Available for the lowest price of $149.99 (plus free shipping) from Dell Home

Does the emergence of Internet-ready high definition TVs, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles overwhelm you? If so, you do not have to react so quickly and wire your home with CAT-5 cabling—you might want to look into getting the Netgear Universal Internet Adapter for Home Entertainment 3D (XAVB5004) first. This device is a four-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that can be installed right next to your home entertainment devices in a matter of mere minutes and without much effort.

The Netgear XAVB5004 is a Powerline networking solution that will utilize one’s electrical wiring in the home as a conduit for network traffic. Of course, using a Powerline adapter is not as speedy as having a CAT-5 set-up, but the Netgear Powerline device provides more than enough throughputs for streaming video from online services such as Hulu and Netflix. It also offers two ways to prioritize network traffic for the applications that require a higher amount of bandwidth.

Our tech experts have found that the flaws of the Netgear XAVB5004 are relatively minor—yes, the adapter heats up after half an hour of use and the user manual for the device is not included in the box—but it is a pretty useful device that delivers on its promise.

Internet Booster – Features and Specifications

Included in the Netgear XAVB5004 kit is an XAV5001 Powerline 500 AV Adapter, an XAV5004 Powerline 500AV four-port adapter and power cord, two Ethernet cables, and a Resource CD that comes with a quick install guide and the Netgear Powerline Utility application. As with the Netgear XAV5001 kit, the Netgear XAVB5004 does not come with a user’s guide on the CD, but it does provide a link to one that ca e found on their website.

The Netgear XAV5001 adapter is essentially the same one that is included with the Powerline AV 500 Powerline Adapter kit. This adapter measures 3.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (HWD). It is covered with a glossy white housing, and the adapter itself clocks in at 0.4 pounds. There are three LED indicators on the front of the device, which provide power and network status. When the green Power light is blinking, this means that the adapter is starting up or is currently going through a security set-up. A solid green light means the adapter is being powered up and ready to go. The light will turn amber when the adapter goes into a power saving mode.

The second light is a Powerline indicator, and glows in various colours when the adapter is currently connected to a network, and blinks whenever it is sending or receiving data. A solid green light means that the adapter has a link rate of more than 80 Mbps, and an amber light means that the link rate is somewhere between 50 to 80 Mbps. The third LED lights up as a solid green whenever the port is linked and blinks when the adapter detects network activity. The Ethernet port is located on the bottom part of the adapter, and there are security and factory reset buttons on the right side. There are vents on the housing to help dissipate heat, but the adapter has a tendency to run warm after being plugged in for more than half an hour.

The Netgear XAVB5004, on the other hand, is a four-port switch. It has a shiny black finish and clocks in at 1.2 by 5.4 by 3.9 inches (HWD). There is a small Netgear logo stamped on the top of the adapter, and there are three LEDs on the front panel that have the same characteristics as the indicators on the XAV5001, albeit with one small difference: the Power LED glows a solid blue when turned on and blinks blue when it is resetting or going through a security set-up. However, users will not get status LEDs for each individual port as with the D-Link DHP540 switch.

Found at the rear of the switch are four colour coded and numbered Ethernet ports, a security button for restoring the switch to the factory defaults, and a two-pronged power jack. The number 1 and 2 ports have green labels that will identify them as high priority Quality of Service (QoS) ports for connecting to high definition TVs and gaming consoles, for example. The data sent and received through these ports is given priority over other network traffic in order to ensure smooth video and multimedia playback. Users can set QoS priorities manually by using the Netgear Powerline Utility.

Internet Booster Installation

Installing the Netgear XAVB5004 is relatively easy. Users will start by plugging the XAV5001 adapter into an outlet that is close to a router an connect it to the router using one of the Ethernet cables. Next, the user will have to plug the Netgear XAVB5004 switch into an outlet as close to the Internet-ready devices as possible. Then, the Powerline LED can be used to determine which outlet offers the best connectivity, because not all outlets within the same house provide the same link rate. A user will want a solid green light for streaming HD video to a high definition TV.

If 128-bit AES encryption is desired, the user must push the security button on the switch and hold it for two seconds until it blinks. Within two minutes, the user must press the security button on the second adapter, and it will be assigned the same randomly generated encryption key as the first adapter.

Internet Booster Performance

Our tech experts found that the Netgear XAVB5004 kit worked quite well. The Powerline Utility in fact detected a link rate of 500 Mbps from the adapter to the router and 156 Mbps from the adapter to the switch. This speed is more than enough for streaming HD video and right in line with the DHP540’s rate of 158 Mbps.

Product Site: Final Verdict – 9/10

If you wish to bring wired Ethernet to the components of your home theatre or simply want faster transfer rates than the ones you get with a wireless network, then the Netgear XAVB5004 is a great and reasonably priced solution that one can install in mere minutes. The Netgear XAVB5004 kit also comes with a Powerline adapter and a four-port switch so that one can easily get the device up and running right out of the box.

