TRENDnet 802.11n routers

Networking company TRENDnet has announced two new Wi-Fi routers (not pictured), beginning with the TEW-673GR. The unit is a dual-band 802.11n model, capable of broadcasting in both the conventional 2.4GHz band and in the 5GHz range, which avoids interference from other wireless hardware such as microwaves and Bluetooth transmitters. Like many 802.11n devices the 673GR has a theoretical peak of 300Mbps, though practical speeds are closer to 200Mbps; as an alternative, gigabit Ethernet connections can be used. Pricing and availability are currently unpublished.

The company meanwhile says it is demonstrating its first 450Mbps router at CES, the TEW-773GR. Like the 673GR, the 773GR is built on 802.11n, but with the difference of a chipset allowing three spatial streams per each of three antennas. Aside from boosting speed, the technology is said to increase area coverage by roughly 30 percent. The prototype router has dual firewalls, as well as gigabit Ethernet connections; a commercial version is due in the third quarter.

By Electronista Staff