Up to five wireless clients can be connected at any one time, and the range is around 30 feet.

Three says 2-5Mbps download speeds should be typical, though suggests peaks of up to 10Mbps could be achieved. Two packages will be offered, a month-to-month option at £15 with a £59.99 upfront hardware charge and 10GB of data, and a 24-month agreement for £15.99 per month with no upfront charge and 15GB of data.

The carrier is targeting students, renters, those who frequently move and people who don’t want the hassle of a landline for traditional wired broadband, though we can see the data cap being a potential issue if the Web Cube is your sole connection. Three intends to trial the modem in Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh before a broader roll-out across the UK this year.

CDs and DVDs with data stored on them should be accessible as well, though installing a program from a disc might not. You can also connect a USB hard drive for network attached storage, which becomes accessible to anyone accessing the WiFi signal. The usual collection of security and in-browser management options are included with the SMART Hub, though unfortunately it lacks a battery, so you’ll have to position it near a power outlet. There is no Blu-ray support.

Streaming to smartphones and tablets is possible through an app that connects with Samsung’s AllShare service, and automates the backup of photos and other data. The app will be available for both Android and iOS, according to a Samsung representative. No pricing or availability details were available at CES.

Vizio claims all of the new desktops and notebooks will run “a clean system image optimized by Microsoft” and, while the company’s TVs are primarily known for their budget pricing, it seems this time around it’s targeting a somewhat more refined niche. “Our new line of VIZIO PCs are truly high quality and consumer focused,” CTO Matt McRae insists, ”delivering enhanced multimedia capabilities while upholding our high standards of performance, style and design.”

The new range consists of two all-in-one desktops, one 24-inch and one 27-inch, together with a 15.6-inch regular notebook and two ultraportables, one 14-inch and one 15.6-inch. There’s also a dual-band, gigabit wireless router in the pipeline.

We’ll be digging for some hard specifications when we catch up with Vizio at CES this week, but the deciding factor is likely to be pricing. More details on Vizio’s vision in the videos below.

Hardware

This isn’t your regular router: at 93 x 70 x 25 mm it’s a palm-sized glossy black plastic box sitting on four grippy rubber feet. Bigger than a regular mobile hotspot, but the upshot is connectivity: as well as sharing out your USB modem’s connection with up to five WiFi devices, it has a pair of 10/100 ethernet ports on the back for wired devices too. That’s useful if you’re trying to share your connection in a WiFi-saturated environment, where wireless links can often become unstable.

On top is a rotating USB port for your modem, as well as four indicator LEDs for power, WLAN, PPP and WPS status. The back offers two buttons – WPS for easy connections with Windows-based computers, along with power – the two ethernet ports, each with activity LEDs, and a DC power input.

Unfortunately there’s no internal battery for true portable use, so you’ll have to find space in your bag for the included AC adapter. That’s frustratingly bulkier than the Hub itself; ZTE really needs to learn a lesson from the ultra-compact wall warts supplied with recent handsets from Nokia, HTC and Apple.

Software

Unlike USB modems, which generally require an app be installed on your laptop, it’s possible to use the WiFi Hub without any software bother whatsoever. Once your modem is in place and the connection has stabilized, it’s a simple matter of searching for the preset SSID on your tablet/laptop/phone/console and punching in the PIN, both of which are printed on the bottom of the Hub itself. Wired connections are even easier: just plug in your ethernet cable.

ZTE ships the Hub preconfigured to use WEP security, the weakest option but the one with the broadest compatibility. Most users will want to step up to WPA or, preferably, WPA2, (though a fully open WiFi connection is also possible) and that requires logging into the browser-based settings page. That’s found at 192.168.1.1 and logging in with the default username and password (which can be easily changed).

There’s actually a fair range of options available, if you’re of the tinkering mindset. The basics – SSID and security – can be altered, as well as the APN settings for the USB modem, DHCP settings for automatically assigning IP addresses, MAC and IP filtering, URL filtering to limit which sites can be connected to, and port forwarding. There’s also a firewall, with optional DMZ bypass.

Obviously it’s up to the user how deeply they dig through the settings; it’s possible to treat the WiFi Hub as plug-and-play, or get pretty granular with your control.

Performance

We saw no difference in download speeds from Three’s normal performance when using the WiFi Hub, though being able to position the modem near a window meant we could hunt down the best signal at any one time. WiFi range proved sufficient to cover our (admittedly bijou) London flat, with two solid wood doors in-between, with maximum strength showing in OS X.

Unfortunately, our attempts to get the WiFi Hub working with USB modems from other providers than Three failed, even when the modem was unlocked. The settings page refused to recognize that a modem was plugged in, and no connection was automatically made. Three tells us that other operators’ modems should work, but obviously won’t help you out if – like us – you can’t get the Hub to recognize them. It would also be useful if you could plug a wired WAN connection, such as in a hotel room, into one of the ethernet ports, and share it with the Hub.

Wrap-Up

There’s no denying the Three WiFi Hub works, nor that it’s useful. The wireless connection is solid, and the two ethernet ports are a particular bonus over regular mobile hotspots. Ease of use – with a Three USB modem – is another strength, though we wish ZTE had opted for better security with WPA2 by default.

Unfortunately the absence of a battery – even to just power wireless use – significantly limits the usefulness of the WiFi Hub when on the move. Forget dropping it onto the table at your nearest coffee shop or in an airport lounge and getting online in seconds: you need to make sure there’s a power point nearby. For hotel rooms or spur-of-the-moment meeting room connections that shouldn’t be too great a drawback, however.

That power limitation, compounded by the unnecessarily chunky AC adapter, are our main criticisms of the Three WiFi Hub. Those with modems from other providers should also be wary, as compatibility isn’t assured and you’re on your own to figure out any problems. Still, at £39.99, if you’re a Three data modem user who blanches at hotel and conference wireless fees and has enough bag space for the power adapter, the WiFi Hub makes an inexpensive way to get multiple people online.

The router has a faster processor inside for speedier downloads from a USB connected storage device. It also has better access speeds to devices on the network using the 2.4GHz band with 450mbps access. The 5GHz band offers the same 450Mbps access. This means that streaming HD video around the network will be smoother and faster no matter the band you are on.

The new CPU is a 1.2GHz unit. One of the big new features is app access from a mobile device, including the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as well as Android devices using an app. The app is called Cisco Connect Express. You can log into the admin area of the router using the mobile app to change settings on the network when needed. The new router is available now for $199.99.

The wireless router portion supports 802.11n speeds up to 300 mbps and is backwards compatible with older WiFi specifications as well. The router is IPv6 ready and has a number of security and speed enhancements over older products in the line. The router has WPA/WPA2 and WEP data encryption. It also has four fast Ethernet ports to connect to local computers.

The router also has TR-069 management support and is compatible with any ISP according to D-Link. Other security features include SPI, a hacker attack log that inspect packets before they come in, and protection against DoS attacks. The new modem is available right now for $79.99 online and in stores.

The SmartBeam works by continually surveying the signal strength of your wireless network’s connected devices. Featuring the SmartBeam technology, the DIR-645 Wireless N Router will be able to detect and deliver concentrated signals to where you most need it. It is an ideal solution for households that stream HD movies and games, where you don’t want to worry about interrupted downloads. It’s also great for connecting multiple devices with a strong and consistent signal whether they are up in the loft or down in the basement.

D-Link’s new Wireless N DIR-657 HD Media Router is optimized for streaming HD movies and games. It has built-in DLNA support, meaning you can easily connect a USB hard drive for the router to start streaming music, movies, pictures, and more onto a compatible media player, such as a Boxee Box. It also offers an SD memory card slot.

Pricing for the DIR-645 Wireless N Router with SmartBeam starts at a RRP of £79.99 or about $109. The DIR-657 Wireless N HD Media Router is priced at a RRP of £89.99 or about $122. More specs for each router is shown below.

DIR-645 Wireless N Router with SmartBeam Technology:

· 300 Mbps Wireless N
· Improved coverage with SmartBeam™ technology
· Gigabit ports for the fastest wired speeds
· Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to encrypt a wireless network at the touch of a button
· SharePort™ to share printers, USB hard drives on a home network
· D-Link Green: power-saving technology
· IPv6 ready for the future Internet standard

DIR-657 Wireless N HD Media Router

· 300 Mbps Wireless N
· Gigabit ports for the fastest wired speeds
· SD Card slot to share files and media over the network
· Built-in DLNA certified Media Server
· Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to encrypt a wireless network at the touch of a button
· Free Dynamic Parental Control to filter web content by category
· SharePort™ Plus to share printers, USB hard drives, or a 3G data connection
· IPv6 ready for the future Internet standard
· D-Link Green: power-saving technology

Hardware

Slim and tall is Netgear’s design language right now, with the WNDR4500 a sleekly designed monolith with an integrated transparent plastic stand. Despite the small footprint, it proved stable even with six chunky Cat6 cables hanging off the four gigabit ethernet ports at the back. They share space with a pair of USB 2.0 ports – Netgear tells us this was a performance consideration, rather than USB 3.0 – a gigabit WAN port, power, recessed reset hole and physical power switch.

There’s no shortage of indicator lights, either. Running down the front panel are LEDs for power, internet, 2.4GHz and 5GHz status, along with individual lights for each of the ethernet ports and each USB port. Up top are buttons for WPS and wireless.

The WNDR4500 has a small fan to keep things cool, but it’s a very quiet example. Nonetheless, it does the job well: operating temperature is cool to the touch, and you can barely feel a small amount of warm air coming out of the vents on the top and bottom of the router. The chunky power brick has the same footprint as a smartphone, though is obviously thicker.

Software

Initial setup is straightforward. Netgear prints a default SSID and wireless encryption key on the WNDR4500′s box, and there’s a simple wizard that guides you through the whole process. Netgear offers two different ways of accessing the router: those familiar with networking tech can go the regular way, and log into the WNDR4500′s browser-based interface, while those who’d prefer a little hand-holding can run Netgear Genie.