Available for the lowest price of $98.24 from Walmart.com

Powerline networking is known for the utilization of one’s electrical wiring at home to send and receive data. This technology has been around for years, but until recently it has been held back by rather slow throughput speeds, interference from other electrical appliances, and the emergence of wireless networking (Wi-Fi) as the preferred home networking technology. But the latest crop of powerline devices cannot offer throughput speeds of up to 500 Mbps and are fortified against interference from all but the most power hungry appliances.

When it comes to sending and receiving large amounts of data, the Powerline technology is definitely faster that the regular wireless network. The D-Link DHP501-AV Powerline AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit (listed at $159.99, but the Walmart website offers the product for the lowest price of $98.24) promises customers that it has everything one will need to add Powerline technology to one’s network. The device offers speedy transfer rates and can be installed in mere minutes, but the adapters (in general) are bulky and can easily be disconnected from the outlet that they are plugged into.

Design and Features

Like the Netgear Powerline AV 500 Adapter Kit, the D-Link DHp501-AV Kit comes with two adapters, two Ethernet cables, and a CD that contains a quick installation guide and a Management utility. The CD also comes with a user manual, a feature that is notably missing from the Netgear kit.

The D-Link DHP501-AV adapters are taller and wider than the Netgear AV 500 adapters at 3.9 x 2.7 by 1.8 inches (HWD), but these adapters are identical in weight at 0.4 pounds. However, the D-Link DHP-540 adapter’s electrical contacts are mounted on a block that juts out around 3/8 of an inch from the back of the housing. This prevents the adapter to sit flush with the wall. Because of this, the adapter can be easily knocked out of the outlet that it is plugged into. Our tech experts had to resort to taping one of the adapters to the wall to keep it from falling out of a relatively older outlet. Also, the height of the adapter makes it difficult to use the second outlet. A two-pronged plug above the D-Link DHP-540 adapter is usable, but a three-pronged plug (as is used for most personal computers) does not fit easily.

The housing of the D-Link DHP-540 comes in a high-gloss white finish, with sleek rounded edges, and a small D-link logo right on the front. There are three LED indicators on the front will keep the user abreast of what is going on with the device and the network. The Power LED has a solid green glow if the adapter is turned on, and it blinks whenever the device enters power saving mode or whenever the security settings are being changed. The Powerline LED is green whenever connected to a network and it blinks when it is sending and receiving data. The light is off, however, if the adapter detects that there are no compatible Powerline devices found in the network. A green light means that the link rate is greater than 80 Mbps, an amber light means that the link rate is somewhere between 50 to 80 Mbps, while red means that the link rate is less than 50 Mbps.

The Ethernet port can be found positioned on the right side of the adapter, as well as a security button and a reset switch that allows user to return the adapter to its factory settings. The set up process for the 128- bit AES security is relatively easy—one will have to press the security button on one adapter until the Power LED blinks (for about two seconds). This will generate a random encryption key, which will be used by all the compatible HomePlug AV adapters on the network. Next, the user will have to press the security button on the second adapter, but the user will have to make sure to do this within two minutes of pressing the first button, because otherwise it will not share the key. If the user has more than two adapters, he or she will just have to repeat the process.

Set Up and Installation

To use the D-Link Powerline Management Utility, one will first have to install the WinPcap packet capturing software. The utility console will list all Powerline devices installed and running on the network, and displays the name, MAC address, location, connection quality, link rate, and the firmware version of each device. From this console the user can upgrade the firmware that corresponds wit each device, change the encryption key settings, and even rename the adapters. However, one cannot assign Quality of Service (QoS) priorities to each adapter like one could with the Netgear Powerline Utility. Instead, the D-Link DHP-540uses a proprietary QoS technology, which looks for the data that usually requires high bandwidth, such as video files and gaming purposes, and automatically gives those applications a high priority.

Installation is relatively easy. Just plug one adapter into an outlet that is close to the router and connect it to the router with one of the Ethernet cables supplied. The user must avoid using power strips, surge protectors, or even extension cords as these might reduce the performance of the device. Users are also advised to use an outlet that is not servicing a device or appliance that draws a lot of power. The second adapter can be plugged into any outlet in the house (as long as the outlets share the same circuit breaker box), and the user will have wired Ethernet connectivity in the house.

Performance

The D-Link DHP-540 did quite well on our tech experts’ transfer tests—hundreds of MB took mere minutes to transfer. On the other hand, the Management utility has recorded a 500 Mbps connection from the adapter to the router and 158 Mbps from point to point.

The Product Site: Final Verdict –  6.5/10

If you want to have wired Ethernet connectivity throughout your house, but do not want to run cable, the D-Link DHP-540 Adapter Starter Kit will definitely get the job done. The bulky adapters can be problematic when it comes to sharing an outlet, and the device itself does not allow for the prioritization of network traffic.

