| Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router |
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Model: F5D8230-4
Brand: Belkin
Manufacturer: Belkin Components
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 216
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft), IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Pre-N speeds and coverage mean 4x greater coverage than standard 802.11g and 4x greater speed than standard 802.11g
Wirelessly share a broadband cable or DSL Internet connection
Built-in 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch
High resistance to wireless interference--the router will sense potential interference and shift to the clearest available channel
Note: Pre-N routing speeds require an optional Belkin Pre-N wireless networking adapter |
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| Description: |
| Belkin Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router - This wireless network router features Belkin's Pre-N networking technology. Pre-N offers you amazing advantages in speed, coverage, & performance when compared to other wireless 802.11x networks. Some of the benefits include up to 800% greater coverage and up to 600% greater speed than 802.11g! If a standard 802.11g or 802.11b networking product is introduced into the Pre-N network, the Pre-N router will not drop to the lowest networking speed. When used with 802.11g & 802.11b devices, the Pre-N router improves their wireless coverage by up to 20%! Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Support Web Content & Parental Control Filter (6 months free) - provides over 50 fully configurable filters Pop-Up Blocker (6 months free) - provides pop-up, adware, & spyware blocking |
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| User Reviews (216 total): |
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Setup a hassle, but this thing REALLY works!, April 11, 2006
By T. Nelson (Chino Hills, CA United States)
First, the bad news: The client utility for the network cards is very buggy. Against the advice in the manual, I finally disabled the Belkin client software and turned on the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility. After that, no problems at all. Unfortunately, it took a few hours to figure that one out.
Now, the good news. This thing ROCKS! It is totally stable and really pumps out a strong signal. The signal strength at my desktop machine, which is located on a different floor than the router, is excellent. I took a laptop machine with a regular 802.11g card (not pre-n) and went to the farthest corner of my backyard. Still getting a full-blast signal. Web surfing in the backyard...very cool. My wife said "why would you want to do that?" but that is not the point. It's just good to know that you can. I'm sure all the guys out there understand.
I've had this unit over a year and I've never had a single issue. I've never even rebooted it! We've been through a few power outages and it fires back up as if nothing happened. It continues to work great and I get a terrific signal everywhere in my house and yard. I use it with multiple Dlink DSM-520 Media Players to stream video throughout the house and it works great. No regrets; this is an excellent product.
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Great router, April 5, 2006
By kitchen/gadget guru (Hampton, VA USA)
After reading all the reviews on various websites, I decided to buy this router for my new wireless network. I'm glad I did. It took me about 10 minutes to install it. This router has all the bells and whistles and it makes great connections from all over my house. This last bit of information is a shocker, considering I have an old house and all the internal wiring in the walls ruin cell phone reception...yet I have no problems with this router. I was also able to effortlessly connect an iBook (Apple) to this network. Security on this router is also very tight, so (if set up properly) you don't need to worry about hackers on your network. Tech support is also fantastic. I had to call them up to figure out something (user error) and they were polite and knowledgeable.
The only reason I didn't rate this at 5 stars is because this router is supposed to be blazing fast with wireless speeds...but there's a catch. It's only "blazing" fast if you have the other computer connected with the wireless pre-n network card. It's a propietary thing. Other than that, no flaws.
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This is NOT an 802.1X device, April 4, 2006
By David Bump
This is an 802.11b/g/n device.
802.1X (often mistakenly called 802.11x) is an authentication protocol, and this router does NOT support RADIUS authentication, for those of you who googled for 802.11x and got this page.
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This router is everything described., April 3, 2006
By invictus (OKC, OK)
Connection setup was a breeze. Range is outstanding - I can get a "very good" signal strength in my laptop at a distance of 200 ft. in my car, around the corner, and down a hill in my apt. complex. I have had absolutely no dropped connections since I connected it 6 weeks ago. Currently using a Zonet USB wireless adapter for my desktop and an Intel Pro 3945 internal wi-fi card in my laptop. I'd purchase it again.
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No VPN, Intermittant performance, not quite there, March 26, 2006
By Matthew's Papa (Brea, CA USA)
Purchased to replace my Linksys rounter as I needed a little more range within my house. Without a doubt, it does provide a wider range - sometimes. As stated in other reviews, it frequently cycles between a very strong signal to dropping out. The bigger issue is that despite what is stated it it's specs, it does not support most VPNs. This was verified by a Fortune 100 company's IT group. Had to ask them to verify this, as Belkin's tech support is a joke.
It's too bad they couldn't get it just right - when the signal is strong, it is faster and farther reaching than any B or G product I've used.
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Wortst Tech Vendor in mY book, March 23, 2006
By C. Dsa (Pasadena, ca USA)
I bought this PRe-N Router, PRe-N PCI card, and PRe-N PCCard for a desktop and notebook. Two of the three products were DOA (dead on arrival). Every time, I would place the PCI card in the slot, the desktop (a new Dell) would not boot.
