Linksys phasing out low-end 802.11n router

Interestingly, both routers are 2T2R (2 Transmit, 2 Receive) designs using

Broadcom’s Intensi-fi chipset with very similar designs. But the WRT160N is about $20 more than the 150N, which gets you a stylish new black case, internal antennas and the latest version of Linskys EasyLink Advisor.

Linksys WRT150Nv11 board

Linksys WRT160N board

Of course, Linksys isn’t the only game in town for entry-level draft 802.11n routers. You can also pick up D-Link’s DIR-615 (2T2R Atheros xSPAN-based) for around $50 [see prices].

There is also the Trendnet TEW-632BRP. It also uses a 2T2R Atheros xSPAN design, but with an Atheros processor, vs. the Ubicom processor used by the DIR-615. The TEW-632BRP is currently running closer to $70, but has a $20 rebate [see prices].

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Triple Wired Threat for Wi-Fi for In-Home Triple Play

The triple play is the convergence of data, voice, and television (IPTV) across a single pipe: Wi-Fi's in-home dominance of data and increasingly voice and IPTV (with proprietary extensions) will be challenged, ABI Research says, by the latest versions of three standards that work over coax, electrical wiring, and phone wiring. ABI Research says that by 2011, over 45 million gateways will offer wired-based distribution of data, voice, and video. (The quadruple play, by the way, adds mobile voice.)

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802.11n D-Link WiFi

Update:D-Link announces dual-band draft 11n media bridge

Updated

D-Link today introduced a wireless Ethernet bridge using dual-band draft 11n technology at Microsoft's WinHEC event.

The D-Link Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge (DAP-1555) allows users to add 5 GHz Draft 802.11n capabilities to existing wired or wireless routers or other Ethernet-based products. The DAP-1555 works with dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) draft 802.11n wireless devices as well as legacy 802.11a/b/g products. Up to five MediaBridge adapters can be used to connect a router to Ethernet-capable devices such game consoles, digital video recorders and networked media adapters.

Security features includeWPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) for push-button secure wireless network configuration as well as WEP, WPA or WPA2 wireless security. Other features include a 5-Port 10/100 switch and UPnP support.