Review: Buffalo WHR-G125 wireless router

The WHR-G125 is aimed at cable broadband (Virgin Media) users or those who have a separate ADSL modem with its own network socket.

If you get your broadband through a BT phone line you will have to go for a router with a built-in modem instead.

The physical design of this compact router is uncomplicated. It can sit horizontally or vertically, but opt for the latter and even the slightest of knocks will send it tumbling.

A series of lights sit on the front of the router to show, among other things, whether there is security on the wireless network.

As with most routers, four wired network ports are provided, along with a socket to which the cable modem can be attached.

The WHR-G125 is able to use its 125* High Speed mode to boost wireless speeds, which means faster file transfers between computers on the network.

To maximise the effect of the 125* High Speed mode, however, you'll need to purchase Buffalo wireless adapters for all the computers on the network, otherwise the devices will operate at lower standard wireless speeds.

We looked at the router in conjunction with a Buffalo WLI-U2 wireless adapter, which connected to the computer using USB.

The router includes Buffalo's AOSS (Airstation One-Touch Secure System) technology. If you have other AOSS wireless kit (such as Buffalo wireless cards or a Nintendo DS) you can set up security by simply pushing the AOSS button on the router, then on the other AOSS devices.

For non-AOSS wireless devices such as notebook computers it's necessary to set the security manually. The router supports all forms of wireless security.

All settings are managed using the web interface (the user logs into it using a web browser). It's not as well laid-out as others we've seen and takes some time to get used to, but help is provided along the way.

If you're frequently transferring large files around a network, the WHR-G125 will speed things up – as long as you also buy a Buffalo wireless adapter.

Since most home broadband connections are under 8Mbits/sec, which a standard wireless network is perfectly capable of handling, it's unlikely to speed up general web surfing.

But at just £35 it's one of the cheapest routers out there, so even if you don't intend to use the high-speed mode it's worth considering.

Also consider:
D-link DKT-710 Wireless G ADSL2+ Starter Kit

Buffalo Wireless-N Nfiniti Router and Notebook Adaptor

D-Link DKT-810 Wireless N Starter Kit