Value and Conclusion

AirLive WN-300ARM-VPN

The AirLive WN-300ARM-VPN sells for a mere 70€

Price
ADSL Modem & router in one device
Easy to set up
Excellent feature set
No problems with a broad range of wireless devices. Tested with D-Link, Intel, Asus, Netgear and Atheros
Absolutely Stable even with a large number of connections (for example BitTorrent with DHT enabled)
Compact size
Removable dual, antennas
Excellent range with included Antennas

Gets rather warm during use
No Gigabit ports
Webbased interface provides no "plain english" explanation to settings
Plastic casing rather weak

The Airlive WN-300ARM-VPN packs a huge punch for the price. It offers the combined feature set of an ADSL2+ modem in combination with a high-end wireless draft-N router for the same price as other 802.11n routers out there. Besides the lack of Gigabit networking - which is almost a must with 802.11n based units, there are no real world short comings to speak off, as all of the negative aspects pertain to design and the web interface. The WN-300ARM-VPN manages both tasks as a modem and router brilliantly. After having been using the unit for the past few weeks, heavily relying on its stability in keeping me connected, it has not failed me once. For those with an ADSL based ISP and to whom this device is available, should put this one on the very top of their list, especially as other modem & router combinations tend to cost more, while usually offering less functionality.

Our awards explained

AirLive WN-5000PCI

The AirLive WN-5000PCI sells for around 40 €.

Simple installation
Three antennas for excellent draft-N connectivity
Very informative software
Removable antennas
Antennas may be arranged in such a matter, so that they won't interfere with rear of the PC

Rather expensive for a 300 Mbit/s MIMO PCI card, probally due to limited availablity
Includes software delays connectivity to network & Internet upon boot of OS

The Airlive WN-5000PCI is as good as any, when it comes to PCI based 300 Mbit/s MIMO cards. With the crowded market these days it really comes down to price, as most manufacturers offer a very similar feature set, which is usually bound by the IC used. The WN-5000PCI works extremely well and does not dissapoint at all - on the contrary it is a solid performer with excellent range and bandwidth characteristics. It can hold its own against big name players like D-Link, Netgear and Linksys, but only falls short in price, as it is on the higher end of the spectrum in this regard. That said, if you have the option of grabbing one of the WN-5000PCI for a price below 30 Euros - go right ahead, you won't be disappointed.

Our awards explained

AirLive WN-200USB

	The AirLive WN-200USB sells for around 20 €
	Simple installation Good reception for a USB device Very compact Does not heat up during use Informative software included
	Maximum connectivity is 150 Mbit/s - instead of 300 Mbit/s Includes Software delays connectivity to network & internet upon boot of OS
8.1	The Airlive WN-200USB was one of their first entries into the "draft-N" race and it still shines with its compact size when compared to the behemoth looking units from D-Link or Linksys, The downside of course is the lack of MIMO and the virtual barrier of 150 Mbits/s connectivity. For those who are looking for these features, take a look at the WN-5000USB. It offers the exact same features as the WN-5000PCI in a compact USB 2.0 package. Another big upside is the fact, that the 200USB does not heat up. For those who use such devices, put your finger on them when they are processing a lot of bandwidth - you will be surprised as to how hot they can get. Not so with the WN-200USB. The same philosophy as with the WN-5000PCI holds true here. If you can get your hands on one of these at a competitive price - don't hesitate to buy it.