5 Networking Solutions — WiFi Routers, AirPorts & Hotspots — for Under $100

Whether you're setting up a basic wireless network or looking to run Ethernet from one end of the house to another, we've got you covered with the week's best networking deals. Read on to see how you can get 3G and 4G speeds on the go for under $100, save $30 on a TRENDnet concurrent dual-band WiFi router, and get an all-time price low on a pair of Ethernet adapters.

1. Virgin Mobile U600 3G/4G Prepaid USB Adapter
   Store: Virgin Mobile
   Price: $29.99 in-cart with free shipping
   Lowest By: $5
   

   Is It Worth It?: Completely untether yourself from ethernet cables and WiFi signals with this USB device. Simply plug it into your laptop and you'll have access to both 3G and 4G speeds on the Sprint network. While you'll need to purchase usage time, the device itself is a $5-off bargain at just $30.

2. TRENDnet 802.11n Wireless Concurrent Dual-Band Gigabit Ethernet Router
   Store: Newegg
   Price: $44.99 via coupon code "EMCPWWF79" with free shipping
   Lowest By: $30
   Expires: January 18

   Is It Worth It?: Should your networking needs exceed the capabilities of a barebones router, then step up to the TRENDnet TEW-692GR. This router boasts 64-bit/128-bit WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption, a data transfer rate of up to 900Mbps, and four Gigabit Ethernet ports. And while PC Mag wasn't completely blown away by this router's defining feature: its ability to stream 450 Mbps on both bands, using coupon code "EMCPWWF79" drops this solid router to just $45, making it a $30 savings and a clear Editors' Choice pick.

3. Refurbished 5th-Gen Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wireless Gigabit Base Station
   Store: Apple Store
   Price: $85 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $84

   Is It Worth It?: If you're a Mac user that hasn't upgraded your wireless access point recently, this factory-refurbished Airport Extreme is an awesome buy at $85. According to AnandTech, the 5th-gen Airport Extreme is a significant improvement over the 4th generation model, especially with upstream performance. You'll also be saving $84 on this 802.11n wireless 3-port Gigabit router, which supports simultaneous dual-band WiFi.

   A 1-year Apple warranty applies.

4. FreedomPop Freedom Spot Photon Platinum Edition 4G Hotspot bundled with a 1-Year Internet Access Trial
   Store: Stack Social
   Price: $99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $111
   Expires: January 29

   Is It Worth It?: For those of you who love and love sharing 4G speeds, take note. A $111 savings at $99, this bundle offers 1GB of data per month for a year and the Freedom Spot Photon Platinum edition 4G hotspot. This portable hotspot allows you to connect up to eight WiFi devices at once and boasts a battery life of up to six hours.

   Note: After the first year, you can continue on FreedomPop's 1GB plan for $9.99 per month.

5. ZyXEL Mini Powerline AV 200Mbps Ethernet Adapter 2-Pack
   Store: Newegg
   Price: $29.99 via coupon code "EMCPWWP65" with free shipping
   Lowest By: $9
   Expires: January 16

   Is It Worth It?: Running Ethernet from one part of your house to the other can lead to some truly creative decorating choices. You can avoid exposed cables (and/or a a trip to your home's seedy underbelly) by plugging in this pair of ZyXEL Mini Powerline Ethernet adapters. These adapters use your home's electrical lines to create a secure 200Mbps network. Coupon code "EMCPWWP65" drops them to $30, which is tied as the lowest price we've seen for the pair.