Available from various retailers for the suggested retail price of $199.99

The D-Link Powerline AV 500 4-Port Gigabit Switch (DHP-540) promises its users that bringing multiple Internet-ready devices online will be easy—and all without the hassle of running a CAT-5 cable throughout the entire house. This intelligent switch will use the electrical wiring in one’s home in order to send and receive data over the home network. However, at the list price of $199.99, the D-Link Powerline AV 500 DHP-540 is significantly more expensive than its competitor products in the market, which offer roughly the same performance and give the users a more impressive set of features.Features and Specifications

Unlike the Netgear Universal Internet Adapter for Home Entertainment 3D (XAVB5004) kit (which includes a four-port switch and a Powerline adapter), the D-Link DHP-540 is a stand-alone four-port Powerline switch. The package comes with a single Ethernet cable, a power cord, and a CD that contains installation and user manuals, plus a utility application that will help users manage the switch. However, users that do not have an exiting Powerline network installed will have to shell out even more cash for a Powerline AV 500 adapter to connect to the router (the manufacturer suggests the D-Link DHP-500 AV Powerline adapter, which has a list price of $99.99).

The D-Link DHP-540 is comparatively bulkier than the Netgear XAV5004, but this device is still handy at 1.6 by 5.0 by 3.9 inches (HWD). The D-Link DHP-540 comes in a shiny black package, which features a small D-link logo right on the front panel. There are also six LED status indicators located on the front part of the device—the Power LED glows solid green when the switch is turned on, and it blinks during the set-up and when the device is cycling through the security process. The Powerline Led, on the other hand, is solid green when the switch is connected to a network, and it will blink whenever it is sending or receiving data. A green light will indicate if the link rate is greater than 80 Mbps; the light will turn amber for link rates of 50 to 80 Mbps, and will turn red if the link rate is below 50 Mbps. In the right side of the front panel are four numbered LAN LEDs—one for each port—that will glow green when the port is connected and will blink when it is receiving or sending data.

There is a button on the top of the switch, which generates a random 128-bit AES encryption key that can be used for all the Powerline devices installed in your network. Users will need to simply press this button for two seconds. Once the light stops blinking, the user will be ensured that it is already secure. Pressing the security button on the other Powerline adapters (given that they are pressed within two minutes of the first one) assigns the same encryption key to each device.

At the rear side of the switch are four numbered Ethernet ports, with the first one (labelled number 1) getting the highest Quality of Service (QoS) priority, followed by number 2, and so on. When connecting devices to the D-Link DHP-540 switch, one should use the first port for high bandwidth applications such as video streaming or playing graphics heavy online action games. Users cannot, however, manually assign QoS priorities with the D-Link DHP-540 switch as they could with the Netgear XAV5004. Also found on the rear side are a power switch and a two-pronged power cord jack, as well as a recessed factory reset button on the bottom of the switch.

Set Up

The utility application that comes with the D-Link DHP-540 is relatively straightforward and very easy to use. The Home page menu displays all the available Powerline devices on the network, their corresponding link rate, and quality (it will indicate if the devices are HD video ready or data transmission ready, depending on the link rate). There is also a Setup Wizard icon that takes users through the basic installation process, and shows how the user can enable the security feature. The Advanced icon, on the other hand, takes the user to a page with three tabs, which include the Device tab (which opens a page that displays the name of the device, MAC address, and the firmware version. It also include a button that lets the user update the firmware), the Network Tab (where the user can view each device on the network, as well as its location, link rate, MAC address, and password), and the Diagnostics tab (which shows detailed information, including the firmware version and the date, the name, and the OS version of any connected computers). The Home page also features a troubleshooting guide and a link for customer support that takes the user to the D-Link website.

Installation

Powerline devices are very easy to install, including the D-Link DHP-540. If you have an existing Powerline adapter connected to your router, all you have to do is to plug the D-Link DHP-540 into a nearby electrical outlet (that is also close to your Internet-ready devices). Make sure that you will use an outlet with a good link rate if you want to use the device for streaming high definition video.

Performance

The D-Link DHP-540 performed well on our tech experts’ streaming and transfer speed tests. The experts have recorded an average link rate of around 160 Mbps from the primary adapter to the D-Link DHP-540 switch, which was just a little faster than the Netgear XAV5004 (which clocked in at 156 Mbps). Streamed episodes of TV shows from sources such as Netflix can play relatively smoothly on an HD TV, with no noticeable lag or dropped flames. However, Wi-Fi transfer speeds and streaming in a game console such as the PS3 is relatively slow.

TheProductSite: Final Verdict – 7.5/10

Overall, the D-Link DHP-540 performs as it promises to—it delivers solid transmission speeds and a link rate that can easily stream high definition video smoothly without dropping frames. However, the steep price tag and the lack of a Powerline adapter for the can work against the D-Link DHP-540’s case.

Available from various retailers at the suggested retail price of $159.99

The Netgear Powerline AV 500 Adapter Kit (XAVB5001) is one of the many devices in the market that promises to give users a much-wanted and much-needed boost in their wireless connections. There are plenty of advantages involved with a wireless network at home, but it is not exactly known for coming close to wired connectivity when it comes to throughput speed. Sadly, wiring one’s home with CAT-5 cabling can be problematic—it can be expensive and can easily become messy if you do not really know what you are doing.

Thus, devices such as the Netgear AV 500 Powerline Adapter Kit is a great way for non-experts to give their home networks that boost that will increase their productivity. The Netgear XAVB5001 is a very easy to use solution that can turn every power outlet within your home into an effective Gigabit wired Ethernet port. When our tech experts tested this booster device, they have found that the Netgear XAVB5001 improved the connection significantly—almost up to ten times of the transfer speed of a regular Wi-Fi router. Of course, it is not as fast as a real wired connection, but it is great for streaming movies and transferring large data files and folders.

