We benchmarked the ASUS WL-330 using NetIQ to test the average throughput and response time of the wireless connection, as well as the transfer of an 11.8MB file to test real-world performance.

The test was conducted using a Transcend Jetflash USB 802.11b wireless adaptor to communicate through the Assu WL-330 to a PC on the wired network. We ran the benchmarks with WEP both enabled and disabled to test the performance hit. Each test was run 5 times and the average scores taken.

802.11b Wireless Network NetIQ Tests
ASUS WL-330 wireless access point to:	Transcend USB 802.11b adaptor
Average Throughput	4.287 Mbps
Response Time	2 ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer	~21 sec
ASUS WL-330 wireless access point w/h 64-bit WEP encryption enabled
Average Throughput	4.277 Mbps
Response Time	3 ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer	~21sec
Ethernet Reference:
10/100 Wired Ethernet (typical)	61.5 Mbps
Wired Response Time	1ms

It's nice to see that WEP does not significantly affect the performance of the access point. Overall, the WL-330 turns in decent numbers in this test, very similar to what we've seen from other 802.11b devices. At least the small size of the device does not negatively affect its performance.

Conclusions

The Asus WL-330 fills a niche which I hadn't really even thought about before coming across the device initially. The idea of carrying a wireless network in your pocket has definite appeal, especially when travelling. The ASUS WL-330's best qualities are its convenient size and unobtrusive appearance. These, coupled with the flexibility of being able to choose between access point and wireless network adaptor modes make this device an asset for any traveller.

The only downside we could find to mention is the rather unappealing look to the browser-based configuration interface that the WL-330 sports. Looks aside, it's perfectly functional as an access point, and useable, though less than ideal, as a wireless adaptor. At a price of $55USD, it's hard not to recommend the Asus WL-330 based on what it has to offer, so we do.