USRobotics Wireless Ndx ADSL2+ Gateway

While it doesn't ooze style or boast a Gigabit Ethernet switch like the Netgear, USRobotics' new draft-n router has plenty to offer. First on the list is an ADSL2+ modem to handle connections up to 24Mb/sec. Since these cost about £25, it immediately makes the Ndx ADSL2+ seem better value than similarly priced competitors without modems.

Second, and unique in this Labs, is a USB print server. Simply plug a USB printer into the port on the rear and any networked PC can print to it. Just note that all-in-ones won't work because scanners send data in the reverse direction.

A third tickbox is the Secure Easy Setup. Like the Buffalo, there's a button (albeit hidden on the rear) you push to establish a secure wireless connection (using WPA2 or WPA) with any Ndx PC Card or USB adapters within range. All you need to do is press the soft button in the client software within two minutes.

Initially, you can configure the router either by using the utility on the bundled CD or directly through the management interface. Both take you through entering ISP details, the SSID and an admin password, as well as prompting you to set wireless security. Beyond this, menus aren't for the faint-hearted - this is a router for those who know their UDP from their TCP. Quality of service for both the LAN and WAN has to be set up manually, which will provide better results if you know what you're doing. You'll also find port forwarding, static routes, dynamic DNS, DMZ and IP blocking for both incoming and outgoing traffic. Internet access control is restricted to schedules - there's no URL or keyword filtering. The final crucial feature is VPN termination. For the foreseeable future, this is a free upgrade and simply needs to be unlocked.

Speed, sadly, isn't this router's strong point. Using a Centrino Wi-Fi adapter, we saw only 15Mb/sec at 15m and a flaky connection at 25m. With the 5412 PC Card, things were better with 20Mb/sec at 15m and 3Mb/sec at 25m. If you need better performance than this, opt for the Netgear or Buffalo.

But if an ADSL modem, a print server and VPN are all features you'll use, the USRobotics is a great choice and superb value for £81.

Author: Jim Martin