Labs

Linksys' WRT300N is based on the Draft-N specification, and has even wilder looks than previous models, with three antennae.

The setup menu configures main features such as the WAN interface and lets you reserve IP addresses for specific MAC addresses, as well as choose from two DDNS services.

Wireless security measures include RADIUS authentication. There's also an isolation function when used as a hotspot, placing each wireless client in a virtual network so they

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can't connect with each other. The firewall can apply filters to block Java, ActiveX, cookies and WAN proxy servers.

Access restrictions control PCs by MAC address, IP address or IP range. You can permit or deny internet access with a schedule, apply URL and keyword filters, and block specific applications such as FTP or HTTP.

Port forwarding has helpful presets, and the DMZ can restrict source IP addresses. QoS has categories to which you assign a priority, adding flexibility while still being easy to use.

The matching Draft-N PC Card costs £56 and installation is straightforward. The utility provides a wealth of information, including signal power in dB and a plethora of statistics, plus meters for signal strength and quality.

At close range, the WRT300N managed a credible 26Mb/sec, but 8Mb/sec at 20m isn't so inspiring. Linksys assures us performance will improve with future firmware updates.

The WRT300N sports a lot of easy-to-use features, but until performance improves we can't recommend it over the Belkin and Zyxel.