Routers: Netgear WNDR4500 & WGR614, Cyberoam NetGenie NG11EO, Belkin N750 DB

Cyberoam NetGenie NG11EO

Instead of running endpoint security solution on each of the device connected to same wireless routers, this makes complete sense to have all the security measures at the router itself. Besides security features standard in most wireless routers, this device is unique in the sense that it comes with Anti-virus protection which gets constantly updated post registration and is free for first 3 years. Other notable features of this N router include built in 3G data card support and VPN.

To check performance of this router, we carried out two tests. First we checked TCP throughput using 'Qcheck 3.0', with a payload of 1000 Mb, it gave 22 Mbps. To check speed of transformation, we created an isolated network (N) with NetGenie connected to two machines; one via Ethernet and other via wireless connection. Then we transferred 50 Mb of data from one machine to the other. It took on average 33 seconds to complete this data transfer.

Bottomline: Though this one is loaded with features for business use, NetGenie is average on performance front.

Netgear WGR614

This router does not support N wireless network, therefore transfer speed is limited. With all latest routers coming with N support relevance of this product is questionable. To balance this shortcoming, WGR614 gives excellent performance when compared with fellow G routers. Besides performance, features that stood out include e-mail notification where one can get reports via e-mail and comprehensive web support in case you are stuck somewhere. To check performance of this router, we carried out two tests. First we checked TCP throughput using 'Qcheck 3.0', with a payload of 1000 Mb; it gave 20 Mbps which is comparable to other N router we tested in this issue. To check speed of transformation, we created an isolated network (G) with WGR614 connected to two machines --one via Ethernet and other via wireless connection. Then we transferred 50 Mb of data from one machine to the other. It took an average 30 seconds to complete this data transfer.

Bottomline: If you want pure performance and you can live with G network then this one is a great choice

Netgear WNDR4500

This router is loaded. To start off, WNDR4500 comes with support for latest 450 Mbps standard, but to use this feature one needs supporting clients. Other feature which could be useful for businesses is the availability of two bands: 2.5 Ghz and 5 Ghz, though a great feature using which you can create two non-interfering wireless networks (both supporting 450 Mbps standard) again needs 5Ghz supporting clients. Back of WNDR4500 has two USB ports; these can be used to attach external storage or printers, here attaching storage is available to everyone on network and on top of it can also be accessed via Internet using FTP protocol. WNDR4500 supports DLNA which means that you can share content among DLNA supporting devices using this router.

Performance was checked using two tests. First we checked TCP throughput using 'Qcheck 3.0', with a payload of 1000 Mb, it gave 33 Mbps which is 10Mbps, more than other N router we tested in this issue (Cyberom NetGenie). To check speed of transformation, we created an isolated network (N wireless network in 2.5 GHz range ) with WNDR4500 connected to two machines one via Ethernet and other via wireless connection , when we transferred 50 Mb of data from one machine to the other, It took on average 25 seconds to complete this data transfer.

Bottomline: A feature rich wireless router which scores high on performance front too.

Netgear N600

Netgear N600 is a lower version of Netgear WNDR4500 lacking in the support for 450 Mbps wireless standard. It is equipped with ReadyShare Cloud and USB Storage Access which allows the USB Hard Disk to be accessed through Internet and locally. It also allows sharing of printer. The setup is quite easy with the Netgear Genie application. Just connect to the modem and system and you are ready to connect (using the default SSID and password). Use the Netgear Genie application if you want to change the password and other settings. It also supports DLNA.

To check performance of this router, we carried out two tests. First we checked TCP throughput using 'Qcheck 3.0', with a payload of 1000 kB, it gave 17 Mbps which is lowest among all the 4 that we have reviewed above. To check speed of transformation, we created an isolated network (G) with this router connected to two machines --one via Ethernet and other via wireless connection. Then we transferred 50 Mb of data from one machine to the other. It took around 28 seconds to complete the data transfer in upload and download mode.

Bottomline: Though throughput is lowest but features like ReadyShare Cloud and USB Storage Access could be of added advantage.

Belkin N750 DB

Belkin N750DB is a dual band N+ router which offers a 450 Mbps standard on the 5 GHz band. It is equipped with 2 USB Ports along with 4 Gigabit Ports and 1 Gigabit Modem port. The two USB ports can be used to share the printer or the media.

To check performance of this router, we carried out the same two tests. First we checked TCP throughput using 'Qcheck 3.0', with a payload of 1000 kB, it gave 31 Mbps which is just 2 Mbps less than Netgear WNDR4500. To check speed of transformation, we created an isolated network (G) with this router connected to two machines --one via Ethernet and other via wireless connection. Then we transferred 50 Mb of data from one machine to the other. It took around just 13 seconds to complete the data transfer in upload and download mode, which is fastest among all the five routers.

Bottomline: With impressive performance results, this router is a very obvious choice.