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Introduction
Updated 11/11/2008: MacOS version of Storage Manager is available.
| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Product | - Belkin N+ Wireless Router (F5D8235-4) - Belkin N+ Wireless USB Network Adapter (F5D8055 v1) |
| Summary | Single-band Draft 2.0 802.11n router with gigabit switch based on Ralink chipset |
| Pros | • Gigabit switch supports Jumbo Frames • Guest access w/ captive web portal and AP modes • Network sharing of USB flash or hard drive |
| Cons | • Basic routing feature set • No control of file sharing feature • Very slow file sharing |
Belkin is in the process of revamping at least the lower end of its draft 11n router line, which includes the Belkin N and N+ Wireless routers. I looked at the Belkin N as part of our Cheap Draft 802.11n Router Roundup. It actually did pretty well, but I couldn't give it top ranking because I couldn't attach it to the Azimuth test system that was used to test all the other products in the roundup. The "N" has since received a packaging makeover so that it looks similar to the N+, which is the focus of this review.
Like the "N", the N+ is a two-antenna router based on Ralink silicon (more shortly). But where the "N" has 10/100 WAN and LAN ports, the N+'s WAN and four switched LAN ports are gigabit. The N+ also has a USB port that will make a USB flash or hard drive available as a networked share.
Figure 1 shows the N+ front panel, which skips the fancy graphic display found on Belkin's top-of-the-line N1 Vision router [reviewed]. Instead you get the series of backlit blue icons that are used across the board in the revamped router line.
Figure 1: N+ Front Panel
The only nod to gimmickry is the "Broadband Download Speedometer" bar display that sits at the top of the front panel. I didn't find the speedometer that useful and would much rather have the Wired and Wireless Computer Status lights blink to indicate network activity.
The rear panel layout (Figure 2) doesn't have link/activity indicators on each of the auto MDI / MDI-X 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, either.
Figure 2: N+ Rear Panel
If you like to wall-mount your router, then you'll need to build a little wall-mounted shelf for the N+. There are no screw mounting slots and I couldn't remove the base without fear of breaking it off. Also note that the antennas are external and moveable, but not upgradeable.
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User reviews
View all user reviewsAverage user rating from: 9 user(s)
belkin n+
this thing is rock solid, altho if your are looking for advanced configuring this does not have it.
as a future network engineer it does not have all the advanced config options that i need or should be their for a router of this cabler. but for most people this router is perfect, its got 802.11n you can plug-in a nas drive or usb stick the file transfer is a bit slow but streaming vid is supper fast and online gaming is perfect ( using wi-fi ) one problem ias that it resets at 12:00 am every night not a huge problem but its worth mentioning especially if you have a day off for a epic night of gaming
Not worth it
It always has a problem connecting to the internet. I am always dropping the ISP. Not to mention the wireless signal is crap, and it never wants to connect. Spend your money on something else.
Unreliable wireless
After less than 6 months, the router wifi (radio) started dropping out randomly. Each time requires a restart to bring the signal back. Wired connections were perfectly fine.
I thought maybe the recent firmware update would fix it, but it's done nothing at all.
Stay away!
Belkin is dissapointing
My mistake for believing all the blurb that this was a good modem router - never again. It works - badly. Had to replace it after going to great lengths to have to prove it was the modem router problem rather than the 4 computers I had connected to it. The replacement works but ridiculously slow. I would recommend netgear or linksys over belkin based on my experience of all three.
Its ok for its price but not great
This router is very inconsistent at times the speed are fast n other is not... Every time I'm using the internet on my computer n my brother playing PS3 online its slows the internet down but of us start lagging its frustrating. I know its not the internet either i have RR Trubo with wired connection i got 28.3 Mbps with this routes wireless 8 - 10 Mbps at best and for some reason its not compatible with allot of cell phones wifi...
Oh today it just decided to stop working after 4 months WTF! to late for the Walmart return policy n the warranty would take to long... So im just going to Switch Swap Return...
Oh one more the base is removable i had to remove it to swap it for the new one don't use force or strength ull probably break it... just use pressure with ur thumb on one side pressure the corners one at a time n the other side just the center really easy stuff.
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