Design and Features

The Netgear XAVB5001 Powerline kit includes two XAV5001 Powerline adapters, two 6.5-foot Ethernet cables, and a Resource CD that contains a Powerline Utility and an Installation Guide. Sadly, the CD does not really include a user manual—which could be problematic for people who are quite new with network set-up. Instead, the CD provides a link to an online manual, which is slightly inconvenient if the user is already having trouble with getting the adapters to work for some reason. Fortunately, the odds of such problems happening are so slim, as the Powerline technology is known for being the epitome of plug and play convenience.

Each adapter measures 3.3 by 2.5 by 1.5 inches (HWD) and weighs really light—the adapter’s clock in at a little less than a half pound each. The front of the device’s housing features a glossy white finish, and as the Netgear logo etched cleanly into the centre, complete with a blue Powerline AV 500 label at the bottom.

There are three LED indicators at the top part, with the power indicator glowing a solid green if electrical power is on, and blinks green when the adapter is going through start-up and running through the security set-up process. The amber light indicates that the adapter has currently gone into power saving mode, which automatically happens when the port is not linked for more than ten minutes. The Powerline indicator, on the other hand, is solid green when a connection is made to the network, and it will blink when the adapter is receiving and sending data. This light will remain unlit if a compatible adapter with the same encryption key is not found, or if the adapter has been disabled through the Powerline Utility application.

These LED indicators are also useful with knowing how fast the connection is—the green light means that the link rate is better than 80 Mbps, amber means less that 80 Mbps but greater than 50 Mbps, and a red light means less than 50 Mbps.

Found on the right side of the adapter re the security button and the recessed factory reset button. The security button allows for the easy setting of a private encryption key, which can be used across one’s entire Powerline network. The reset button, on the other hand, the reset button returns the adapter to its original factory defaults. Right on the bottom of the adapter is a single Ethernet port, which, despite the vented casing (that is designed to prevent the adapter from overheating while plugged in and running) is not that amazing in keeping the adapter cool at all times. When our tech experts tested this device, the adapter was warm to the touch after only 15 minutes of use.

Set Up

Installing the Powerline AV 500 is relatively easy, as long as you follow a couple of simple rules of thumb. The first is to always plug the adapter directly into the electrical socket. One must not also use extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors—an outlet that does not have power-hungry appliances (such as a washer, refrigerator, or a dryer) is ideal. Make sure that the outlets that you are going to use are on the same circuit and are using the same breaker box; otherwise, these outlets will not be able to communicate with each other. Because of this, Powerline adapters are not really ideal in large apartment complexes and office buildings.

To install a Gigabit Ethernet connection to an outlet in the house, one can simply plug one adapter into an outlet that is close to your router and connect it to the router with one of the cables included in the kit. Plug the second adapter into an outlet of your choice. Then, wait for the power and Powerline LEDs to turn green, and connect the adapter to your PC and any other Ethernet device.

The Powerline Utility is a very handy tool, which detects all the Powerline devices on the network and displays a connection diagram. One can hover the mouse over a device, and this will launch a pop-up box that shows the model number, the MAC address, LED status, and the firmware version of the device. The user will also be shown the transfer rate from point to point.

Performance

The Netgear XAVB5001 works great, and the adapter to router speed clocked in at 500 Mbps, which was promised by the device. This device makes it easy for users to expand upon their existing home network.

TheProductSite: Final Verdict – 9/10

The price can be a bit steep for others, but the Netgear XAVB5001 is a handy little device. It provides network coverage to areas of the home that are out of range of the Wi-Fi router. It also provides great transfer speeds that are needed for network back-ups, large file transfers, and streaming video. The Netgear AV 500 Adapter Kit is a great alternative to rewiring one’s home for Ethernet connectivity.

Available for the suggested retail price of $44.97

The BearExtender PC Long Range 802.11n USB Wi-Fi Booster is essentially a device that attempts to address the number one problem of wireless network connections: weak, and sometimes, dropped signals. This Wi-Fi device is a wireless signal booster or extender, but our tech experts have found this device to be unlike many of the other wireless extenders in the market, the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster works more on the client side rather than with a Wi-Fi router.

The BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster is a clever little device, but it also comes with limitations. This device can only work on the 2.4 GHz band and our tech experts found that it drops the connection when the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster is more than 100 feet away from the router. The device works ideally at 50 to 100 feet away from the wireless router. At the price of $44.97, you do not have to be a tech expert to know that you are getting a good deal with the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster.

History

The BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster is an 802.11n long-range wireless adapter that works with Windows-based personal computers and other such systems. This device is based on the company’s earlier product, the BearExtender n3 adapter for Macs.

The BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster has a good origin story—the device was “invented” by a couple of students from the University of Berkeley. These students are frustrated with their inability to connect to the wireless network of the campus—which is called “AirBears”—thus, the device that was called the BearExtender.

