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Most of the wi-fi networks out there are the "G" type of protocol. For the most part these networks are very fast, however there is a relatively new specification called "N." One of the reasons Wireless "N" routers haven't quite yet reached the same type of acceptance as the "g" routers is because the specification hasn't reached the final format.

In it's final release sometime expected in 2009, "N" networks are expected to reach a typical rate of 74 Mbit/s and possibly go up to 248 Mbit/s with a range of up to 70 meters.

Nonetheless, even though "N" is still considered a "draft" format, a few manufacturers have already started selling routers with the "N" specification.

One particular router which caught my interest was Apple's Airport Extreme (APE). It has all of the typical elegance and ease-of-use you'd expect from a classic Apple product.

Beginning with the physical dimensions, the unit itself is very small (6" X 6" X 1.25") and has a solid feel to it. In the front, it has a solitary led which can either turn green for "ready/on" or orange for "configuration." On the rear side, the ports from left to right are:

- power
- usb (for hooking up an external drive OR a printer)
- ethernet port (for internet connection)
- 3 more ethernet ports (for computers/devices w/o wi-fi)
- recessed reset button
- security slot

As far as the configuration, unlike other routers, the APE is not configured via browser but rather by software that you install on your computer. Personally, I feel that this approach is better in the sense that Apple can provide a better end-user experience with installed software as opposed to being constrained by a slow, tedious web server on the router. I have used routers from Hawking, NetGear and Belkin and have not yet seen an interface which beats the Apple solution. Another reason the software is a better solution is that I feel that it is actually a better security model. As far as I know, without the software, the APE cannot be configured. Yes, those other routers have passwords, but in my opinion, I feel this solution is somewhat more secure.

While on the subject of router configuration, I feel that the APE is one of the most configurable router there is on the market. Like I mentioned earlier, I have experience with a number of routers and none of them have the ease-of-use I had with the APE. Depending on the network administrator's technical skill, the APE could be setup automatically or manually. The automatic configuration was sort of a wizard-like interface while the manual configuration was more flexible and powerful at the same time.

All in all, the APE has performed well for our network and surpassed my expectations. If you are looking for the latest and greatest tech, this router may be the one for you.

Pros
- Wireless "N" specification
- Easy to configure using Apple provided software (Mac or PC)
- Nice design
- Works with external usb drive or printer
- Gigabit Ethernet ports

Cons
- Wireless "N" specification not final yet
- No wall mounting or standing brackets
- Expensive at approx. $180