Buffalo introduces a VPN router tailored for home offices
Buffalo Wireless Secure Remote Gateway
The product: Telecommute to your home office with Buffalo's Wireless Secure Remote Gateway. Buffalo's new WZR-RS-G54 is designed to let you access all of your files and applications while you're away from home via a secure virtual private network, or VPN, connection. Remote access software in the router lets you find and access resources on your home network, such as shared files and computers. The Wireless Secure Remote Gateway also comes with Buffalo's AirTouch One-Touch Secure System, or AOSS, which allows you to connect the unit to other Buffalo networking gear with the touch of a button.

• Integrated 802.11g access point
• Built-in PPTP server
• Supports Dynamic DNS
• Repeater/Bridge modes
• Automatic channel selection
• Supports up to 100 VPN user accounts

The price: Buffalo's Wireless Secure Remote Gateway is available through a host of retailers and currently sells for around $175.

The prospects: Large corporations have long offered VPN connections to their employees as a way to boost productivity. The same technology can also benefit the little guy with a home office who travels frequently and often needs access to files on a home network. But VPNs are notoriously tricky to set up, and they're typically beyond the reach of those new to networking. The first company to offer a foolproof VPN router at a reasonable price is likely to find a lot of interested customers.

By Allen Fear, senior editor, CNET Reviews