Design and Specifications

This Wi-Fi booster is a relatively small and flattened device that comes with a clip—in fact; it resembles a miniature access point. The clip can be used to attach the device to a netbook or a laptop. Our tech experts tried attaching the device to a tablet computer (an iPad) but the grip of the clip was quite loose. Sadly, the thinner the laptop, notebook, or other wireless clients are, the loose the grip of the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster clip. The fit is not also ideal for attachment to smartphones, but our tech experts subscribe to the belief that if there is a will, there is a way.

The BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster can connect through clip onto a laptop, and it also connects through USB from the mini USB port on the Device to the USB port on a laptop or a netbook. The clip itself (which makes the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster resemble a mini access point) looks rather odd, but there is also an approximately eight-inch long external 2 dBi gain antenna, which can be screwed onto the adapter. The antenna is designed in such a way that it can bypass interference from a laptop’ casing. The whole contraction can attract a few curious glances when you take it out in public, but we would like to chalk this up to the novelty of the device’s appearance.

Users can upgrade the BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster to a 5 dBi antenna, which is the antenna that our tech experts used for testing the device. The BearExtender Wi-Fi Booster PC version combines two proprietary receivers with a 700 mW transmitter, which is capable of theoretical throughput speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

Set Up

Included in the device is a set-up CD, which contains installation options for Windows 7, Vista, and XP. There are also user manuals included in the CD, which our tech experts found to be useful. Click the installation options for your operating system.

A message will immediately appear onscreen (right before the installation process), which instructs to only install the Ralink WAN Utility for the Windows driver and not the entire software package. BearExtender uses Ralink’s chipset.

The installation process is quite simple, and the user is actually asked to install either the Ralink utility software or only the driver during the set-up process. Our tech experts were quick to remind us that installing the entire Ralink utility software can cause some potential problems with the native wireless management of windows—therefore, users are strongly encouraged to install only the device driver.

The set-up instructions advise the users to install the driver first before connecting the extender to the laptop computer through USB. Once the device is connected to the USB port, Windows can detect the device right away. After this, the user will be instructed to disable the built-in wireless adapter of the laptop. The user must connect to the wireless network as one normally would. One might have to re-enter the WLAN password once the native wireless adapter is disabled and now connected to the signal using the BearExtender device.

If you have trouble with the set-up process, BearExtender offers many resources of user assistance whenever help is required. The user manual is well-written, and there is a 24/7 telephone and email support.

Performance

Our tech experts have tested the performance of the device using two different methods at various distances. The first one is rather informal, but it is also the most familiar to users—they noted the number of signal strength bars the computer displayed as they moved away from the room. The second method involved Ixia IxChariot benchmark testing suite in order to properly measure throughput with and without the BearExtender device.

Signal is pretty much strong until the testers got to 50 feet away from the router room even without the BearExtender, and the connection is pretty much crawling at the distance of 100 feet. Beyond 100 feet, though, our tech experts can no longer connect to the SSID. Once the BearExtender is attached via USB to the computer, Windows reported five solid signal bars up until 100 feet. Beyond 100 feet, the signal started wavering between three and four bars. The signal persisted, but the connection is rather slow. When Windows was down to three signal bars, our tech experts found that they are often disconnected from the network.

TheProductSite – Final Verdict: 7.5 / 10

While there are very specific conditions under which you could use the BearExtender PC device, it is still a great way to extend your wireless network. The best use for this device is in smaller spaces with wireless clients that need a little extra boost to get wireless in another room—such as the bedroom down the hall or into the kitchen. The set-up process is very simple and the device is affordable—our tech experts have found some problems with the BearExtender PC, but can still recommend it to those who are looking for a basic wireless extender.

Available for the lowest price of $39.99 (plus free shipping) from the Cisco Linksys Store

 The Cisco Linksys Wireless-N Range Extender Bridge (RE1000) is one of the most popular and best performing wireless extenders that our tech experts have tested so far. However, consumers should not expect a complete miracle—most wireless network extenders are pretty useless at distances that exceed 150 feet away from the wireless router. But unlike the other wireless extenders that our tech experts have tested, the Cisco Linksys RE1000 proves that it can still give a steady signal and connection (although one must not expect ultra-fast speeds) even at 150 feet, as long as the user’s network transmits in the 2.4 GHz band.

Design and Specifications

The Cisco Linksys RE1000 comes in the form of a small, rectangular box with a two-prong electrical plug. This extender device has a Wi-Fi Protected Set-up and a reset button on its top panel. There is a Fast Ethernet 10/100 network port on the bottom panel, which serves as a wireless bridge for a wired device. Also visible is the removable panel on the underside of the device, which can be lifted off to reveal a C7 AC power port. Some users might see this one little as a downside to the Cisco Linksys RE1000, though: the extender device only supports the 2.4 GHz band, which is a bit shameful, especially given the numbers of 5 GHz and dual-band routers out there in the market.

Set Up

The Cisco Linksys RE1000 extender device comes with its own set up CD. There are enclosed instructions that will direct users to set up the device. First, the user must set up the extender device close to the computer being used for the installation process, which is required to ensure a strong signal. The Cisco Linksys RE1000 extender device can be moved away from the computer (to your desired location) after the set up process.