Genie is a locally-running app that shows the current status of the network in an easily-understood map layout, as well as offering user-friendly controls to restore a lost connection and do other basic tasks. In Q4, Netgear tells us, there’ll be iOS and Android versions of the app, while in the pipeline is more advanced functionality such as indicators of actual performance between the router and each device connected to it. At that point we can see more proficient users actually choosing to install Genie, though at present it’s definitely targeted at the novice home audience.

The two USB 2.0 ports can be used for either printer sharing or hard-drive sharing. Netgear has implemented USBoIP (USB over IP) rather than install a default bundle of printer drivers on the WNDR4500 itself: that means any printer plugged into the router should show up on your computer as if it was locally connected. The upside is that you’re not reliant on generic drivers, and can instead use those that actually came with your printer.

NAS functionality is a little more complex. Each port has enough bus power to drive a 2.5-inch external HDD, and once connected the Network/Device Name shows up as a shared network drive on computers using the router. Alternatively, there’s DLNA support, so compatible consoles like the PS3 see the drives as a source of streaming media.

While the WNDR4500 handled FAT32 and NTFS drives with no problems, HFS and exFAT proved beyond its abilities: the HDDs simply would not mount. You also don’t get the same sort of granular access control as you would on a dedicated NAS. For instance, if you want to share content via DLNA, the read/write access control must be left turned off; that means DLNA content is then not secured for FTP/HTTP remote access.

Similarly, while you can create folders and assign read/write access to them, we were unable to find a way to selectively assign login privileges to individual shares. Instead, we were left using the same admin login, rather than being able to create a set of new users with partial privileges.

Finally, there are parental controls. These use a continuously updated list of banned sites, with various levels of filtering depending on what sort of content you want to block. There’s no per-device filtration – you can’t, say, block adult content on your kid’s iPad, but allow all content through to your own – with a user ID-based login system instead to bypass the restrictions.

Performance

Netgear is boasting greater ranges and faster speeds from the WNDR4500, with up to 450 Mbps rates supported. The company also says its done some clever work with its 3×3 antenna array so as to provide more coverage in the 5GHz band.

In our tests with 2.4GHz connections, from 5 feet away from the router and no blocks in-between we were able to get 59.59 Mbps average TCP throughput. Moving to 20 feet away, with one wall in-between, that dipped to 55.23 Mbps. At 35 feet away, with two walls in-between, it fell to 45.74 Mbps.

So far so good, though wired performance proved more troublesome than wireless. During our testing, wired devices continuously lost their connection; sometimes they would automatically reconnect, while other times they demanded that we unplug the device or, worse still, reset the router itself. This is presumably something Netgear can address with firmware updates, but as it stands it can be a frustrating experience.

Wrap-Up

There’s plenty to like about the Netgear WNDR4500. It’s compact and neatly designed, and the setup process is tremendously straightforward. Right now, Netgear’s Genie app is of more interest to novice users, but if the company can deliver on the upgrades it has told us about, it may prove its worth to the more technically-minded.

Wireless performance proved stable and connection speeds good, and – for basic file sharing and streaming, at least – the USB ports are useful. Those with more ambitious storage requirements should still look to a dedicated NAS, however, which will deliver more control over who can access what, and from where. Wired performance, unfortunately, was less successful; it could have been our test setup – a mixture of Windows and OS X machines – but the frequent dropped connections left us less than impressed with the WNDR4500.

That’s a shame, since as an all-round package there’s a lot of appeal. $179.99 puts it at the premium end for home networking, but you’re getting a broad range of functionality for your money. In the end, though, it’s the great wireless performance that most home users will appreciate, and we can’t fault the Netgear WNDR4500 there.

The new AirPort Extreme SKU comes with an AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows, WirelessAirPort Disk Utility for Windows, and a copy of Bonjour for Windows. If that doesn’t exactly sound compelling to you, then we can’t exactly blame you; we’re hardly overjoyed by a couple of apps either.

Otherwise it’s business as usual for the AirPort Extreme itself, so WiFi a/b/g/n with simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support, three gigabit ethernet ports, a gigabit WAN port for your cable or DSL modem, and a USB port for hooking up external storage or a printer and sharing them across the network. It’s available now, priced at $179.

They each have a gigabit WAN port, too, for hooking up to your cable or DSL modem, along with three gigabit ethernet ports for wired computers. A USB port allows you to hook up external storage or a printer, and share it across the network.

Other specifications are broadly in-line with the first-gen Time Capsule. You get native Time Machine support for backing up your Macs, along with MAC address filtering, NAS firewall, and WEP/WPA/WP2 wireless encryption. There’s also support for time-based access control, to allow guests temporary access to your network.

So, no integrated iCloud functionality, unless Apple has some surprises up its sleeve when iSO 5 arrives. Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the new models.

Update: Ouch. The 2TB model is $299, while the 3TB model is a whopping $499. Both ship within 24hrs.

The D600 packs in a dual band Gigabit ADSL2+ modem router with a pair of USB ports and installation that tends no CDs. The device also has an Ethernet WAN option for fiber or cable broadband access too. The big feature of the device is that it is the first router with a dual-core processor. Netgear claims that the dual-core processor allows for fast response time when running intense applications at the same time.

The WiFi router portion of the N600 is an 802.11n dual-band offering with 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The router also has Netgear ReadyShare tech inside with a pair of USB ports to turn external HDDs into shared storage for the network. It can stream video or music form the HDDs too. The router is available right now globally at a MSRP of $199.99.

[via Netgear]

I have never really thought about how hot my router gets or why I should worry about my router getting hot. It looks like some sort of shape charge that a Navy Seal would use to blow a door open. It has two padded bars on top that you can set your hardware on for cooling. It will work with anything you can set on the top from portable hard drives to tablets and anything else. I guess you could even set your notebook up there to keep it cool.

When you use it on your router, the side clamps can clip onto your router to keep the Dr. Cool in place and allow you to keep that router nice and frosty. The Dr. Cool is a white device and Evercool claims that it will extend the life of your router by keeping it cooler. The device is powered by a USB port or a DC power transformer. Pricing is unknown and you can see it in action on the video below.

The E3200 and E2500 both support simultaneous 2.4/5.0 GHz use as well, with the E3200 having 2×3 and the E2500 having 2×2 antennas. Only the E3200 gets gigabit ethernet and a USB port; the E2500 makes do with four 10/100 ports. The E1500 and E1200 bring up the rear, finally, with single 2.4GHz support and four 10/100 ethernet. Full specs in the gallery below.

Prices of the switches, meanwhile, range from $29.99 to $74.99. The cheapest is the SE1500, with five 10/100 ports, while the SE2500 has five gigabit ports and the SE2800 has eight gigabit ports. Again, specs in the gallery below. All new models are available from today.

Press Release:

Cisco Announces Next-Generation Linksys Wireless Routers and Switches

Home Wireless Leader Unveils Sleek New Design with Unmatched Performance for Premium Video, Gaming, and Entertainment Experiences

San Francisco, CA April 5, 2011 – Cisco® today continued its legacy of leadership in home networking with the launch of its new Linksys® E-Series family − a complete suite of powerful and easy-to-use next-generation wireless-n routers and switches. With sales of wireless-enabled products such as tablets and game consoles steadily growing and Internet video usage exploding, consumers are seeking greater performance, reliability and simplicity from their home wireless networks. The new Linksys wireless–n routers and switches, available today, offer a complete range of options that set a new standard for speed, range, and ease-of-use, while also sporting a visually-appealing new design.

The new Linksys E-Series lineup includes five routers, each with the latest technology in home wireless for a multitude of home entertainment experiences. The new routers not only provide the performance needed for today’s connected home, but also help to future-proof for new and emerging media technologies that are gaining traction with consumers, such as Internet-enabled TVs and Cisco’s ūmi telepresence. Designed with faster speeds (up to 450 Mbps*), other key features for select routers in the line include a 3×3 spatial stream configuration for improved coverage, external power amplifiers to maintain signal strength over a greater distance and reduce dead spots, and virtual USB technology** to connect USB printers, storage and devices to the network. The full line also boasts a new industrial design that combines sleek contours and advanced functionality − recently earning the prestigious 2011 Red Dot Product Design Award for product design, innovation and quality.

“With more than 70 million routers sold, Linksys brings a decade of leadership and innovation to create products that consumers trust for the best wireless quality, performance and experience,” said Simon Fleming-Wood, vice president of marketing, Cisco Consumer Products. “Our new Linksys line offers an array of solutions for the needs of today’s home networking consumer – from basic Internet surfing to video and music streaming, to gaming.”
According to industry research group IDC, only 39% of US homes have wireless, while only 11% are using wireless-n technology. Over the next five years wireless-n adoption is expected to nearly double due to the growth of wireless connected devices such as tablets, smartphones, and Internet-enabled TVs that require the latest wireless technology for optimal performance. (IDC, Worldwide Home Networking 2010-2014 Forecast Update, Doc.# 225479, Nov. 2010)

Cisco Connect Software Enables Easy Setup and Network Management
Each of the Linksys E-series routers include the acclaimed Cisco Connect software that makes it easy for consumers to set up and manage their wireless home network effortlessly. Unlike other wireless products that require 20 to 30 complicated steps to set up a single computer, Cisco Connect takes you through three simple steps from start to finish. The included Cisco Connect software makes it easy to: 1) add additional devices to the network, 2) set parental controls, 3) provide Internet access for guests on a separate guest network and 4) customize personal security settings such as passwords. Advanced users can also configure and manage their routers via the web browser.

The new routers feature the latest version of Cisco Connect, which now includes an Internet Speed Test that can check the bandwidth and speed of a user’s Internet connection.

