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Buffalo's familiar looking high-speed router doesn't feature the same technology as Belkin's Pre-N Router - in fact Belkin is currently the only major consumer manufacturer to release Pre-N kit. Instead, Buffalo uses Broadcom's Afterburner chipset.
An interesting feature is Buffalo's AOSS (Airstation One-touch Secured System) technology. Pressing the AOSS button on the Airstation instantly detects other AOSS network devices and automatically secures the entire network. However, if you install a non-Buffalo device you'll need to sort out its security separately.
In tests, the Buffalo 125 performed reasonably well. At a 2m radius we achieved around 25 to 30Mbits/sec, but when we strayed more than 15m this rapidly decreased. We also found that this rate varied dramatically even when keeping the same distance from the access point.
On the software side, Buffalo needs to work at its interface. All the usual features are there, but it took us longer to work out where everything was than with the other kit tested this month.
Buffalo has every reason to be proud of its AOSS system, especially as unsecured wireless networks are currently big news. The fact that it will only work with other Buffalo AOSS equipment limits its appeal, however.
Performance is also an issue. High speeds are achievable at close distance, but if you stray too far you'll start experiencing erratic performance.
Prices:
Router: £54.99 (£46.80 ex VAT)
PC Card: £22.12 (£22.12 ex VAT)
PC Card: £69.99 (£59.57 ex VAT)
Contact:
Buffalo 01753 555 015
www.buffalotech.co.uk
See also:
Everything you need to set up a wireless network in one box 10 Mar 2005
All Routers
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