ZyXel P-660HN-F1Z review

Zyxel’s P-660HN-F1Z has a range of clever features, some of which make it well suited for use in a small office as well as a home.

One of the standout features is the WPS button that doubles as a physical off switch for the wireless network. This saves 2W of power, and is a handy way to prevent wireless access when you’re out of the office or on holiday, for example. You can also schedule the times that the wireless network is on.

The setup disc includes a wizard that can automatically locate and configure the router. When you first enter the admin password you’re prompted to change it and update the router’s default SSL authentication certificate with one customised for your device. This can then be used to authenticate wireless clients, but most home users won’t need this kind of security. You can then use either a simple wizard or the full advanced interface to configure your security settings. Advanced mode is better as the wizard presents only a limited range of channels and settings.

As well as common features such as WMM wireless traffic prioritisation, keyword-based website blocking and DDNS, the router has other options we’re more used to seeing on business devices. These include certificate creation and management, a command-line Telnet interface, a packet-filtering firewallthat can be controlled in precise and slightly terrifying detail, support for management via SNMP and comprehensive support for static routing and VLANs.

We tested the router with Zyxel’s NWD271N wireless adaptor. It performed poorly, with speeds as low at 38.7Mbit/s even at a distance of 1m. At 10m it could only manage 24Mbit/s and it failed to connect at 20m. Fortunately, tests with a Centrino 2 laptop were much better, with speeds of 36.2Mbit/s at 10m and an excellent 21.4Mbit/s at 20m.

Despite its low price, Zyxel’s P-660HN-F1Z is overkill for home use. If you run a business, though, its extra security features make this a tempting router to buy.