New Switches Enable Easy Network Expansion and Power Saving Modes
The three new Linksys switches enable faster and simpler wired connections. New features include plug and play of Ethernet-enabled devices, Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization, auto-sensing ports, and power saving features.

Pricing and Availability
There are eight new products in the Linksys family — five routers and three switches. The suggested retail prices for the routers range from $59.99 to $179.99. Prices of the switches range from $29.99 to $74.99. The full line of Linksys routers and switches are available starting today at retailers nationwide or by visiting the Linksys website at www.linksys.com/store.

Linksys SE1500 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch
• Instantly add up to 5 office and entertainment devices to expand your home network without any configuration required.
o Performance:
• 5 Ethernet ports allow you to connect multiple devices with optimum speed.
• Wired connection speed up to 100 Mbps
• Cable connect detection saves power by automatically powering down any unused ports.
o Features:
• Quality of Service traffic prioritizing technology delivers high performance allowing smooth video streaming and gaming.
• Auto-sensing ports automatically optimize speed for each connected device.
• LED status lights on each port
o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $29.99 MSRP.

Linksys SE2500 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
• Instantly add up to 5 office and entertainment devices such as HDTV’s, game consoles, media players, and more with the benefits of Gigabit speeds and without any configuration required.
o Performance:
• 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect multiple devices with improved speed up to 10x faster than standard Ethernet.
• Wired connection speed up to 1000 Mbps
• Cable connect detection saves power by automatically powering down any unused ports.
o Features:
• Auto-sensing ports automatically optimize speed for each connected device.
• LED status lights on each port controlled by port status switch.
• Quality of Service traffic prioritizing technology delivers high performance allowing smooth video streaming and gaming.
• Cable connect detection automatically calibrates the minimum amount of power necessary while maintaining performance according to your cable length.
• Smart Power technology automatically calibrates the minimum amount of power necessary while maintaining performance according to your cable length.
• Cable connect detection saves power by automatically powering down any unused ports or go into sleep mode if all ports are inactive.
o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $54.99 MSRP.

Linksys SE2800 Switches 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
• Instantly add up to 8 office and entertainment devices with the benefits of Gigabit speed to maximize gaming, video streaming, and file and media sharing- all without any configuration required.
o Performance:
• 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports improve speed up to 10x faster than standard Ethernet perfect for quick file and media sharing between Gigabit devices.
• Wired connection speed up to 1000 Mbps
• Cable connect detection saves power by automatically powering down any unused ports.
o Features:
• Auto-sensing ports automatically optimize speed for each connected device.
• LED status lights on each port controlled by port status switch.
• Quality of Service traffic prioritizing technology delivers high performance allowing smooth video streaming and gaming.
• Cable connect detection automatically calibrates the minimum amount of power necessary while maintaining performance according to your cable length.
• Smart Power technology automatically calibrates the minimum amount of power necessary while maintaining performance according to your cable length.
• Cable connect detection saves power by automatically powering down any unused ports or go into sleep mode if all ports are inactive.
o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $74.99 MSRP.

Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router

The E4200 is the highest performing router on the market for the home that is ideal for the most intensive and busiest of home networking. The E4200 is ideal for high bandwidth devices such as Internet enabled TV s and game consoles. While also incorporate VoIP devices, smart phones, VoIP devices, multiple computers, e-readers, iPads, portable game stations, and much more. This router is the highest performing and best equipped to handle a home network that does it all.
• E4200 has:
o Performance:
• Dual Band (2.4 and 5.0 GHz)
• Maximum performance up to 300 Mbps* (2.4) and up to 450 Mbps* (5.0)
• Equipped with off-chip High Power amplifiers in 2.4 and 5.0 bands
• 4 Gigabit ports
• 6 antennas for maximum range
• 3X3 internal MIMO special stream configuration on the 5.0 GHz band for ideal performance for streaming HD videos, gaming and voice

o Features:
• Quality of Service for prioritizing bandwidth for movies, voice or music
• UPNP server for adding on storage to serve your internet enabled TVs or media server PCs
• Virtual USB port for easily adding storage and printers
• Supports latest IPV6 protocol via a free firmware download planned for late April.
• New design – winner of 2011 Red Dot Product Design Award

o Software:
• Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and SPI Firewall
• Cisco Connect software for enabling three step setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) plus optional advanced settings.

o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $179.99 MSRP.

Linksys E3200 High Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router

The E3200 is a powerful home wireless-n Dual Band router optimized for video, music, and multiplayer gaming.
• E3200 Highlights:
o Performance:
• Dual Band (2.4 and 5.0 GHz)
• Maximum performance up to 300 Mbps* (2.4) and up to 300 Mbps* (5.0 GHz)
• Equipped with off-chip High Power amplifiers in 2.4 and 5.0 bands
• 6 antennas for maximum range
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for quick file sharing
• Virtual USB port for easily adding storage, printers, and other devices
• 2X3 internal MIMO special stream configuration ideal for printing wirelessly, connecting to multiple devices, transferring and downloading large files, and streaming multimedia and gaming.

o Features:
• Dual-band designed to avoid interference and maximize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.
• Connect computers, internet-ready TV’s, game consoles, media players and more to your network.
• Quality of Service traffic prioritizing technology allows for efficient time-sensitive trafficking allowing fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, gaming, and VoIP.
• Virtual USB port for easily adding storage and printers
• IPV6 Support is planned to be available by fall via free firmware download.
• New design

o Software:
• Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and SPI Firewall
• Cisco Connect software for enabling three step setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) plus optional advanced settings.

o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $149.99 MSRP.

Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band Wireless-N Router

The E2500 is a powerful wireless-n Dual-Band router at $99 that is ideal for larger homes and offices and allows you double the capacity for surfing the Internet, streaming multimedia, and running applications simultaneously.

• E2500 has:
o Performance:
• Dual Band (2.4 and 5.0 GHz)
• Maximum performance up to 300 Mbps* (2.4) and up to 300 Mbps* (5.0 GHz)
• Equipped with on-chip amplifiers in 2.4 and 5.0 bands
• 4 antennas for increased range
• 2X2 internal MIMO special stream configuration ideal for printing wirelessly, connecting to multiple devices, transferring and downloading large files, and streaming multimedia and gaming.
o Features:
• Dual-band designed to avoid interference and maximize throughput for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and wireless gaming.
• Connect computers, internet-ready TV’s, game consoles, media players and more.
• Quality of Service traffic prioritizing technology allows for efficient time-sensitive trafficking allowing fast downloads, smooth video and music streaming, gaming, and VoIP.
• IPV6 Support is planned to be available by fall via free firmware download.
• New design

o Software:
• Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and SPI Firewall
• Cisco Connect software for enabling three step setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) plus optional advanced settings.

o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $99.99 MSRP.

Linksys E1500 Wireless-N Router with SpeedBoost

The E1500 is a powerful home wireless-n router that will connect you in minutes with optimal speed and coverage. It is ideal for moderate-sized homes and the SpeedBoost technology promotes strong signal strength over greater distances for surfing the web, emailing, printing wirelessly, transferring and downloading large files, and connecting to multiple devices. Users will also experience speed and reliability while being protected with features like guest access and parental controls.

• E1500 has:
o Performance:
• 2.4 GHz band
• High speed up to 300 Mbps*
• Equipped with off-chip amplifiers
• 3 internal antennas
• 4 Ethernet ports
• 2X3 internal MIMO special stream configuration

o Features:
• IPV6 Support is planned to be available by fall via free firmware download.
• New design

o Software:
• Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and SPI Firewall
• Cisco Connect software for enabling three step setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) plus optional advanced settings.

o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $79.99 MSRP.

Linksys E1200 Wireless-N Router

• The E1200 is a powerful wireless-n router for the home that allows for dependable everyday activity performance. With its fast speed and reliable wireless coverage, it is ideal for standard sized homes, apartments, and dorms. With Cisco Connect software users can easily connect to multiple devices, manage kids internet access with parental controls ad provide simple guest access.

E1200 has:
o Performance:
• 802.11n 2.4 GHz band
• Maximum performance up to 300 Mbps*
• Equipped with on-chip amplifiers
• 2 internal antennas with MIMO technology to promote broad coverage
• 2X2 internal MIMO special stream configuration ideal for surfing the web, emailing, printing wirelessly, and connecting to multiple devices.

o Features:
• New next generation home networking design
• Support for IPV6 is planned to be available by fall.

o Software:
• Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and SPI Firewall
• Cisco Connect software for enabling three step setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) plus optional advanced settings.

o Available:
• Starting at all major retail and online etailers on April 5
• $59.99 MSRP.

As well as the DHP-1320, D-Link is also offering a PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch (DHP-346AV) for $99.99, a PowerLine AV Wireless N Extender (DHP-W306AV) for $119.99, and a PowerLine AV Network Starter Kit (DHP-307AV) for $139.99. However, the system is compatible with any HomePlug AV kit, so it should fit in with other manufacturers’ offerings too.

The D-Link DHL-1320 will be available from today, priced at $129.99.

Press Release:

D-Link® Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router Now Available

200 Mbps Combination Wi-Fi and PowerLine Router, Along with PowerLine Adapters and Switches, Enable Consumers to Work, Play, View, and Share Anywhere in the Home

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – March 2, 2011 – D-Link® today announced its Wireless-N PowerLine Router (DHP-1320), a combination networking solution for extending wired and wireless home networks throughout the house by tapping into a home’s electrical wiring, is now available. This combination IPv6-ready network solution merges PowerLine 200 Mbps technology with a Wireless-N router and Ethernet ports, offering consumers two connectivity options to extend home network coverage and enjoy high-bandwidth applications, including HD video content, multimedia, VoIP calls, and more.

