Wireless Security, Wireless Performance - Competitive Comparison

I tested for throughput reduction with wireless security set to WEP, WPA/TKIP and WPA2/AES and found the usual penalty in WEP and WPA/TKIP—around 40% in this case (Figure 9).

Figure 9: Security mode comparison - 2.4 GHz, 20 MHz channel, downlink

Wireless Performance - Competitive Comparison

The database of wireless routers tested with the open air method is growing and includes the WRT610N. So the competitive comparison includes it, D-Link's reasonably-priced simultaneous dual-band router the DIR-825, and a single-radio dual-band D-Link, the DIR-628. I didn't include the D-Link DIR-855, since I don't have open-air test data for it and because it continues to be ridiculously expensive.

Figure 10 shows the 400N outperforming the group in every location except A, where it still delivers a respectible 61 Mbps.

Figure 10: Competitive comparison - 2.4 GHz, 20 MHz channel, downlink

Although it didn't beat the competition in every location and mode, the 400N came out ahead more often than not. Instead of leaving you to sort it all out by looking at multiple six-location plots, I again generated the comparison tables that I used in the DIR-825 review.

Table 2 summarizes the highest downlink throughput product in each location for the four combinations of bands and modes tested. The chart was generated by going through each six-location comparison plot and putting an X in the product's box that had the highest throughput for each test.

Table 2: Best downlink throughput summary

So to find the best of the bunch, all you have to do is add up the checkmarks for each product! All it takes is a quick glance at both tables to see that the WRT400N is the clear winner.

Table 3: Best uplink throughput summary

If you want to see the actual six-location plots, just click on the links below.

• 2.4 GHz / 20 MHz uplink
• 2.4 GHz / 40 MHz downlink
• 2.4 GHz / 40 MHz uplink
• 5 GHz / 20 MHz downlink
• 5 GHz / 20 MHz uplink
• 5 GHz / 40 MHz downlink
• 5 GHz / 40 MHz uplink