Now this is more like it. Rather than just creating new stuff, Belkin’s Pre-N wireless networking line is going to help improve the performance of existing technologies. Right frame of mind, finally!

So even though we will not likely see any 802.11n until 2007, it is nice to know that the technology will go to benefit the existing standards today. Sure beats having to wait for the benefits outright!

Wireless networking products are never modest in their performance claims. However, Belkin’s new Wireless Pre-N Router ($150) and Notebook Network Card ($100) promise–and deliver–dramatically faster speeds and much better range than their fastest 802.11g predecessors.

Not only is the new gear compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b equipment, in our tests 802.11g clients actually performed better on a network based upon the Pre-N router. (The Pre-N name refers to the 802.11n standard that is still in development. More on that later.)