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Networking
Networking Buying Guide
The way we connect to the world wide web has evolved tremendously over the decades. Remember the days of ploddingly slow 14.4kbps modems? Well, those dinosaurs are now a thing of the past. Instead of depending on phone lines as the main networking medium, we now have cable and fiber optics broadband capable of 200Mbps speeds to serve our Internet needs. Here, we let you in on some pointers on how to pick the right router and also show you some of the best router buys from the show.
NETWORKING TODAY
Routers have advanced greatly in terms of both functionality and design. Today, they are not just devices you use to connect to the Internet. Some routers come with built-in hard disks that allows you to quickly share data or even lets you backup your systems wirelessly. Additionally, they are no longer clunky looking boxes, as manufacturers are paying more attention to design and aesthetics.
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Today's routers are no longer dull-looking boxes, some actually look quite stylish and futuristic. Features-wise, some even include integrated storage for easy file sharing and wireless backups. |
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
NGNBN-certification: If you’ve upgraded to a high-speed fiber plan recently, be sure to get a high-speed router that’s preferably NGNBN-certified (Next-Generation Nationwide Broadband Network) to match your network. This will ensure your router is up to the task for maximizing your fast fiber connection.
802.11ac: Although the 802.11ac standard has yet to be officially ratified, manufacturers have already been offering 802.11ac routers for quite some time already. Compared to N routers, AC routers have a thereotical top data speed of 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band, making them sought after by users who want to stream HD content wirelessly over their network.
File and Printer Sharing: If the router has USB ports, look to see if they support File Sharing, which allows you to attach an external hard drive to the router to quickly share files or even allow wireless backups. Printer Sharing allows clients connected to the network to send print jobs to a shared printer.
Check out the latest networking products at our HardwareZone Networking Product Guide.
Networking Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted networking deals at the IT Show this year.
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ASUS RT-AC66U IT Show 2013 Offer
Location LEVEL 1, BOOTH 1205 & 1317 |
Aztech HL125G + HL115EP Bundle IT Show 2013 Offer
Location LEVEL B2, BOOTH 121 |
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Buffalo WZR-HP-G450H IT Show 2013 Offer
Location LEVEL B2, BOOTH B346 |
EnGenius EUB9707 If you are looking for a no-frills Wireless-N USB adapter, the EnGenius EUB9707 is worth checking out. The compact adapter works with both Windows and Mac systems.IT Show 2013 Offer
Location Level B2, BOOTH B138 & B366 |
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Linksys E2500 IT Show 2013 Offer
Location LEVEL 1, BOOTH 1105 & 1229 |
TP-Link TL-MR3040 IT Show 2013 Offer
Location LEVEL B2, BOOTH B427 |
IT Show 2013 Networking Portal