“As the amount of high-bandwidth Internet-based content viewed and shared in today’s homes continues to grow exponentially, superior network coverage is essential,” said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “With this combination router and D-Link’s line of PowerLine accessory products, we’re able to provide consumers with a simple way to extend their networks into ‘dead zones’ where wireless coverage has previously been limited or spotty, such as a basement, an upstairs bedroom, or other hard to reach locations.”

Wired and Wireless Network Coverage Anywhere in the Home
The DHP-1320 extends wired and wireless networks to all devices in the home with optimal speed and bandwidth for a range of HD video-on-demand, gaming and other applications. Essentially turning a home’s existing electrical system into an Ethernet network, PowerLine’s extended coverage can be obtained without any drilling, difficult installation or messy cables. Simply plug the DHP-1320 into an electrical outlet and the technology distributes broadband to Internet-connected devices both wirelessly and through the electrical wiring in a home. D-Link® PowerLine adapters then plug into outlets anywhere in the home to extend wired coverage to additional rooms and devices where coverage is limited.

The DHP-1320 also provides IPv6 support, enabling consumers to future-proof their home networks for the next-generation of the Internet, ensuring connectivity with new wireless devices for years to come.

Additional features of the Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router (DHP-1320) include:
· HomePlug AV certified with up to 200Mbps throughput

· Wireless N 300

· 3-Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports

· Wi-Fi® Protected Setup™ (WPS) for Simple Push-Button Wireless Network Configuration

· Atheros Hy-Fi™ technology expands coverage, improves performance and simplifies network set up and management

· Built-in QoS Engine Enhances Internet Experience

· Supports Secure Wireless Encryption Using WPA™ or WPA2™

· Supports 128-bit AES Encryption For PowerLine Network Security

· PowerLine Sync Connection (ENY) Button

· Plug & Play Installation

Also shipping are a number of 200 Mbps PowerLine accessory products, including the PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch, Wireless N Extender, and Network Starter Kit. Combining these products with the DHP-1320 allows consumer to create the ultimate wired and wireless home network.

Availability and Pricing
The DHP-1320 Hybrid Wireless-N PowerLine Router is now available throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com, with an MSRP of $129.99.

The following 200 Mbps PowerLine products are also now available:
· PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch (DHP-346AV); $99.99

· PowerLine AV Wireless N Extender (DHP-W306AV); $119.99

· PowerLine AV Network Starter Kit (DHP-307AV); $139.99

The N300 is an ADSL2+ modem and router in one and has 802.11n WiFi networking that uses DSL wired connection and has a 3G modem backup with a plug in USB modem for when your DSL goes down. If your DSL is anything like mine it goes down way more than you want it to. The failover to 3G is done automatically and as soon as DSL is restored, the 3G is switched back off.

The N300 has SPI, VPN pass through, DoS protection and more. It monitors the broadband usage of the network and allows for separate guest accounts. It also supports OpenDNS filtering and security. The router is available in stores and online right now for $179.99.

The new router for the business market has 802.11n WiFi inside for a fast wireless network and allows the sharing of UMTS/HSPA+ wireless data with multiple computers on a network. Lancom says that the router is perfect for remote offices where fixed line access isn’t offered or for temporary use in the field.

The router has five VPN channels standard and can have up to 25 VPN channels as an option. The router operates as a central IPSec tunnel and has VRRP facilities. The wireless side has multiple security formats with WPA, WPA2, and VPN. It also has a gigabit Ethernet port to connect an external modem. The router will sell for 749 eur starting this month.

Hardware

At 4.11 x 3.1 x 1.02 inches and 5.33 oz the ZyXEL MWR211 is a bigger block than most MiFi mobile hotspots, despite not actually having a 3G/4G modem built in. What you do get is WiFi b/g/n with support for WEP/WPA/WPA2 and WPS, an ethernet port and an integrated 3,000 mAh battery which ZyXEL reckon is good for up to 2hrs of standalone runtime.

Setup is straightforward, but also more flexible than with a regular mobile hotspot. You can either plug in a USB modem – ZyXEL has a list of compatible models – and use that to get online, or you can plug in a regular wired internet connection and share that via WiFi instead. If you use a USB modem then the ethernet WWAN port can be used to connect a wired device instead (ZyXel also make a larger version, the MWR222, with two USB and two ethernet ports).

What that means is that the MWR211 can not only share out your USB dongle’s connection but allow more than one device to access hotel internet service. There’s also a physical WiFi switch (as well as a physical power switch) allowing you to turn the wireless off altogether and solely use the ethernet port. As with a regular router there’s MAC filtering, port forwarding, VPN support and a NAT firewall; you also get data usage monitoring, with user-assignable alerts to let you know if you’re nearing your monthly allowance, together with prioritized bandwidth (so that, say, VoIP traffic is treated as more important than gaming traffic) and even the ability to assign bandwidth limits by IP address or for clients hooked up to the ethernet port. Unlike most mobile hotspots there’s no artificial limits on WiFi clients, either, so assuming you have sufficient bandwidth you can share it with as many devices as you like.

Performance

Plugging in a modem got us online straight away, with the default SSID and password easily changed through the web interface. We tried a number of different USB modems from various carriers and had no problems at all; similarly, having plugged in a wired connection from our router, we were able to share that connection as well. A simple row of LEDs show USB, ethernet, WiFi, WPS, battery and power status; although a display of some sort would be preferable, the browser-based control panel served its purpose.

Speed was obviously dependent on the 3G or 4G network we hooked up, though we noticed no difference in performance whether we were using the USB modem directly or connected via the ZyXEL. Battery life, meanwhile, fell in line with the company’s estimates, which means you’re getting around half the time most mobile hotspots with integrated modems promise. An AC adapter is bundled for recharging or using the MWR211 in a fixed position, and we had no issues with overheating.

Wrap-Up

A dedicated mobile hotspot or a hotspot app on your phone is always going to be more elegant than the ZyXEL; with a USB modem hanging off the back, and given its physical heft, this isn’t a device that slips comfortably into a shirt pocket, for instance. Still, what you lose in discretion you gain in flexibility. Being able to pick and choose between multiple networks depending on the coverage and data plan pricing of each is a real advantage, especially if you’re travelling and want to get online with a local data stick or make the most of a hotel connection. USB modems also tend to be cheaper than their hotspot counterparts, though obviously there’s the price of the MWR211 to take into account as well; ZyXEL given an RRP of $114.99, but you can find the mobile router for around $85 online.

For pure mobility purposes the 2hr battery is underwhelming, though of course you can easily unplug the modem and hook it up to your notebook direct if you can’t find a power point. Most users will probably find mobile hotspot apps easier to handle, but for those who regularly travel or who juggle a few USB modems to cater for different areas of coverage, the ZyXEL MWR211 does a lot to warrant inclusion in your gadget bag.

There’s also a USB port for hooking up external storage or a printer and sharing that with the network, together with an on-board UPnP server for streamed music. Come the spring, Cisco expect to add IPv6 support to the E4200 too.

The Linksys E4200 is available now from Best Buy and Linksys direct, priced at $179.99; it’ll be available through other channels later in the year. All well and good, but with the number of network-ready devices proliferating, when are we going to see a home router with more than just four gigabit ethernet ports?

Press Release:

Cisco Supercharges Home Networking with New Linksys Maximum Performance Wireless Router

New Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Router with Innovative Design Gives Consumers the Speed and Range for the Ultimate Wireless Entertainment Experience

San Francisco, CA – Cisco today unveiled its best-in-class wireless home router – the Linksys® E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router. Designed for optimum home theater performance, the E4200 works seamlessly with the latest entertainment devices, including Internet TVs, iPad tablets, game consoles, smart phones, e-readers, and VoIP devices. This new router not only helps boost performance and range in the home, it provides industry-leading speed of up to 450 Mbps* for smooth streaming of video and music and uninterrupted gaming.

Building on the decade of leadership and innovation from Linksys, this latest state of the art router features simultaneous dual-band wireless-N, four gigabit ports, and a 3×3 antenna configuration that help give it unparalleled speed and range. Additionally, a combination of internal and external amplifiers coupled with six antennas help increase the signal strength across greater distances, providing improved home network coverage and reducing dead spots. The E4200 also features a next-generation industrial design that combines sleek contours with advanced functionality.

“Cisco’s Linksys line continues to lead the industry with innovative technology for the growing number of wireless-enabled homes”, said Simon Fleming-Wood, vice president of marketing, Cisco Consumer Products. “The new Linksys E4200 router is ideal for home entertainment enthusiasts who want to equip their homes with the latest wireless technology or anyone who wants the reassurance of outfitting their home with the best router on the market today.”
The research firm, IDC reports that worldwide shipments of wireless-N routers are expected to grow 158% from 2010 – 2014 and the number of household with multimedia networks will grow 103% over the same time period. (IDC, Worldwide Home Networking 2010-2014 Forecast Update, Doc.# 225479, Nov. 2010) These growth projections emphasize the need for high performance routers like the Linksys E4200 that will provide the speed and range connectivity throughout the home.

New Features for Storage, Sharing, and Simple Setup
The E4200’s new USB feature makes it easy to add external storage to the network and since it is an UPnP Media server as well, consumers can easily store, share and stream movies, music and games to other devices around the home. The USB port also has plans for converting to a Virtual USB port which will also enable printers to easily connect to the network so all users in the home can print wirelessly. The included Cisco Connect software continues to provide simple three-step setup and network management tools such as parental controls and guest access.

