JiWire Lab Test Results

Performance-wise, the Microsoft MN-700 ended up in the middle of our pack of 802.11g routers. Not exceptionally fast, but no slouch, either, with 20Mbps WEP-encrypted throughput. Where the MN-700 stood out was in its range. It was one of few units we tested to provide acceptable performance 50 feet away from the base station, through several walls and up stairs. That can eliminate the need for a separate antenna or second base station.

For best performance we recommend setting the MN-700 to 802.11g-only mode, which prevents connection by 802.11b clients. Mixing in b clients greatly reduces performance, so if you have older adapter cards, consider trading them in. Thankfully, Microsoft offers a couple cost-effective bundles that include PC Card or USB adapters along with the router.

Throughput vs. Distance

Chart Key: Click on a product to see its results...
D-Link AirPlus XtremeG Wireless Router DI-624
NetGear 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router WGT624
Microsoft Wireless-G Base Station MN-700
Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT-54G
Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (with modem)
Buffalo AirStation G54 (WBR-G54)
NetGear Cable/DSL Wireless Router MR814v2

How We Tested

Our real-world performance tests measure actual throughput in a typical wood-frame house, through walls and floors, at five distances from the base station: 3 feet (same room), 15 feet (same floor), 25 feet (same floor), 35 feet (upstairs), and 50 feet (upstairs). All tests were conducted with 128-bit WEP encryption on, and in 802.11g-only mode, if available.