ZyXEL Prestige 660HW-T1

We're yet to be impressed by any Draft 802.11n hardware we've tested in our Labs, so this 802.11g router is a timely reminder that you can build a fully functional wireless network for less than £50 on ratified, mature technology. And if you're setting up a wireless network from scratch, the inclusion of ZyXEL's G202 USB wireless dongle with this kit is a major plus. But the Prestige does have some flaws. Although it reached a respectable 17.8Mb/sec file-transfer speed at close range, when we shifted two rooms away it dropped to just 0.8Mb/sec - and the connection was very shaky. MIMO routers like the Belkin Wireless Pre-N are far better at long-range duties. Nevertheless, nothing significant is missing in terms of features, and if you only want to share an internet connection in close proximity then the Prestige will do the job.

Author: Dave Stevenson