Product Details
Performance:
· Maximum performance of up to 300 Mbps (2.4) and up to 450 Mbps (5.0GHz)*
· Simultaneous dual-band (2.4 and 5.0 GHz) with four 10/100/100 gigabit ports
· 3X3 internal MIMO special stream configuration on the 5.0 Ghz band for ideal performance for streaming HD videos, gaming and voice
· Internal and external amplifiers for maximum speed at greater distances for added in-home mobility
· Six antennas for maximum range

Features:
· Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing bandwidth for movies, voice or music
· UPnP media server for adding on storage to serve your Internet-enabled TVs or media server PCs
· USB port for easily adding external storage drives
· New design

Software:
· Advanced security: WPA and WPA2 and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) Firewall
· Plans to support IPv6 in the spring
· Cisco Connect software for enabling simple setup, network management tools (parental controls, guest access) and optional advanced settings

Pricing and Availability:
The Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router is immediately available for an MSRP of $179.99 at Best Buy, Best Buy.com and the Linksys store at http://homestore.cisco.com. The E4200 will roll out to other retail and online retailers over the next few months.

For more information about Linksys and the E4200, please visit: http://home.cisco.com/4200

The dual band mode of the router allows the device to avoid interference from other wireless networks in the area and from other devices in the home or office. The router has 5GHz band along with the common 2.4GHz band.

The two bands can be used at the same time too with the user surfing the web on 2.4GHz and shooting HD video around the house with 5GHz band. The router uses MIMO tech to allow for a 60% longer range. It supports all sorts of wireless security like WEP, WPA, WPA2, and Mac filtering.

There’s also a single ethernet port for hooking up a wired computer, and a simple five LED signal strength gauge. What we’d really like to see is a WAN port for using the router with a cable/DSL modem, opening up the possibility of either coupling the bandwidth from two connections, or keeping the WiMAX as a fall-back should the hardline go down.

The CLEAR Modem with WiFi is available now, priced at $120 outright or $7 per month leased. It’s available with month-to-month or two-year agreements, with service plans starting at $35/month (plus tax); CLEAR Voice can be added for $15/month (plus tax).

The thing looks sort of like a vertically standing WiFi router with a VoIP handset sitting in a dock on the front. The device can act as an ADSL2+ modem and has a multiple antenna WiFi router inside, LAN connectivity, supports DECT handsets with HD VoIP, Bluetooth, and an optional battery back up all in one device.

The Bluetooth interface is really cool because it will also any device with Bluetooth to access the internet even if the device lacks WiFi support. If your web connection is critical to your home or office, the device also has a USB port for a backup connection using a 3G USB dongle. If you are using lots of VoIP with the MP-252, it also has PBX capabilities. A UPnP AV Media Server for streaming content around the local network is optional. Pricing and availability are unknown.

Instead it has a single ethernet port – for hooking up a wired computer – and WiFi to share out the 4G as you would with a regular wireless router.  There’s no indication of how many concurrent users can be wirelessly connected at any one time; the Rover Puck, for instance, can support eight, though of course a home router can handle many more than that.

No word from CLEAR as to when the new 4G WiFi router will arrive, nor what sort of price it will command.  The company currently sells two domestic/office WiMAX modems, each at $84.99, and enabling a single ethernet-connected computer to get online.

[via Wireless Goodness]

Huawei have also listened to user complaints about their first-gen version, and reworked the browser-based dashboard status page so that it can be accessed on Windows, Mac and Linux machines.  Previously only Windows-based computers could log in, which some found made setting up wireless security tricky.

There’s also a one-button startup, the ability to simultaneously charge the E585 while using it to share a connection, and a microSD card slot which we’re hoping can be accessed by all WiFi clients this time around.  No word on battery life – we’re guessing 3-4 hours – but the Huawei E585 will be available on Three next month, priced at £49.99 ($73) on pre-pay.

[via Recombu]

Press Release:

New ‘one-touch’ MiFi from Three

Three is pleased to announce the new ‘one-touch’ MiFi (Huawei E585) which has been developed in line with customer feedback following the launch of Mobile Wi Fi in 2009. The MiFi creates a personal Wi-Fi hot spot for up to five devices, such as iPads, laptops or handheld games consoles, giving you the flexibility of getting more than one device online when on the go.

The new model boasts a one button connection , an improved display and an online dashboard that works with any browser – features not available in the original model. The new look screen displays information like the amount of data used, speed of the current connection and length of browsing time.

“Connect devices need a strong 3G connection like ours, especially when you’re on the move. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our mobile internet offering. Following the launch of our first MiFi device, our customers asked for changes to made. We worked with Huawei to incorporate features like ‘one button to connect’, an improved screen and a great browser dashboard that works across Windows, Mac and Linux devices. We now have a device that customers will enjoy even more. ” said Mark Brewer, Head of Broadband Devices

Key features:

One button start-up
Advanced OLED screen
Browser based dashboard
Charge whilst in use
Available early July 2010 and priced at £ 49.99 on PAYG.

The mobile broadband connectivity is added to the G9 via a USB port that works with various networks. The device features an easy to use web GUI that can be accessed over-the-air for configuration. The device has multiple interfaces including four serial ports, dual Ethernet, and WiFi.

The router also supports VPN, firewall, DHCP, DNS, and NAT routing. Optional GPS receiver functionality is available. The router is aimed at the mobile and filed worker environments among other uses.

Sprint has made official the 4G Case, which is obviously designed for the Apple iPad. And, their product placement page goes as far as to actually show the iPad turned on and in the case proper. But, most importantly, it’s got a nice little pocket right there on the front face, with that WiFi symbol embroidered for good measure, where your Overdrive tucks perfectly into place.

You can actually get the case for free with the purchase of an Overdrive right now, from a participating Best Buy. That list includes 13 participating states: Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. So, if you’re not in any of those places, you probably shouldn’t bother. So, anyone out there going to hop down to their Best Buy and get your brand new iPad accessory?

[via Sprint]

Bill Kula, the spokesperson we just mentioned, Verizon is planning on releasing a home WiFi router that works with their FiOS fiber optic service. This new router will support the 802.11 b/g/n WiFi standard, which means you’ll be able to browse the Internet even faster than you already are. Good news for all those FiOS customers out there, we’d say.

Right now, the new broadband router is being internally tested, as Verizon aims to get it fully integrated with its current systems without a hitch for its debut in July or August of this year. And, if 802.11n wasn’t good enough for you, it’s also going to include a Gigabit Ethernet connection. Unfortunately, probably because it isn’t close enough to a release date, Kula couldn’t divulge the price for the new home router.

[via DSL Reports]

Video demos after the cut

Both Valet routers have 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi, with the Valet getting four 10/100 ethernet ports and the Valet Plus upgrading those to four gigabit ethernet ports.  The latter also promises increased wireless range over its entry-level sibling.  They’re available now, priced at $99.99 for the Valet and $149.99 for the Valet Plus; there’s also a $79.99 Valet Connector USB WiFi stick if your computer lacks integrated WiFi.

As for the Linksys E-Series, that’s an altogether more serious range, eschewing the Valet’s powder-blue colors for a more sober glossy black and blue scheme.  Four models are in the new line-up, kicking off with the basic E1000 ($79.99) with 2.4GHz WiFi-N and four 10/100 ethernet ports.  The E2000 ($119.99) and E3000 ($179.99) have 2.4GHz/5GHz (simultaneous use on the E3000) together with four gigabit ethernet ports; the E3000 also throws in UPnP media server functionality and triple the number of internal antennas for increased range.

Finally, the E2100L ($119.99) is Linksys’ enthusiast router, running a hackable Linux-based OS and having two external, detachable antennas.  It’s only 2.4GHz and has 10/100 ethernet ports, however, though there is a USB port for plugging in storage.  All the Linksys E-Series routers are available now.

Cisco Valet demo video:

Linksys E3000 demo video:

Press Release:

Cisco Launches New Linksys E-Series Routers

Line of Powerful Wireless-N Routers Provides Tech Enthusiasts with the Ultimate Customization and Control of their Home Networking Experience

March 31, 2010 – San Francisco, CA – Cisco today unveiled a new line of Linksys® wireless routers, designed to let its core audience of tech experts and enthusiasts take their home networking experience to the next level. The new, streamlined product lineup sets a new precedent for simplicity, power, and performance and makes it easy for consumers to find the right technology to fit their needs. The line also includes new Cisco Connect software, which gives users tools for easier customization and control of their home wireless experience.

“Linksys pioneered the first home router 10 years ago, and 50 million units later is the world’s leading provider of home wireless routers,” said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. “The new E-Series caters to Linksys’ core technology-minded consumer base, with a simplified product line-up that is ideal for today’s sophisticated home network user.”
Cisco Connect Software: Simple Setup with Advanced Capabilities
With the addition of the new Cisco Connect software, the new Linksys E-Series is designed to make it easier for users to customize and control their wireless network settings to match their preferences. With a quick and easy setup, the software auto-assigns the WPA security passkey and SSID. Once configured, users can use Cisco Connect to easily manage their wireless home network by: Adding multiple Internet-capable devices to the network
Setting parental controls for each computer or device
Giving visitors password-protected Internet access on a separate guest network
Customizing advanced settings and changing the network SSID and password

For the advanced user, Linksys’ advanced features are still available through the default IP address (192.168.1.1).

Product Descriptions and Pricing
The new Linksys E-Series line offers a full range of technology options to help users find what works best for them. The new line, including a USB Wireless-N Adapter, is available immediately at Amazon, Staples, Linksys.com, and soon at Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and other leading retailers.
Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $79.99)
- Wirelessly connects computers and other devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps – Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices – Ideal for general wireless Internet usage and home office productivity

Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $119.99)
- Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other Gigabit-enabled devices, – including computers, hard drives, and servers
- Features selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) technology to help avoid interference, allowing for smoother file transfers and media streaming – Ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys E2100L Advanced Wireless-N Router with Linux OS: (MSRP: $119.99)
- Utilizes the Linux operating system for flexibility to customize the network
- Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices – Built-in UPnP AV Media Server streams entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device – USB port provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet

Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router (Dual-Band): (MSRP: $179.99)
- Features simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), high-performance Wireless-N technology for smoother HD video streaming, wireless gaming and file transfers
- Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other USB port and provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
- Built-in UPnP AV media server enables streaming of entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device – Optimized for entertainment, ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter: (MSRP: $69.99)
- Provides Wireless-N capability to Windows desktop computers and laptops – Selectable dual-band wireless-N – connects to either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network – Includes USB extension cable and adapter base for improved wireless connectivity – ideal for hard-to-reach USB ports – Helps avoid wireless freeloaders and Internet threats using customizable security settings, including WPA/WPA2 Personal and WPA/WPA2 Enterprise

The most basic model, the Belkin Surf ($49.99) supports single-band 2.4GHz use and comes preconfigured with wireless security.  Once you spend a little more, though, things get more interesting: the Belkin Share ($79.99) has a USB 2.0 port for adding external storage or a printer, and has a Print Genie app for straightforward wireless printing together with an auto-backup app called Memory Safe.

