When you're connecting your broadband modem and home network, it can sometimes be a pain to get all the devices hooked up and working properly. Fortunately, with the Linksys Wireless-G Cable Modem, all the pieces are already in place. This high-speed DOCSIS 2.0-certified cable modem should work with any cable internet provider, but be sure and check with your ISP for compatibility.

But the Wireless-G Cable Modem is more than just a modem. A four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch is built into the housing, so you can connect multiple computers and other devices that are in the same room. Even more importantly, the Wireless-G Cable Modem also serves as a wireless 802.11g router, letting you link up to 32 devices to the internet at up to 54Mbps speeds. The router is also backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so you won't be leaving any wireless equipment behind if you upgrade.

The Wireless-G Cable Modem also features a built-in firewall with denial-of-service attack prevention. You'll still want to run a software firewall (like the one built into Windows XP), but the hardware firewall in the router adds another layer of protection. This modem also supports WPA encryption, so you can ensure your wireless network won't be vulnerable to "piggybacking" by neighbors or nefarious users.

For families, there are integrated parental controls including key-word blocks and time limits for internet access. You can also have security events e-mailed to you to keep tabs on your network remotely.

Setting up the Wireless-G Cable Modem takes a few steps, but Linksys includes a detailed system manual that walks you through the process. You can connect the modem to your main computer via USB or one of the available Ethernet ports, and the rest of your devices can link via Ethernet or wireless connections.

Linksys offers a generous 3-year warranty on the Wireless-G Cable Modem. The list price is $150, but we were able to find it for around $120, which is a good price for a modem with a 802.11g router inside.

If you're looking to streamline your broadband connection and home network, the Linksys Wireless-G Cable Modem is the high-power modem to do it.


Pros: 802.11b and g support, lots of security tools
Cons: Set-up takes some time

Warranty
3 years