Wireless network routers get the green treatment

Walk around your house in the dark some time and you may be surprised to see how many little red and green lights are blinking on various gadgets and gizmos. I bet you didn't realize you were so plugged in.

Among the many lights you find may be the ones on your wireless network router, the device you attach to your broadband access point to get Internet access wirelessly all around your house. Like everything else that stays on 24/7, routers are energy hogs that need to shape up.

Enter D-Link with a range of new Wi-Fi routers that are designed to cut power consumption by 40 percent. How?

Ecofriend says: "The new features cut down the power usage by automatically detecting link status and network cable length then adjusting the power accordingly. The new routers also feature Wi-Fi scheduling that allows customers to easily program when the Wi-Fi radio signals are turned on and off to further save energy."

CNet's Crave blog accurately points out that some of this technology isn't exactly new but that D-Link has made it easier to manage than before.

Look for the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655), the D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router (DIR-855), and the D-Link Xtreme N Gaming Router (DGL-4500). The price ranges from $150 to $350.

Don Willmott's blog posts are provided by LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company.