Product Reviews

Linksys's WAG325N is the ADSL version of the WPC300N-UK Broadband router, which struggled with reliability and performance in our Labs test (Shopper, June 2007). Fortunately, reliability and performance have been improved, as has the initial configuration.

The CD-based configuration wizard took us through internet, wireless and security settings in a matter of minutes. Advanced settings are managed through Linksys's clearly laid-out web-based management pages.

Performance

ADVERTISEMENT

was top-notch. Using our Centrino notebook we got excellent results at near and far ranges, but we also got an excellent throughput of 5.75Mbit/s at 25m. Switching to the Wirless-N Notebook Adaptor, which costs £57, produced even better results. The WPC300N-UK limped through these tests with the same PC Card network adaptor, but the WAG325N stormed through them. Its throughput at near range was the best we've seen from any wireless router, including Apple's Airport Extreme when paired with an Apple notebook. Speeds dropped off at far range, although at 25m we still got an excellent throughput of 7.54Mbit/s.

The only problem we had was that the Windows Vista PC Card drivers didn't work with Linksys's client application. This is the only way to connect at the maximum of 300Mbit/s when using WPA-PSK TKIP encryption. Switching to WPA2 (AES) fixed the problem, as this uses the adaptor's hardware.

However, this is a minor point and doesn't detract from what is a good-value, speedy router with good range for both Centrino and Draft-N clients.