As for the Belkin Play ($99.99) and Belkin Play Max ($129.99), they may sound like something from Durex’s line-up but they add in simultaneous dualband 2.4/5GHz use, one or two USB 2.0 ports respectively, and DLNA streaming via the Music Mover app while Daily DJ can create mood-based playlists automatically.  The Play Max also gets gigabit ethernet ports.

All four new routers – plus two new USB WiFi 802.11n adapters – will begin shipping in the US come April, Europe come early May, Canada in July and Asia Pacific in Q3 2010.

Press Release:

Belkin Presents a New Way of Thinking with the Introduction of Apps in New 802.11n Wireless Router Line

Wireless routers feature Easy Start and Self-Healing to get you online and keep you surfing

Innovative apps such as Print Genie, Music Mover™, and Daily DJ™ let you easily do the activities you want to do

Simultaneous Dual-Band N Play and Play Max Routers deliver the best speed and performance for streaming HD videos

(Playa Vista, CA) – March 24, 2010 – You can now do more with your photos, music, and videos with Belkin’s new wireless routers. Featuring fun and powerful applications, the Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max Wireless Routers enable you to play music, games, and HD videos as well as share photos and print wirelessly from anywhere in your home.

With the explosion of multimedia content, people are looking for new and richer experiences with their photos, music, and videos. In a recent IDC survey, 72% of respondents own a digital still camera and use it at least once a month in the home. As such, we can expect that more people will want to share their photos and videos in more places. According to Forrester, “the digital music market has grown substantially in the past few years and stands at $3 billion in the US in 2008.”* Similarly, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, almost 1 million homes in 2008 eliminated their cable TV to rely solely on the Internet for video entertainment. In recognizing these burgeoning needs, Belkin aims to create richer multimedia experiences to empower people to do the activities they want.

With apps designed to enhance your wireless experience, Belkin’s new line of routers are easy to set up and will keep you online. The Self-Healing app automatically detects and resolves network problems and runs routine maintenance scans to give you the clearest wireless channel.

The Share, Play, and Play Max Routers offer the Print Genie app that lets you wirelessly print from any computer on the network in your home while Memory Safe™ automatically backs up your photos and files to an external hard drive (sold separately)—so you can rest assured that your precious memories are protected.

With advanced Dual-Band N technology, Belkin’s Play and Play Max Routers provide the best speed and performance. Simultaneous networks eliminate interference and allow you to optimize performance for media-intensive activities, such as streaming HD movies, gaming online, and downloading large media files.

Apps on Play and Play Max let you do more with your music. Music Mover can play your entire music library on smart devices, like the Xbox® or PS3™, making your music just a touch away. The Daily DJ app serves up daily personalized playlists to match your mood. By analyzing the musical DNA of your music, Daily DJ creates playlists around three mood mixes: High-Energy, Steady Groove, and Kick Back. You can also create your own playlist by choosing a song and letting Daily DJ offer a new take on your favorite music.

AVAILABILITY:
US: April 2010
Europe: Starting in early May 2010
Asia Pacific: Q3 2010
Canada: July 2010

STATISTICS:
40% of people surveyed don’t know the wireless technology behind their networks (IDC, IDC’s 2009 Connected Home Survey: Consumer Confusion Means Vendor Opportunities, Doc # TB20091008, October 2009)

72% of survey respondents owned a digital still camera and used it at least once a month in the home (IDC, IDC’s 2009 Connected Home Survey: Consumer Confusion Means Vendor Opportunities, Doc # TB20091008, October 2009).

“The digital music market has grown substantially in the past few years and stands at $3 billion in the US and €1.3 billion in Western Europe in 2008.” (“The Global Landscape Of Online Music Stores And Services,” Forrester Research, Inc., April, 2009.)

Nearly 1 million U.S. homes in 2008 did not pay for TV, relying solely on Web TV, according to estimates from Parks Associates. (“More Households Cut the Cord on Cable,” The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2009)

“As of early 2009, 78% of US Internet users watched online video in a typical month, putting online video clearly in the list of top five online activities with online heavyweights like email and search.” (“How Consumers Get Online Video To The TV,” Forrester Research, Inc., June, 2009.)

QUOTES:
Kurt Scherf, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Parks Associates:

“Belkin’s approach to studying user experiences and how people are interacting with their digital content is evident in how they’ve designed their new wireless routers. Features such as Easy Setup and its Music Mover app help people do the activities they want to do, and Belkin is communicating these benefits in a simple way such that people can understand.”
Jim Wagner, General Manager at Belkin:

“The explosion of digital content is heralding new opportunities, and this in itself is exciting. Using our consumer insight research, we learned that people want to do more with their photos, music, and videos throughout their home and across their network. Further, we found that while people had high aspirations for their network and media, unfortunately they were not buying routers capable of giving them the best of those experiences.
“With that in mind, we created a line of wireless routers based around the activities people want to do most. We made our Surf, Share, and Play Routers powerful enough to give great networking experiences, and we added easy-to-use apps to enable these activities. Now, even the most novice of consumer can create great experiences in their home and across their network.”

Play Max Wireless Router (F7D4301) – $129.99
Stream HD videos, play games online, and download large media files
Features high-speed Gigabit ports for media-intensive applications and simultaneous Dual-Band networks for maximum speed and coverage
Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
2 USB ports to support external USB hard drives and USB printers
UPnP server
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ – 256-bit WPA®/WPA2® and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS® X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, and Windows XP

Play Wireless Router (F7D4302) – $99.99
Provides the fastest, most reliable speeds for streaming video, playing music, and online gaming
Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Share Wireless Router (F7D3302) – $79.99
Easily share and access documents, photos, and files from multiple computers
802.11n
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Surf Wireless Router (F7D2301) – $49.99
Surf the Web, email, and instant message from anywhere in your home
802.11n
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Play Wireless USB Adapter (F7D4101) – $69.99
Surf & Share Wireless USB Adapter (F7D2101) – $49.99
Connects your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network
Provides optimal range and distance when paired with an 802.11n router
WPS security with the push of a button

APPLICATIONS:
Self Healing: Automatically detects and resolves network problems and runs routine maintenance scans to give you the clearest wireless channel. Available on Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max.

Memory Safe: Automatically backs up precious photos and important files to your external hard drive. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.

Print Genie: Print wirelessly from any computer on the network from anywhere in your home. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.

Music Mover: Play MP3s from your music library on your home stereo wirelessly. Connect your external hard drive on which you store your music to the router—and move music from your computer to your stereo through devices like Xbox 360® and PlayStation® 3. Available on Play and Play Max.

Music Labeler: Automatically identifies and labels your track with the correct title, artist, and genre. Available on Play and Play Max.

Daily DJ: Get daily personalized playlists from your music library based on your mood. Available on Play and Play Max.

Torrent Genie: Downloads large media files like movies, music, and games, even when your computer isn’t on. Available on Play Max.

Bit Boost™: Prioritizes traffic on your network for video, gaming, and VoIP, letting you easily select your most important data streams for seamless network traffic. Available on Play Max.

“The Cisco CRS-3 triples the capacity of its predecessor, the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System, with up to 322 Terabits per second, which enables the entire printed collection of the Library of Congress to be downloaded in just over one second; every man, woman and child in China to make a video call, simultaneously; and every motion picture ever created to be streamed in less than four minutes.”

So it’s faster, but only by three times the speed.  That’s not enough to be labeled life-changing in my book, but it certainly will be appreciated.

[Cisco]

The router operates on the 2.4GHz spectrum and uses three spatial streams per antenna to hit the 450Mbps max. Normal 802.11n routers have a maximum speed of 300Mbps. Wireless coverage is boosted with MIMO tech and the router has a Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports for local computers.

Security is a big feature with the router as well with encryption and a firewall to protect the network. Traffic needing bandwidth is prioritized by the router with QoS technology. Wi-Fi Protected Setup makes it easy to setup a connection with supported wireless adapters with the press of a button on the adapter and the router. The TEW-691GR will ship in May for $159.99.

The RT-N56U supports both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and will function as a printer server too; it’s also capable of 300,000 concurrent sessions, which is apparently “industry-leading”.  There are two USB 2.0 ports (with 3G modem support), four gigabit ethernet ports and WiFi a/b/g/n.  Similar features can be found on the far more mundane-looking ASUS RT-N76U, which swaps radiator-chic for three aerials.

Elsewhere there are two 3G-compatible routers, the ASUS RT-N13U and the AP-N13M.  Each can share the connection from a 3G USB modem, with the former seemingly intended for stationary home use and the latter for use when travelling.  No pricing or hard specifications on any of the four models.

Press Release (extract):

Easy Connectivity and Enhanced Mobility with ASUS Networking

ASUS wireless routers are easy to set up with their exclusive EZ UI interfaces which enable plug-n-surf installation. Additionally, users of the ASUS RT-N76U and RT-N56U can enjoy ultra-fast and stable downloading with an industry-leading 300,000 concurrent sessions, as well as speedy file transfers in the less crowded 5GHz band with their dual band support. Both routers also support simultaneous printing and scanning to enable wireless printing from anywhere around a home. By connecting a 3G HSDPA dongle to the ASUS RT-N13U, users at home can share wireless services with family members. Similarly at a Hotspot café or restaurant, users can use the ASUS AP-N13M to share a Hotspot wireless service with friends.

