Simultaneous dual-N-band Linksys WRT610N Wi-Fi router
updated 12:45 am EDT, Thu July 3, 2008
WRT610N Wi-Fi router
Just days after announcing Mac OS X-specific support, Linksys has announced its WRT610N Wi-Fi router, which offers wireless connectivity for 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n devices on two separate spectrum bands simultaneously -- effectively doubling available wireless bandwidth. Designed so all types of wireless devices can achieve maximum bandwidth, the "Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router" is packaged in Linksys' new, low-profile glossy black housing and offers Draft N performance on both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz spectrums. Users can connect high-bandwidth 802.11n devices (such as video hubs, media extenders, etc.) to the higher-performance, 20-channel 5GHz band, which coincidently also has less interference from devices such as microwaves, other 802.11g networks, etc. The more crowded 2.4GHz band can be used to connect both devices that don't require as much bandwidth and older 802.11b devices.
Linksys claims the WRT610N is the first dual-band router that allows you to use Wireless-N network speeds on both bands at the same time and says that the 5GHz band automatically gives priority to high-definition video without the need for manual configuration (advanced users can also adjust priorities between connected devices).
Like all advanced 802.11n routers, it includes a 4-port Gigabit Switch, the ability to connect a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device, and an advanced wireless security and SPI firewall for protection from Internet attacks.
The suggested retail price is $200, but it is available from Amazon for $150.
