Belkin Pre-N Router

[Klutz_atlantis]

This is a review of the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router. This review is being written about two weeks after the router has been set up. To understand a little of my point of view I feel it is necessary for me to reference: what I’m using the router for and my skill level with wireless networking.

Usage:
I needed a network connection to a computer in a non-a-joined building to share files and internet access. Going wire for me wasn’t really an option due to the way my home is constructed, as I’m unable to run wiring through all the crawl spaces in the home to the office, so going wirelessly was the best alternative. I needed the router to also have a wired switch, but in today’s marketplace that is a standard.

Skill level:
Although I’ve built several computers and set up a couple of wired routers, I’m still a novice when it comes to wireless networking. Please keep this in mind when reading this review.


Now that you better understand about my networking requirements and my skill with wireless networking, I’ll share my experience with this router thus far. Upon receiving the router through the mail I opened the box and examined the contents. You get:

The Router
Quick Installation Guide Installation CD
User Manual
Power Supply
RJ46 Ethernet Networking Cable

This is all standard fare when getting a brand-new router. I then proceeded to set up the actual hardware components. I hooked Ethernet net cabling to my own computer to enable the configuration of the router, and then I plugged the router in to a power strip, during which I noticed the first positive aspect of router. The transformer has a standard 120 volt plug, so you don’t have a giant-black-block to plug-in, which might take up two or more spaces on a power strip. This may not sound like a big bonus; however, take into consideration the average user is going to have a PC, monitor, printer, speakers, and more all requiring power. This space saver is a nice consideration.

I did not have an Ethernet connection at the time of install (and still don’t), so I did a manual installation/configuration. The automated installation CD assumes you have an Ethernet connection. I cannot comment on the entire automated CD, but the portion I was able to go through was straight forward and easy to use. My manual configuration of the router went smooth as well. The browser used to configure the router, in my opinion, was user friendly. All the options are grouped together in such a way that they are easy to find and naviage. Although the layout of the browser is nice and easy to use, I feel that the help function is mediocre. When reading a description of a function or setting you can double click a “more info” button that has a little longer description, but in reality isn’t more useful than the shorter one. For a user such as me, in my opinion, a reference to a better definition in the user manual or a website along with the information provided would’ve made the help function more user-friendly.


I put in the router’s default address; I accessed the router enabled a password, changed the IP, and did other things of that nature. Since I was new to wireless networking, I didn’t enable security at first. I installed an adaptor in my laptop configured that. That process also went smoothly. I should note that this was an 802.11b adaptor that was installed. After this was completed, I installed an 802.11g pci card with an attachable antenna. This installation and configuration also went smoothly, and, as noted above, this computer is in a nonattached building about 150 feet away from the house. After I had both wireless PCs in working order, I enabled Wireless security.

I went around testing the signal strength I went 250’-300’ away from the base with my laptop and was able to still get a good strong signal. I do not have the pre N card, but where I live, a flat, fielded rural area, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could get at least a quarter mile from the base and still have an acceptable signal.

The router is usable with both b and g standards simultaneously and has a great wireless range. (In retrospect I probably got too much for my needs, but nonetheless the router is worth the money.) I still currently do not have an Ethernet connection, but I do have file and printer sharing enable and have used it for two weeks without any major problems. I currently have my Xbox and 2 PCs wire to the router, and I have a laptop and a PC connected wirelessly all are working great.

Though the complete installation of router and wireless adaptors didn’t have any real major problems, I did have two slight hiccups. The first problem I encountered was a 2.4 GHz cordless phone interfering with the wireless signal; I replaced the problem phone with a 900 MHz Wal-Mart special…no biggie. The next problem was an issue with a software firewall. I was having trouble with computers accessing each others files. I disabled it for now, and everything works fine. (I still have windows firewall running.)


THE GOOD:
Great Range and coverage
Uses both 802.11 b and g
The power adaptor is a space saver
Automated Installation
Ease of setup, configuration, and use

THE BAD:
The price
The help function
To get the full range you need a Belkin Pre-N wireless adaptor.
It’s Pre-N, which isn’t a fully fledged standard.

RATEING:
8/10

[glc]

The next problem was an issue with a software firewall. I was having trouble with computers accessing each others files. I disabled it for now, and everything works fine. (I still have windows firewall running.)

You can take care of this by enabling file and print sharing in the Windows firewall exception list. You really don't need a 3rd party firewall running behind the router.

I still currently do not have an Ethernet connection

I don't fully understand what you are trying to say - if your broadband modem is connected to the router, and you have a computer connected to the router with a cable, those are both Ethernet.

The first problem I encountered was a 2.4 GHz cordless phone interfering with the wireless signal; I replaced the problem phone with a 900 MHz Wal-Mart special…no biggie.

Same issue I had with the Linksys SRX router, anyone using a high power router (or standard routers that have connection issues) should get rid of 2.4 GHz phones and replace them with 900 MHz or 5.8 GHz phones.

Bottom line - it sounds like this is a worthy competitor to the Linksys SRX. That's quite impressive that you are getting that kind of range without high gain addon antennas or repeaters - or matching cards. My only hesitation is Belkin's history of spotty reliability with their routers, which is the only reason I've been avoiding them.

[Klutz_atlantis]

Originally Posted by glc I don't fully understand what you are trying to say - if your broadband modem is connected to the router, and you have a computer connected to the router with a cable, those are both Ethernet.

What I meant was a broadband modem connection. Basically, I still don't have internet, so I can't tell you if that portion of the router works properly or not. I hope that clears things up a little. I'll keep writing reviews as I keep getting/useing new hardware. Great for practicing my writting.

thanks,

klutz

[glc]

Gotcha now. Excellent review, thank you very much for your contribution!

[rspassey]

Nice review, glad the router is working great for you. 200' is really far, you could set up a hotspot and charge people to log into it in your neighborhood lol.

[Klutz_atlantis]

Ryan,

That would be a great idea, but where I live my nearest neighbor is about 1/4 a mile away! Rural areas can be a drag when it comes to technology.

klutz

[Klutz_atlantis]

Hello:

I'd like to update you guys a little on this router. This past thursday (11/10/2005) I got wireless broad band install through AVCI.net. Installation went well and I now have a 1mb connection, and I don't know how I live without it to be honest. The difference is like night and day. All the pcs with adapters in them are working properly. I did notice my laptop will drop connection when you're first getting into Windows (probably the wireless adaptor), but once Windows is fully up and running it works great.

thanks again,

klutz