There are stereo 1.5W speakers and 2GB of onboard memory; a miniUSB port is used to hook the MZK-WDPR up to a computer to transfer MP3s over.  Meanwhile a USB Host port will play nicely with a 3G modem.  You only get a single ethernet port, however, so you’d better be happy with wirelessly-connecting your clients.

While we still don’t know when the router might arrive in the US – we’re assuming that’s the plan, given the FCC approval – Planex are already selling it in Japan.  It retails there for 24,800 yen ($275) which strikes us as simply too much for what you’re getting; we’d rather set up a regular router (with more ethernet ports) and throw a Chumby One into the equation too.

[via Krunker]

Whether you’ll have enough bandwidth on whichever mobile network you’re using to satisfy that many clients remains to be seen, of course, but it’s nice to have the flexibility there.  There’s also SMS and contacts functionality, together with firewall, DMZ and port forwarding, just as you’d expect, but unlike the MiFi there’s no microSD card slot for turning the portable router into a mini NAS.

D-Link reckon you’ll see up to 4hrs of standby from the 1,330mAh battery (which recharges in around 3hrs), and you can use the myPocket as a wired USB modem too (with a physical switch to toggle between the two).  No word on when we might be able to expect to see it hit shelves.

[via Engadget]

Also unlike the MiFi, the TRENDnet router supports WiFi 802.11n rather than merely b/g; that probably won’t make a difference to how fast your 3G/4G connection makes it through, but it should cut down the time it takes to transfer files between connected computers.  The unfortunate sting in the tail is that, while the TEW-655BR3G does have a Li-Ion battery, it only lasts for 1.5hrs.

Still, the battery is user-replacable so you could always carry a few spares if you need longer untethered connectivity.  TRENDnet reckon the TEW-655BR3G will arrive in early April 2010, priced at $99.99.

Press Release:

TRENDnet Launches the 150Mbps Mobile Wireless N Router

TORRANCE, Calif. -January 7, 2010-TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the launch of the ultra compact 150Mbps Mobile Wireless N Router, model TEW-655BR3G. The 150Mbps Mobile Wireless N Router connects to the Internet either using a traditional hard wired connection, or by cutting the cables and connecting with a compatible USB modem from a 3G/4G Internet service provider such as SprintTM, AT&TTM, or VerizonTM.

Designed for people on the go, this compact router connects to the Internet from any 3G/4G cellular phone signal. No installation required, simply plug the 3G/4G USB modem into the router to share an Internet connection with up six times the speed and three times the coverage of a wireless g solution.

No more scrambling to find Internet access while on the go. Now you can share the Internet at a job site, while carpooling to work, in between flights at the airport, and even while on vacation with the family. Consumers only need to have an active Internet plan with their respective third party 3G/4G Internet service provider. The latest wireless encryption protects your valuable data. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) integrates other WPS supported clients at the touch of a button.

“Designed for real-life portability, TEW-655BR3G has a rechargeable and replaceable 1.5 hour lithium ion battery,” stated Sonny Su, Technology Director of TRENDnet. “The connection speed users receive from their 3G Internet provider currently tops out around 3Mbps. The router’s 150Mbps wireless n technology provides ample bandwidth for all connected users.”

The 150Mbps Mobile Wireless N Router, model TEW-655BR3G, will be available from online and retail partners in early April.

The MSRP for the TEW-655BR3G is US $99.99.

The router is a 300Mbps concurrent dual band wireless N Gigabit router. The dual band tech allows the router to operate in 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies. The advanced setup allows the user to determine which frequency a particular device will use to connect to the router.

Inside the router is the Atheros XSPAN AR9002AP platform that consists of the AR9220 and AR9223 dual-band radio chipsets. The router also has wired gigabit Ethernet ports for local computers. The router will ship in February for $149.99.

Of course, when you’re outside of 4G coverage the Overdrive drops back to 3G itself, using Sprint’s EVDO Rev.A network.  An LCD display gives status updates, including network type and signal strength, together with battery life; no word from Sierra Wireless on exactly how long you can expect the Overdrive’s battery to last, however.  Finally there’s a microSD card slot (content with up to 16GB cards) the contents of which can be shared with all connected WiFi clients.

The Sprint Overdrive will arrive on January 10th at Sprint stores and select Best Buy stores, priced at $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.  That’s assuming you sign up to a two-year agreement, mind, which start from $59.99 per month.

Update: Sprint’s spec sheet for the Overdrive confirms 3hrs access time from the 1,830 mAh battery or 36hrs standby.  It also has integrated GPS.

Press Release:

Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless Can Bring Sprint’s 4G Speeds to More Than 400 Million Wi-Fi-Enabled Devices

Available Jan. 10 exclusively from Sprint, Overdrive is the nation’s first 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, allowing multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices to share a connection to Sprint’s 4G network

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today the upcoming availability of Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless. Overdrive allows you to connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously–including laptops, gaming devices, cameras and even smartphones from other carriers–through a single connection (via Wi-Fi), to a network that is up to 10 times faster than today’s 3G speeds from any national wireless carrier.1 There’s no need to wait for 4G devices to enjoy the benefits of 4G: Overdrive creates a connection between the Sprint 4G network and virtually all of the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi-enabled electronics devices owned by or available to customers today.
“This device delivers the connected lifestyle to our customers in overdrive,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “The fact that it connects up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices is especially meaningful because at 4G speeds, customers can download and upload more data–gigabytes, not megabytes–in a matter of seconds. The Overdrive on the 4G network is made for the multitude of bandwidth-hungry applications customers want to access wirelessly, like video streaming. 4G beats 3G for speed and for value.”

Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot will benefit customers today

In the home:

Through a single connection, you can bypass your cable provider and stream HD movies from content distribution providers (such as Netflix, Amazon and Blockbuster) right to your TV; connect your Xbox 360 and game real-time with someone located across the globe; move pictures wirelessly from your camera to a digital picture frame and surf the Web on your laptop while streaming Pandora.

In the dorm:

Connect virtually anywhere on a campus with 4G coverage at 4G speeds: Turn your iPod Touch with Skype into a voice phone and make a call, or stream a live movie from Hulu or Netflix to your laptop.

On-the-go:

Whether you’re on a long trip or running a busy day of errands, use Overdrive to keep passengers entertained in the car.2 Stream your favorite TV show from Hulu to your Netbook; use a PSP gaming device to access multiple games and content; download music to your Zune HD; and turn your 3G iPhone into a 4G device. It’s all very simple with Overdrive.

Mobile office:

Join a video conference, download large files, conduct a virtual home tour and stay in constant contact with your office via unified communications.

Move Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot to the workplace and the benefits are even greater with enhanced Wi-Fi performance, increased productivity and improved cost savings. Set up and redeploy easily and quickly for a small workgroup; back-up or replace costly wireline connections to small branches, retail locations or home offices; cost-effectively share one connection on one plan when mobile with other employees and customers; use as excellent “power up and go” mobile solution to maintain connectivity for business/emergency continuity; and easily perform multiple functions with constant connectivity and real-time access to corporate data.

“At Best Buy, we see an amazing amount of new devices and products from mobile phones to televisions to gaming consoles that are designed to connect and interact with each other. This kind of connectivity is very exciting, but it can also be complicated to maximize unless you actually see it and understand it,” said Brian Dunn, Best Buy CEO. “In combination with Best Buy’s skilled and passionate associates, the Sprint Overdrive will allow us to showcase our in-store experience by demonstrating how various Wi-Fi- enabled products work and connect together, whether in the home, on-the-go or both.”

As the first dual-mode device of its kind, Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot can be used on both the Sprint 4G network and Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network, America’s most dependable 3G network.3 This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use Sprint’s reliable 3G mobile broadband network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 27 markets and continues to expand to new cities, bringing wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than today’s 3G from any other national wireless carrier.

“Sierra Wireless places a high priority on making our products simple to use, and we have put considerable time and effort into ensuring that Overdrive3G/4G Mobile Hotspotdelivers the easiest user experience of any mobile hotspot on the market,” said Jason Cohenour, CEO of Sierra Wireless. “Its simplicity, combined with its compact portability, and security, makes Overdrive3G/4G Mobile Hotspotideal for both personal and business use in a variety of situations.”

Key features of Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot include a LCD that provides important information such as battery life and internet connection status, as well as an easy-to-use web interface for customizing settings. Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot also includes built-in GPS capability (on 3G), MicroSD slot for up to 16 GB memory cards creating shared storage with up to five connected devices, and an extended Wi-Fi range of up to 150 feet.

Beginning on Jan. 10, customers will be able to purchase Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot exclusively from Sprint for $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement. Customers can purchase the device and sign up for 3G/4G plans at select Sprint retail stores and select Best Buy stores; available through business sales, Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) in coming weeks. Also beginning Jan. 10, Sprint will offer simplified 3G/4G data plans for consumers and businesses at $59.99 monthly (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).4

Sprint continues to blaze trails with 4G

Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. (View 4G coverage at www.sprint.com/4G)

Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 27 markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., San Antonio and Seattle. Sprint 4G is also offered in Abilene, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Austin, Texas; Bellingham, Wash.; Boise, Idaho; Charlotte, N.C.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Greensboro, N.C. (along with High Point and Winston-Salem); Honolulu; Killeen/Temple, Texas; Lubbock, Texas; Maui, Hawaii; Midland/Odessa, Texas; Milledgeville, Ga.; Raleigh, N.C. (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Salem, Ore.; Waco, Texas and Wichita Falls, Texas.

