CES 2007: Linksys announces a draft-N router for gamers

Credit: Linksys

Linksys has unveiled at CES 2007 the first draft N router optimised for gamers that we've seen.

The WRT330N combines Linksys's draft N technology with four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and one Gigabeat Ethernet WAN port. Additionally, its Quality of Service implementation prioritises gaming packets for smoother game play. It supports PC and game consoles, online gaming, online multiplayer RPGs and online head-to-head gaming. The QoS implementation can also improve VoIP and Web cam performance. Even the exterior, with its sleek black design, should appeal to gamers.

Security features include WPA2, WPA and WEP; an SPI firewall; and a VPN pass-through. It can also serve as a DHCP server.

As far as performance goes, we have no doubt that this will be a fast router, but if you've read the reviews of our draft N routers, so far, you know how we feel about buying into that just yet. It's a familiar song, so if you know it, sing along with us: while we've seen fast throughput from the draft N routers, they don't live up to the much-hyped theoretical speeds of the N spec, not even close.

If you have to have the fastest gear now, it's likely that most of the currently available draft N products can be made compliant with the final spec with a simple firmware upgrade, so go for it. If you don't want to take that risk or pay through the nose (this router costs about US$200), be patient and wait to see if the final spec results in better performance.