Taiwan-based Edimax, which is known more for its low-cost networking hardware, took a big leap, by unveiling its first 802.11ac wireless networking hardware. These include a static router, and a USB adapter. The router uses a Broadcom-made 600 MHz Intensi-fi MIPS32 central processor. This chip has two PCI-Express interfaces, a built-in USB 2.0 host controller, and DDR2 memory controller. It has two WLAN modules, the Broadcom BCM4331 handles 802.11 b/g/n in the 2.40 GHz band, while a Broadcom BCM4360 handles 802.11ac in the 5 GHz band. This module supports network bandwidths up to 1.35 Gbps. Then you have a wired LAN interface, with one gigabit uplink port, and four gigabit downstream ports.

Moving on, Edimax showed off one of the industry's first USB 802.11ac adapters. This dongle uses Broadcom BCM43526 chip, and offers dual-band operation. In the 5 GHz band, it offers bandwidths of up to 900 Mbps, while in the 2.4 GHz band, it offers 300 Mbps. Sadly for this adapter, the USB interface is USB 2.0 HiSpeed, which poses a host bandwidth bottleneck of 480 Mbps. When you factor in things such as the various protocol overheads, the actual bandwidth yield could be much lower. Edimax is yet to name its products, so quite some development is left.

Wireless network routers transitioned from big boxes with antennas to compact ones, and are now finding their way to the walls of households, blending with other utility connections that pass through walls (electricity, telephone/TV/cable/broadband, wired network, water, and gas). Japanese company is one of those pushing this change, with its MZK-KR150N WiFi b/g/n router that's designed to blend with other wall sockets.

The back-end of this router takes in AC power and WAN/uplink Ethernet cable. Its front-end has a hinged antenna, one downstream Ethernet cable, LEDs, and other configuration buttons. One of the six slots on the socket is blanked, so one can assume there's going to be a variant with two downstream Ethernet ports. The router offers wireless bandwidths with speeds of up to 150 Mbps, and wired bandwidths up to 100 Mbps. Slated for an April launch, the MZK-KR150N is priced at 9,800 JPY (US $118.4).

The ASUS DSL-N55U utilizes a powerful tri-antenna, dual-CPU design that offers the complete benefit of ADSL modem and router features in one streamlined and easy to use device. It supports simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz transmission at up to 600 Mbps, making it an ideal choice for power users, gamers, and consumers who stream HD media regularly. Quick and simple installation gets users online complication-free, while two USB ports afford multi-role usability as a file, media, and printer server.

D-Link has today announced the launch of its Wireless N PowerLine Gigabit Router (DHP-1565) designed to offer consumers enhanced coverage, high-speed connectivity and protection against Internet dead spots. .

By combining the functions of a high-speed Wireless N Router and PowerLine technology within a single, versatile device, the Wireless N PowerLine Gigabit Router enables consumers to enjoy networking speeds of up to 300 Mbps wirelessly and up to 500 Mbps through their existing electrical wiring. No longer is there the need to buy multiple separate network devices or to trail wires throughout the house to resolve coverage dead spots or areas of poor wireless connectivity. This router, with both wireless and PowerLine built-in, allows consumers to easily expand their network to every corner of their home.

Clearwire, a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the availability of the CLEAR Spot Voyager, a new personal hotspot that offers super-fast speeds, unlimited* 4G usage plans, and compatibility with millions of mobile devices. The company also announced the availability of the CLEAR Hub Express, a combination 4G modem and wireless router to give your home or office high-speed wireless internet.

The CLEAR Spot Voyager gives users everything they need to create a personal hotspot for up to eight wi-fi-enabled devices, at the same time. The CLEAR Spot Voyager offers consumers a battery life greater than six hours*** and a compact form factor at 2.6 inches square. The CLEAR Hub Express provides users 4G internet and is the only piece of equipment needed to set up a 4G internet hotspot in a home or office. With the device's built-in wireless router, users have an instant wi-fi network with no set-up or installation required.

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of storage and wireless networking solutions, has validated its commitment to innovation by showcasing 802.11ac technology on the show floor at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Operating in the 5 GHz space, the next generation wireless technology boasts unmatched wireless speeds of 1300 Mbps, approximately three times faster than 802.11n.

Accompanying the 802.11ac technology is the class leading Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H wireless router; combined, they provide complete backward compatibility with 802.11a, 11b, 11g and 11n, in addition to offering 2.4 GHz transmission speeds up to 450 Mbps and exceptional coverage. The WZR-1750H provides consumers with total aggregate wireless throughput of 1750 Mbps.

Belkin today unveiled its best-in-class wireless networking solution for maximum speed, range and performance, the Advance N900 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router. With Belkin's exclusive MultiBeam technology, the N900 creates a robust, blazing-fast network that supports an entire household of Wi-Fi devices and media-intensive activities like online gaming and 3D video streaming. The N900 will debut at CES Unveiled on January 8, 2012, and be on display at the Belkin booth #30651 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2012 International CES.

Featuring dual-band combined speeds of up to 900 megabits per second, the Advance N900 delivers maximum data speeds on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously. Built for high speeds, the N900 uses the IEEE 3x3 standard to transmit data on three streams, which gives 50 percent better throughput. Additionally, Belkin's exclusive MultiBeam technology delivers a high-powered signal that allows for higher and more consistent network speeds and minimizes the number of wireless dead spots. With 6 embedded MultiBeam antennas, the N900 enables optimized video streaming from multiple devices, throughout the whole home.