Linksys announces a new high-performance MIMO wireless
router
Linksys Wireless-G router with SRX
The product: Last year, Belkin was the first and only company to offer a MIMO-capable router. Today, Linksys is announcing plans to jump on the MIMO bandwagon, with its Wireless-G router with SRX. The company's new high-end router will include part of the same cutting-edge technology that is slated for the upcoming 802.11n standard, MIMO. MIMO stands for multiple input multiple output, and it uses multiple radios and antennae to maximize the performance of 802.11g wireless networks. From what we've seen so far, the technology substantially improves the throughput and range of wireless connections. The router's key features and specs include:

• WPA encryption
• Stateful Packet Inspection firewall
• Four-port Ethernet switch
• VPN pass-through
• Fully interoperable with standard 802.11b/g gear

The price: Linksys anticipates an estimated street price of $199 for the Wireless-G router with SRX.

The prospects: Given the performance benefits, MIMO-capable equipment is destined to overtake standards-based 802.11g devices before long. By 2006, when 802.11n is expected to be ratified, you may even have trouble finding 802.11g-only gear on store shelves.

By Allen Fear, senior editor, CNET Reviews