As the installation process kicks off, the Cisco software can even discover a newer version of the set up interface (if available). Users will find that setting up the Cisco Linksys RE1000 with a computer that is online a good idea—preferably, the computer must be connected to the wireless network that the users are trying to extend.

The next step in the set up process will have the users plug the extender device into an outlet. The set up software will then search for the Cisco Linksys RE1000. This happens relatively fast—the set up software discovers the extender device, as well as all the names of the wireless networks within proximity. Users should select the network that they want to attach the extender device to. The password required is similar to that of the wireless network that you wish to connect to.

So far, our tech experts agree that the Cisco Linksys RE1000 has the easiest set up process out of the wireless extenders that they have tested. Cisco lives up to its reputation as one of the most respected brands in the world of technology—the software involved in the installation process is user-friendly, efficient, and very, very simple.

Configuration and Features

The Cisco Linksys RE1000 comes with a browser-based utility that can be used for the configuration of the device. The interface of this browser-based utility is remarkably similar in design as in the Cisco Linksys E-Series. Within this interface, the users can get a view of the status of the extender device and important information such as the channel width, the strength and quality of the wireless signal, as well as relevant packet information.

The extender device also features support for some Quality of Service (QoS) functionality. This comes with WMM (wireless multimedia) support for improving the quality of video, voice, and other kinds of network traffic. Also included in the features of the Cisco Linksys RE1000 are diagnostics and the enabling of log files.

Performance

The Cisco Linksys RE1000 has impressed our tech experts, who have used the Ixia IXChariot testing suite to measure the extender device’s throughput at varying distances (50, 75, 100, and 150 feet) away from the router. The tech experts have also tested the throughput of the device right next to the server room where the router is placed in. Aside from measuring the throughput of the extender device, our tech experts have noted how many signal bars the operating system of the wireless client used for testing is reporting—finding out whether it is possible to the connect to the wireless LAN at greater distance and if it is possible to browse the Internet at greater distances.

This Cisco Linksys extender device did not exactly give our tech experts the best throughput figures, but it has allowed our testers to connect to the wireless network successfully and surf the web from 150 feet away from the router. Yes, the surfing was not as fast as we would like it to be, but at least the Cisco Linksys RE1000 stays true to its promise. This seemingly small fact has won our tech experts over, as they have yet to find a wireless extender that truly allowed users to connect to the wireless network 150 feet away from the router.

TheProductSite – Final Verdict: 8/10

Our tech experts believe that the Cisco Linksys RE1000 is a great extender device for those who really want something that would work. Wireless extenders have a bad reputation for having frustrating set up processes and do not exactly offer much in extending the wireless signal. The Cisco Linksys RE1000 is remarkably reliable in this area—and even allows the user to connect to the wireless network even if the computer is 150 feet away from the router.

The Cisco Linksys RE1000 truly extended the wireless signal to 150 feet, but do not get your hopes up in terms of connection speed. However, our tech experts are quick to note that this might be because of the heavy interference in the testing area. Overall, the solid features of the extender device and the simple set-up process makes the Cisco Linksys RE1000 a winner in our book.

Available for the lowest price of $119.99 (plus free shipping) from Dell SMB

The unique design of the D-Link Amplifi DAP-1525 Wi-Fi Booster is enough to turn heads—in fact, it might be the most unique-looking Wi-Fi extender we will ever see in the market. The design closely resembles a thermos or an electric coffee grinder, and it is kind of weird to see this shape out of the appliance store. However, do not let the novelty of the design lead you to dismiss this device—it is packed with a lot of functionality. But no device is actually perfect, so you can still expect a couple of quirks in the interface and other problems with this odd-looking Wi-Fi booster from D-Link.

Specifications and Design

The D-Link DAP-1525 features a cylindrical design, which allows it to stand upright. It will take up a bit of room as a Wi-Fi extender, so users might need to consider carefully the placement of the device. The front panel of the device features four LEDs: Bridge, AP, WPS (this Wi-Fi booster device supports Wireless Protected Setup), and Wired.

This booster device not only functions as a wireless extender, but also as a 2.4 or 5 GHz point. The back panel of the D-Link DAP-1525 has a toggle switch that can be used to set the extender device in AP or Bridge mode. Also featured in the back panel are four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting various wired devices.

Set Up

While there are plenty of features that set the D-Link DAP-1525 extender ahead of competition, one of the most obvious (and exasperating) problems with it is setting the device up. The set up instructions and process is relatively confusing. For one, the device itself comes with a Quick Install guide and a CD, but these are surprisingly useless. The CD does not come with a traditional set up wizard like other products do, but instead it contains another version of the installation guide. To add to the confusion, these two guides seem to be for two very different products. The Quick Install Guide, for example, focuses on setting up a new WLAN with the extender device set in AP mode, but it tells the user absolutely nothing about setting the device up as a bridge.

Setting the D-Link DAP-1525 can be very confusing for consumers, who would probably go right to the Quick Install Guide and unintentionally causing problems on their home networks by following the directions stated in the guide. The directions inside would not set the device they bought as an extender—instead, it will make them create a WLAN. The directions inside the CD are not very helpful as well; both sets of instructions do not mention how users will be able to set the device, which has a static IP address by default, to connect to their own home networks. The D-Link instructions are rather convoluted, and cannot be followed by someone who is not as well versed in network configuration. This can be considered irresponsible, because of the potential problems that it will cause the users.

