Verdict

I didn't set out to do an exhaustive test of numerous wireless kit makers' products - though a number of well-known names were asked to participate and chose not to submit kit. Instead, I wanted to see what options as well as the as-yet-non-standard 802.11n are open to WLAN users who've hit the limits of standard 802.11g technology.

Clearly, 802.11n is the way to go in the medium term, since it provides not only greater bandwidth than 802.11g but delivers the kind of 802.11g performance that the more advanced 802.11g-only routers and adaptors offer. If you only want wireless networking, it's hard to recommend anything other than 802.11n. If you can wait for dual-band devices to fall in price - not that Apple's AirPort Express is particularly more expensive than single-band kit - it seems prudent to do so for access to the cleaner air the 5GHz band provides.

And if you'd like to wait but need an 802.11g deadlock-buster now, then powerline provides a way to reach dead spots or eliminate them by adding extra access points, though this approach is little cheaper than going for 2.4GHz-only 802.11n.

Related stories

• Belkin unveils Wireless USB hub
• Sharp intros four-port powerline network box
• Four-radio AP touts high-density Wi-Fi
• Lancom targets UK with high-end Wi-Fi
• Open Wi-Fi proves no defence in child porn case
• Future PCs to integrate powerline Ethernet
• Belkin 802.11n hub to link up USB add-ons remotely
• Ofcom consults on unlicensed radio
• Apple posts $2 802.11n Wi-Fi patch
• WTF has my Wi-Fi network gone?

So much depends on your own circumstances, however. But hopefully at least one of these options will help you solve your Wi-Fi woes.

With 802.11n Draft 2.0 updates for existing next-gen Wi-Fi kit due in the next few months and Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability testing coming soon after, we're now in a position to consider 802.11n as fixed as it can be without the IEEE standards body's stamp of approval. As a result, Register Hardware will begin testing 802.11n products in their own right very shortly.

More comments…