SMC launches low-cost 802.11n router
updated 09:55 am EST, Tue November 6, 2007
SMC WBR14S Wi-Fi Router
Aiming to drive down the prices of typically pricey draft 802.11n wireless hardware, SMC on Tuesday released both a router and an adapter that bring access to a more reasonable level. The Barricade WBR14S provides the same 300Mbps peak speed as other new Wi-Fi routers without the features that drive up the cost: the device uses just the 2.4GHz band for its wireless connections and includes four 100Mbps Ethernet connections instead of the gigabit ports found on some premium routers. The device nonetheless includes a hardware firewall as well as WPA2 wireless protection and a one-button simplified security setup process. The WBR14S should be available today for $60.
A companion USB adapter, the WUSBS, provides 802.11n access to Windows PCs that lack support for the faster Wi-Fi standard as well as a free card slot. It supports the same security features as the WBR14S router. It should also be available today and ships for $40.
