Labs

Instead of using MIMO, USRobotics employs a proprietary MAXg acceleration technology that boosts connection speed to 125Mb/sec. It also has a USB port for sharing a printer, but no built-in ADSL modem.

The router's web interface looks cluttered, and you have to scroll to see the bottom of most pages. Still, there's a help panel with a brief explanation of each setting. Security options include RADIUS server authentication and MAC address filtering, but there's no way to block

ADVERTISEMENT

URLs. Access control can block IP addresses and services (by port number) and you can apply a schedule. There are no presets, such as FTP on port 21 - you have to find out the settings yourself. Port triggering and port forwarding are available, along with a DMZ.

If you're planning on using the router as a public hotspot, it allows clients access to the internet but prevents file and printer sharing. You can adjust the transmit power level to limit coverage and enable 802.11d (spanning tree protocol), as well as get the router to check for firmware updates.

Not quick at short range, its 16Mb/sec throughput beat only the Gigabyte router. It fared better in the long-range tests, although 3Mb/sec is paltry compared to Belkin's 20Mb/sec.

At least the USB Wi-Fi adapter (£31 exc VAT) was easy to install. The software automatically connected to the router, asked for a security passphrase, ISP settings and the SSID.

The USRobotics is easy to use, but poor performance and no URL blocking mean that even at this price it never troubles the leaders.