Best Wireless Router 2011

Once you have decided about setting up a wireless network, the first item on your shopping list is the wireless router. The choice of wireless router is crucial, as it will decide the maximum data transmission speed of your network and other features like LAN sharing and network security level. Considering that the entire wireless networking setup is built around the router, you should go for the latest and fastest wireless router on the market. In this Buzzle article, I have reviewed contenders for the title of best wireless router (2011). Check them out and decide for yourself, which router deserves to be the winner.

Wireless Router Buying Guide

To choose the best wireless router (2011), you need to know what are the current cutting-edge features to look out for. So here's a wireless router buying guide in a nutshell.

The primary feature to lookout for, in any wireless router, is the wireless networking standard it's based upon. Go for any 802.11n based wireless router, as currently, it offers the highest transmission speed. 802.11 b and 802.11g based routers are now outdated as they offer comparatively lower transmission speeds. Secondly, it's recommended that you go for dual band routers, which can transmit data on two frequencies (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), which further speeds up network data traffic.

Check out if the router allows for network sharing of resources and provides for high-speed Ethernet ports. More the number of transmission antennas, higher is the power output of the router and faster is its reception and transmission. So look for routers with higher number of antennas. These are the features that you should look out for, when choosing a wireless router. Now you are ready to check out the reviews of the best wireless routers, available in the market today.

Best Wireless Router (2011)

There are many strong players in the wireless networking arena, that have launched new wireless routers for 2011. Here are the best routers that I have picked for you, in the current market.

Cisco Linksys E4200
Priced at $179.99, the Cisco Linksys E4200 is one of the front-runners in the race for the title of best wireless router. Equipped with state-of-the-art features, which include the wireless 802.11n standard, dual band transmission, 6 MIMO transmission antennas, 450 Mbps transmission speed, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and powerful amplifiers, this is the best wireless router for gaming and home use.

D-Link Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router DIR-825
Another strong contender is the D-Link DIR-825, which is also based on the 802.11n standard, has 4 high-speed gigabit Ethernet ports, two powerful antennas, all the latest security features and one year warranty. It comes with a price tag of $119.96. This one's cheaper compared to the Cisco Linksys product and offers comparable features.

Belkin Play N600 HD Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router
Another powerhouse performer, ideally designed for high HD streaming over network and gaming applications, the Belkin Play N600 is a top choice for your wireless network. For a price of $109.99, this dual band router provides you with high-speed connectivity, 256 bit WPA2 encryption, four LAN Ethernet ports and WPS push button security.

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station
The best wireless router for Mac loyalists is the Apple Airport Extreme, with dual band transmission, WPA2 security, 1 high-speed WAN port and three high-speed LAN ports. With all these features, it carries a price tag of $179.00.

Each of the wireless router reviews given above is based on the 802.11n wireless routing standard, which offers the highest data transmission speed at this point of time. All of them have the latest security features and most of the other features that are needed for a home wireless networking system. Choose the best wireless router (2011), which suits your network requirements and overall budget. Have a great unplugged Internet experience!