Linksys WRT400N

The Linksys WRT400N offers the latest simultaneous dual-band, dual-radio technology for about $50 less than the top-of-the-line Linksys WRT610N (*Est. $165). Experts say this important technology allows routers to operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at the same time, which increases range, reduces interference and allows you to run devices that are compatible with either band simultaneously. Budget routers can't usually do this, but the Linksys WRT400N cuts costs by omitting a couple of major features: there's no USB port (so you can't plug in an external hard drive for your network to share) or Gigabit Ethernet (the Linksys WRT400N uses the slower, older 10/100 Ethernet). Oddly, the Linksys WRT400N beats the Gigabit Ethernet-equipped Linksys WRT610N in one major speed test, although another major test finds the opposite. The Linksys WRT400N had recently hit the market at the time of this update, but so far users like it, saying it's easy to set up and works dependably.

SmallNetBuilder.com and CNET both thoroughly test the Linksys WRT400N, including speed tests against the top-rated Linksys WRT610N. User reviews at Newegg.com and Amazon.com give early indications of this new model's real-world performance. PC World readers rate the reliability of several router brands, including Linksys.