In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

For images, visit the Image Gallery in Sprint’s Newsroom site – www.sprint.com/newsroom.

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas /devices; check Sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device info.

2 Sprint encourages all wireless users to drive responsibly and avoid distractions.

3 “Dependable” based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability, and signal strength for the top 50 most populous US markets (including PR) from January 2008 to August 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable.

4 Sprint reserves the right, at our sole discretion to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if customer exceeds the off-network roaming threshold (300MB/mo.) or engages in the following prohibited uses: server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, disproportionate Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications broadcast to multiple servers or recipients such that they could enable “bots” or similar routines, or for any other reason that, in our sole discretion harms our network.

The main difference between the MBRN3000 and the DGN2200M is that the latter adds in an ADSL2+ modem whereas the former is intended to plug into a cable modem or other external connection.  Each will automatically manage the WWAN connection – a list of compatible modems is here – in case of network failure, sharing out the 3G/4G connection via WiFi and wired ethernet.

Meanwhile the Netgear Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem (DGN2200) is pretty much identical to the DGN2200M only it lacks the USB modem support.  The MBRN3000 will go on sale in March 2010, priced at $149, while the DGN2200M will arrive in April priced at $179; as for the DGN2200, that will drop in March 2010 for $129.

Press Release:

NETGEAR Introduces New Wireless Routers to Connect to High-Speed 3G/4G/WiMAX Cellular Networks, with Unparalleled Features and Proven Worldwide Performance

CES Innovations Award-Winning Router is First to Integrate802.11n Wireless, ADSL2+ and 3G/4G/WiMAX for Dual WAN Capability with Failover Protection

LAS VEGAS – January 6, 2010 – NETGEAR™, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions,today announced two full-featured new routers for connecting to 3G/4G/WiMAX cellular networks. The 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Wireless-N Router (MBRN3000) combines 802.11n wireless with connectivity to a high-speed cellular network via an external 3G/4G/WiMAX™ modem. The second router is the Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition (DGN2200M), which not only combines 802.11n wireless andsupport for 3G/4G/WiMAX cellularconnectivity, but includes a built-in ADSL2+ modem as well, making it the industry’s first Wireless-N router to enablea DSL connection along with a 3G/4G/WiMAXfailover option. As evidence of its industry-leading features, the NETGEAR Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition (DGN2200M) is an honoree in the Home Networking category of the Consumer Electronics Show Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards, the industry’s highest accolade. NETGEAR will introduce its new products at two press events today in conjunction with the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. See today’s press release, “NETGEAR Introduces New Solutions at Consumer Electronics Show To Enable Any Media on Any Screen, Anywhere at Anytime” at http://www.netgear.com/About/PressReleases/en-US/2010/20100105a.aspx.

The award-winning Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition (DGN2200M) is the first wireless-N router in the retail market tooffera dual Wide Area Network (WAN) option for a failover 3G/4G/WiMAX Internet connection in case of DSL outage – ideal for small businesses that need a reliable backup Internet connection with zero downtime. Competing routers do not offer failover; are regionally focused with limited mobile operators; have shorter wireless range; are limited by how many wireless devices can connect simultaneously; or are without the capabilities of a full-featured router. The Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition addresses all of these issues, and sets a new bar for features and performance combined in a single router.

Both new NETGEAR mobile broadband routers can be used as a primary Internet connection in situations where no connection to a DSL, cable, fiber, or satellite network exists. By plugging an external 3G/4G/WiMAX modem into the new NETGEAR routers, customerscan quickly set up a fixed or mobile Wi-Fi™ hotspot virtually anytime, anywhere, with the ability to share a single high-speed cellular subscription with multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices such as a PC, iPhone, iPod Touch™, PSP™, etc. The routers are ideal for mobile professionals, emergency response teams, construction crews, satellite offices and rural locations – wherever the group needs to quickly set up an Internet connection with both wireless and cellular connectivity options, and avoid expensive access charges or searching for Wi-Fi hotpots.

“At NETGEAR, we listen to our customers to determine what new features and technologies we should integrate into our products to address their individual lifestyles and business needs. And while connecting via DSL, cable, fiber and satellite broadband are always viable options, high-speed cellular networks are growing at a phenomenal rate,” said Som Pal Choudhury, NETGEAR’s senior product line manager for advanced wireless products. “Our new routers offer customers the performance of Wireless-N with the flexibility of connections via DSL or cellular networks, along with a lengthy set of features unique to NETGEAR products catering to the home and small businesses. At NETGEAR, we strive to offer our customers more networking choices, with more differentiated features, to support their increasingly connected lifestyles and business needs.”

Proven Compatibility
Cellular network connections for routers are becoming increasing popular in many countries as backup for DSL, as the cellular networks already offer speeds close to, or even exceeding, wired options. Cellular networks also offer an alternative option in locations where there are no high-speed wired Internet connections available, or satellite connections and wired options are too expensive.

The new NETGEAR mobile broadband routers are compatible, scalable and rigorously tested with top cellular carrier networks worldwide. Because mobile networks are unique to every country, both new NETGEAR routers have been proven with over 50 3G/4G/WiMAX USB modems from different manufacturers, across a number of top tier cellular networks worldwide. This gives flexibility to end customers to switch from one cellular provider to another at anytime.

A Unique Combination of Features
The new NETGEAR mobile broadband routers share many unique features not previously bundled into a single device, including:

Auto-detection capabilities for customers to select their country and the cellular service provider name for a hassle-free, plug-and-play setup.
Live Parental Controls and content filtering for homes and small businesses, to make the network safer, more reliable and productive. Powered by OpenDNS™, this centralized rich web filtering solutionprotects any device on the network, including smartphones, PCs, gaming consoles or any Internet-enabled device from a single web-based interface – and absolutely free to NETGEAR customers.
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), VPN (Virtual Private Network) pass-through and Denial of Service protection.
Guest networks (multiple SSID) capability to enable customers to set up multiple wireless networks within a home or small business. This is especially useful for setting up a dedicated network for guests to give them access to the Internet, but not other resources and files on the network.
Automatic Quality of Service (QoS) for reliable video, voice and gaming.
A broadband usage meter to ensure accurate measurement of download Internet traffic (via DSL and/or cellular networks) with customized alerts when close to the monthly bandwidth threshold, to help avoid excess usage charges.
Push ‘N’ Connect with industry standard Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for securely connecting devices at the touch of a button.
On/off switches for both power and Wi-Fi to help customers conserve energy.
A compact sleek casing with LED indicators that can be viewed at any 180-degree angle, which can be positioned horizontally, vertically or even wall-mounted.
Optional car power charger and a battery pack for complete mobile usage.
Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition (DGN2200M)
The CES Innovations Award-winning Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem (DGN2200M) is an 802.11n wireless router with dual Internet access options: to a DSL network via a built-in ADSL2+ modem and to a high-speed cellular network via an external 3G/4G/WiMAX USB modem. It is the first wireless-N router in the retail market to offer customers an automatic DSL-to-3G/4G/WiMAX cellular failover feature in case of a DSL outage, critical for businesses. During an outage, its integrated DSL modem temporarily routes Internet traffic to the secondary cellular broadband network via the external 3G/4G/WiMAX modem. When the backup cellular option is not in use, the router can be used to share a USB storage device thanks to the integration of NETGEAR ReadyShare™, which provides fast and easy access for any computer in the network to access a single external USB storage device. The Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition has been rigorously tested and proven for compatibility with top DSL and cellular carrier networks worldwide.

The Wireless-N 300 Router with DSL Modem – Mobile Broadband Edition (DGN2200M) will be available worldwide in April2010 at an MSRP in the U.S. of $179. Photos and other information are at http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/WirelessNRoutersandGateways/DGN2200M.aspx.

3G/4G Mobile Broadband Wireless-N Router (MBRN3000)
The 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Wireless-N Router (MBRN3000) for consumers and small businesses unites 802.11n wireless and access to cellular networks via an external 3G/4G/WiMAX USB modem. It offers features that are nearly identical to those of the award-winning Wireless-N Router with DSL Modem (DGN2200M), but does not have an integrated DSL modem. It is designed for those customers who need only a WAN connection to a high-speed cellular network. It has been proven for compatibility with a broad range of cellular carrier networks worldwide. The 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Wireless-N Router (MBRN3000) will be available worldwide in March 2010 at an MSRP in the U.S. of $149. Photos and other information are at http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/3GMobileBroadband/MBRN3000.aspx

Backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, the new NETGEAR routers will be available worldwide via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers. A universal car power adapter is available separately. A list of compatible 3G/4G/WiMAX USB modems and mobile service providers is found at http://www.NETGEAR.com/3G.

The DAP-1560 is a device that users can connect to their existing router in the home to boost data speeds to 600Mbps. The device transmits in 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The DIR-865 is a new router for the home and small office that has a 3-inch touch screen for setup, configuration, and management. The device is good for up to 450Mbps speeds and uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

The Wireless N Pocket Router is just what it sounds like, an 802.11n router designed to be taken on the go. The device is perfect for business users that travel a lot and it will also work with game consoles and other devices. Pricing for all of the devices will be announced when the gear ships in the first half of 2010.

Thanks to the touchscreen you can watch YouTube videos, listen to internet radio and more, as well as use the MZK-DWPR (we’re hoping it gets a better production name) as a digital photo frame.  There’s also an FM radio and some unspecified internal storage for local media playback; however Qisda seem to have omitted DLNA or UPnP streaming support, so you’ll have to hook up the router to your computer (via the miniUSB port) and transfer some files across first.

More details in the user manual, also over on the FCC’s site, together with some more photos.  Adding a display to a router isn’t new – we reviewed the D-Link DIR-685 back in July, though that lacks a touchscreen and speakers – but we quite like the Qisda’s form-factor.  Hopefully it won’t be priced out of contention whenever it finally launches.

[via Engadget]