D-Link RangeBooster N "pre-802.11n" kit tested

Based on the Atheros AR5008 chipset, D-Link’s RangeBooster N wireless LAN comprises an internet router, PC Card and PCI adapter, with a USB adapter on the way.

The RangeBooster N 650 router is designed for use with Ethernet DSL and cable modems and has a four-port switch for wired connectivity, and a draft 802.11n wireless access point. It has a vastly improved management interface, a new setup wizard and a USB port that can be used to configure security settings using Windows Connect Now. The router supports Multiple input, multiple output (Mimo) and sports three antennae.

The system is faster and reaches further than standard 802.11g kit. Windows reported a connection speed of 300Mbit/s. In our tests we recorded sustained transfer rates of 40 to 60Mbit/s – two to three times what we achieved with 802.11g in the same conditions. Signal strength was good across a much wider area than with 802.11n and there were few blind spots.

However, we were concerned by compatibility issues – the router was more choosy when it came to 802.11g/b clients, though the adapters linked to existing 802.11g networks well. A lack of Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) support may also be an issue – WPA is the only security option. Firms worried about interoperability should wait for kit supporting the final 802.11n spec.