The Quick Install Guide, however, can still tell how the users can connect the device through push-button WPS, but this can also be problematic if the router does not support WPS or the WPS does not work for any number of reasons. Perhaps with the next product that they release, D-Link will consider much clearer instructions for a variety of possible scenarios.

Set up is actually not as difficult, if only the instructions were clear enough. Users of this extender device can set their D-Link DAP-1525 up by connecting the Wi-Fi booster through Ethernet to the computer. The second step will involve matching the network setting of the computer’s LAN adapter to the setting on the extender (the instructions to which can be found on the CD). Users can then set the device to Bridge mode using the toggle switch, and then get into the interface of the device through a browser of their choice.

Within the interface, users can opt to select “Manual” for the configuration option. It is important to set the router in Bridge mode, as this will bring up a Site Survey button. Clicking this button will pull up a list of all the nearby wireless networks. You can select the network of your choice to add the D-Link DAP-1525 to by clicking the radio button. However, some users might fin an issue in this screen—they might see that the page is refreshed so quickly. This could be an issue, as the radio button would get deselected if the user did not click on it and then hit the “Next” button right away.

Once the user has decided which wireless network for the extender to join, he or she will then have to change the extender device’s network information in the network setting. It will also be important to synch the time of the device to the time in your computer.

Performance

The set up can be problematic, but the performance of the D-Link DAP-1525 does not really overwhelm all the earlier problems. Typically, the device starts out strong, but the signal is significantly weaker once the user gets to 75 feet. At this distance, the throughput can start petering out. With the distance of 100 feet, some users might find it difficult to connect to the wireless network—some might even fail to see the SSID in the list of networks.

TheProductSite: Final Verdict – 7.5/10

The D-Link DAP-1525 is a pretty competent device, given that it is placed in a relatively small are and is placed no more than 60 feet away from the router. This device is also great if you want a bridge or repeater that can also act as an AP. The price does not also seem to be worthy of the performance, so you might be better off with another type and brand of Wi-Fi range extender or booster—at least, you will get more value for your money.

Available for the lowest price of $59.99 (plus free shipping) at HP.com

The Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender (WN2000RPT) is a great addition to your network, with one clear purpose—it can boost and extend the range of a wireless signal in a network. This piece of networking equipment is very easy to set up, and is relatively cheap; prices are under a $100, but there are plenty of retail stores on the Internet that sell it for less. The Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender is a great deal, especially if you find yourself with a “dead zone” within your home or your place of business.

However, it is important to note that this Wi-Fi range extender is not without its own rather quirky behaviour. In some testing procedures, tech experts found that the device works best if the endpoint that the user is trying to reach is somewhere between 50 to 150 feet away. If you are looking for a signal boost at shorter or longer distances, the Netgear WN2000RPT might disappoint you a bit—the device will make very little difference, and there are some instances that it might even degrade the performance of your network.

Set Up

The Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender is relatively easy to set up—the company has made the process easy even for those who are not used to adding new equipment to the network. There is no CD or any kind of software to install; in fact, the most important part of the set up process is putting the range extender in the right place. The device is best situated if it is at an equal distance from the router and the area from where the wireless endpoint is receiving a weak signal (or no signal at all). The Netgear WN2000RPT is not something that you should place just about anywhere, especially if that place already has a decent signal. You could check the strength of the signal in a specific spot by looking at the bars in your Windows available networks list—a decent signal is around four or five bars.

Placing the range extender in the wrong place can cause problems for your network; the device in a place with decent signal can even slow down your traffic, according to the tests done by tech experts and by Netgear itself. According to the tech experts that tested the product, the optimal range is between 50 to 150 feet, but the “sweet spot” can be different from network to network, as it will depend on the equipment, the layout, interference, and other factors in the area.

The Netgear WN2000RPT boasts of four LAN ports on the range extender, which means that if the midway point is located in a convenient area, you can easily connect additional devices such as printers, gaming consoles, and desktop computes to the network through the device.

After choosing the perfect location for the device, there are two steps left in the process. First, plug in the power adapters, turn the Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender on, and wait for the built-in LED to turn green. Once the LED turns green, the next step is to go through the relatively uncomplicated set up wizard.

To begin the set up wizard, simply open the browser of your choice from a laptop computer that is connected to the Wi-Fi network. You will be automatically redirected to the Netgear Smart Wizard Configuration Assistant, which is the official management interface of the range extender device, at the URL www.mywifiext.net. This Wizard will walk the user through the basics, from selecting the wireless network that the user wishes to extend to configuring the security options. It also gives users the option to carry over security from the wireless router to the extender, which is a pretty basic configuration.

Once the settings are applied, you will notice that you have lost your connection to the interface of the Extender. This is not a cause for panic—you can see the range extender in your list of available wireless networks. Typically, the network’s service set identifier (SSID) will show up with the new, additional SSID for the range extender. Typically, this SSID will have the same name as your network, but with “_EXT” appended to it. Users will be able to connect to the extender with the same password that grants access to the wireless network itself.

