ASUS, a leading producer of innovative networking solutions, today announced the ASUS RT-N16, a technologically-advanced wireless router with a host of intuitive, easy-to-use features. Engineered for the future, the ASUS RT-N16 is a Wireless-N Gigabit Router offering three "S's" that fulfill users' all-around networking needs that no other brand can provide-Speed for ultra-fast data transfers, Simplicity for unparalleled ease-of-use and ease-of-setup, and Security for absolute peace of mind when performing online tasks. Such an unprecedented integration of powerful performance and user-friendly operation makes the RT-N16-and ASUS' full range of routers-the best choice on the market.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms will showcase the VIA EITX-3000 Em-ITX board at ESC Silicon Valley 2009. Designed for ultra-thin, high-performance, fanless embedded systems at temperatures ranging from -10o to 70o Celsius, the VIA EITX-3000 uses unique processor placement to deliver leading performance in remarkably hot and cold environments.

The VIA EITX-3000 places the energy-efficient VIA Nano processor and VIA VX800 media system processor on the reverse side of the board, making greater real-estate available for passive cooling apparatus and thus negating the need for system fans. This makes the VIA EITX-3000 an exceptional choice for high performance systems in always-on applications such as high-end POS, Kiosk, ATM, HMI, factory automation, POI and digital signage.

D-link has announced Ethernet desktop switches that, it claims, use up to 44 percent less power than existing 5-port switches. It said it was the first company to bring such green Ethernet switches to the market. The power saving is accomplished in two ways. First, the new switches measure when PCs connected to them are turned off and then power down into standby mode. Secondly, they analyze cable lengths and can adjust power usage for different cable lengths accordingly. Most existing switches are powered up to support 100m cable lengths all the time, but many small systems use only 5-10m of cable. The IEEE standards body has an energy-efficient Ethernet study group, known as 802.3 A ratified standard is not expected for a couple of years or more and D-Link has introduced its products well before this. D-Link does not appear to be involved with this standards effort. D-Link will deliver Green Ethernet switches across its range of desktop, smart and xStack managed switches. All of the company's sub-24 port desktop switches will be green by the end of 2007. The smart and managed switches will evolve to Green Ethernet products through 2008.

D-Link recently created two router/adapter kits, each geared around customers who do not really understand how to configure a wireless network. The secret behind the ease of configuration is a new driver installation wizard called Click'n'Connect, which supposedly makes installing a wireless network really easy. This has yet to be confirmed by review sites or technophobes. The first model, the DKT-710, uses the tried-and-true 802.11G protocol. The router is compatible with ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+ connections, and has a USB 2.0 port. For people that need a little more oomph in their network, D-Link offers the DKT-810. This uses the faster and more powerful 802.11N protocol, and is compatible with the same connections, and also has a USB 2.0 port.

Like most routers, both routers have a built-in firewall and four Ethernet ports. You can get the DKT-710 and DKT-810 for £60 (€88/$121) and £160 (€237/322), respectively.