Features

The Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender is compatible with 801.11b, g, and n routers, gateways, and the devices of the Internet Service Provider. “Push ‘N’ Connect,” or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is supported, but it is only for connecting a personal computer or another wireless client to the extender, and definitely not for connecting the extender to a router.

It is important to note that, according to Netgear itself, the extender is designed to work as a client bridge and not as an Access Point. Technically, the Netgear WN2000RPT is more of a “repeater.” Users do not have to worry about IP addressing because this range extender acts as a passive network device and repeats the Wi-Fi signal from a router.

Users will find it more convenient to connect the Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender wirelessly to the router and not through Ethernet cable.

Possible Problems

There are a couple of possible problems that you might encounter with this Netgear extender. The directions included with the device say that users can easily go back into the management interface once the extender is configured by simply typing the URL of the interface. However, the tech experts that tested the device found that this is not effective. The device had to be reset to its factory default setting before the tech experts were able to access the management interface again. This is a potential problem for users who will switch out routers, especially since resetting the range extender wastes time.

TheProductSite – Final Verdict = 7/10

The device is ideal for extending Wi-Fi to areas in a home that is a level or two above where the router is placed, but can be problematic in wide open spaces.

The TalkTalk Telecom Group is a company that provides pay television, telecommunications, and Internet access services to consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom, and is currently one of the largest Internet service providers in the country. The company has operated broadband and landline telephone services ever since 2003, when it was first launched. Following the purchase of the UK Internet service provider division of AOL broadband services under the AOL Broadband brand are also provided, as well as some AOL content partnerships available for TalkTalk customers.

Aside from the Internet service, the company also provides a router for their customers. If you are a TalkTalk subscriber and you wish to get the best from your broadband connection, you will have to ensure that the router provided to you is performing at its best. The first and most recommended way to do so is to download the latest router upgrades available at the TalkTalk website. The upgrade is essentially the software that runs inside the router device whenever it is turned on. TalkTalk experts believe that these upgrades can help make a real difference in the speed of the connection.

There are a lot of benefits that users can enjoy with these updates, but the results will differ depending on the router device that you are currently using. The software upgrades can give users a better experience with a faster wireless speed or a more stable connection. Currently, the tool only supports the following routers: the D-Link DSL_2680, the D-Link DSL-2780, the Huawei HG520B, the Huawei HG521, and the Huawei HG532.

Users can easily download and run the software, and the upgrades should take no more than five minutes—all you have to do is to make sure that you are connected to your TalkTalk broadband before starting the download. During the download process, the broadband will disconnect—but this should only be for a very short time until the router device restarts. After this, the TalkTalk ensures that the connection will get back to normal—and often, at better speeds.

Settings will remain the same whenever the upgrades are performed. Any advance settings that you have configured—such as the Dynamic DNS or Port Forwarding—however, will not be backed up and restored.

The upgrade process is relatively simple and the steps can be followed by regular users, but should you encounter a problem, you can easily call the TalkTalk customer service hotline, and one of the support team members will be able to help. However, the TalkTalk website advises against installing the upgrade tool if you are currently subscribed to the Tiscali TV service, or if you have a router that is older than the router devices listed in their website.

If you wish to purchase a new router to improve connection speeds, you can go for the wireless N router by TalkTalk, which has been exclusively designed and optimised for the TalkTalk network—this ensures that you will benefit from improved wireless performance.

Aside from the Internet service, the company also provides a router for their customers. To ensure that you are getting the speeds you are promised, you should check your router sync speed. Basically, the router sync speed is the maximum speed at which your router device can connect to the Internet. It is very important to remember that, in practice, your Internet connection speed will be limited by a number of technical factors that can vary from situation to situation.

If you are a TalkTalk subscriber, you can check the actual speed of your broadband by using the company provided TalkTalk speed checker. It is important to note, however, that your sync speed will always be higher than your speed test results.

To find out the sync speed from your TalkTalk router, you can follow a simple set of instructions to get to your router settings. First, you will need to type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar of any browser that you wish to use. You will be led to an interface where your username and password will be prompted. The username will be admin, will the password will be admin as well. Click OK to proceed to the next step.

You will be shown a configuration interface with a Summary of your settings. Click on the green tick labelled “DSL (Sync).” Green means that the router is connected and ready, amber means that the router is currently connecting (and you should wait for it to connect), red means that there is an error in the connection, while grey means that the wireless is currently turned off.

After you have checked the green tick with DSL (Sync), your router statistics will be displayed. Your sync speed is listed as DSL Line Speed. If you think that there is a problem with the router sync speed that you have seen in this interface, then you should contact the customer service hotline immediately. They will try to find ways to solve your problem either by walking you through a certain process, sending a repairman over to fix the hardware, or even replacements.

If you are a TalkTalk subscriber and do not use the router device provided by the company, you will need to refer to the user guide or manual that comes with the device. While it might sound like a waste of money or a limitation to personalizing your connection hardware, it is better to use a TalkTalk-provided router as you will enjoy more convenience when it comes to checking sync speeds or upgrading the software of the device.