I spent several hours on holdwith Belkin, no one would answer with hours of hold time. Finally the call would just disconnnect. Finally I returned them to the supplier and got replacements. Now the router would get obtain an IP address from Verizon DSL. No matter what I tried.. it just would not work. If I called tech support.. of course.. same problem no one would answer.
Also, trying to set up the pre-N router with the pre-N notebook card crashes the computer. The commonly labeled products are incompatible !!!!!.
I would highly recommend to avoid this product and Belkin in general as a supplier if you need any assistance along the way.
I am now planning to throw everything out and go with Linksys or DLINK.. Im just the end.. so frustrated..and on top of it all, people consider me a networking guru..
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Save your money and buy a Linksys!, March 23, 2006
By WC Alaska (Alaska, USA)
I bought this unit to replace a Linksys 54-G wireless router(stupid me) that was working properly. I'm using a Dell Inspiron with built in wireless G and the router's signal lasts throughout the day then drops off and then it needs to be rebooted. When it is working, it drops to 35mb, then 24, 11, then finally 1! I never had this issue with the Linksys and I'm glad I saved it in my inventory. It's coming back and this one goes back to the store. By the way, I was on hold a total of two hours and no one ever came on to talk to me. Must be tech support in India! Don't buy this one, get a LINKSYS!!!!!
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Belkin Pre-N Router, good stuff!, March 20, 2006
By AKGruv (Seattle, WA)
Works great. Sounds foolish but be aware that the desktop Belkin wireles receiver that you attach to the back of your machine, actually goes in upside down from instructions.
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Makes wireless networking a pure joy, March 17, 2006
By James Streit (NYC suburbs)
Outstanding product - but for best results you have to buy pre-n cards for all PCs that connect wirelessly to your network. I bought this to replace a Linksys 802.11b router. Set up took only a few minutes. It worked right away, and I immediately noticed an improvement in network speed and range when my laptop connected using the built in wireless g. This is to be expected when upgrading from b to g you might say, but here's the kicker. When I went out and bought the belkin pre-n notebook adapter card, which takes full advantage of the MIMO capability of the router, the improvement was dramatic. Performance exceeds all my expectations. My network is in a 4500 sq foot house and I get >100mbps connection anywhere in the house, as well as outside. Not sure if these speeds are real, but I know they're close. My cable modem regularly gives me 12 mbps download speeds as verified by speakeasy.net speed test. The test gives the same speed on my wireless laptop on the other side of the house from the router as it does on my desktop PC which is connected to the router by a 3 ft cable. This is an amazing improvement in both speed and range from wireless g. Absolutely very highly recommended.
PS. my only setup problem was related to norton internet security. This router uses a different ip address range than my old linksys router, so I had problems with the PCs connecting to one another on the network until I discovered this and changed Norton IS settings accordingly. Obviously if you dont' use Norton IS, you won't have this problem.
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belkin wireless router, March 15, 2006
By Jude
the setup worked well until it was time to connect to the cable modem. I called tech support and was on hold for 45 minutes before being told to go to the website and look for a downloadable hardware update. this bit of advice should have been included in the setup instructions. the download was confusing but worked and the wireless connection is great. have not tried to set up VOIP. no VOIP references the Belkin router so I assume it is difficult or impossible.
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Disaster and No Service Provided......., March 11, 2006
By David Rector (Walnut Creek, CA United States)
I'm not new to setting up wireless routers, I've done many without any problems. With the Belkin unit I elected to get a fully integrated set-up, and I also purchased the Pre-N notebook PCMCIA card. I've attempted a multitude of times to set this unit up on a secured enabled basis. The Belkin website hosting this setup will take you thru many steps to set up a router and in the final sequence, when one must select their specific router, doesn't offer the pre-N product as a choice. Also, trying to set up the pre-N router in tandem with the pre-N notebook card crashes both sequences. The commonly labeled products are basically incompatible.
I attempted three times to seek help thru their tech assistance line. All three times when I was being transferred to tier 2 after an average of 20 minutes plus including wait time on each call, the system (or person) disconnected me.
I would highly recommend to avoid this product and Belkin in general as a supplier if you need any assistance along the way.
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Works Great, March 10, 2006
By mwk
Signal Strength: Full strength on g card throughout 2 story 3200 sq ft house, outside
Speed: Pegged g card
Setup: Wizard- quick, 10 min- although last step indicated router could not find internet connection, closed wizard and router worked fine
Software: Fairly easy security setup
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Wow!, March 8, 2006
By Richard Weir
I had a USR 22 Mbps wireless setup for years. It was always marginal in range and finally died. After reviewing the evaluations I bought a Belkin Pre N. Unbelievable; no comparison. Installations of com gear can be touchy but this was bulletproof on both ends (notebook). Range is fabulous; there is no place on a one-acre lot that I don't get a strong signal. This is truly a product that you install and forget................it just keeps doing its job.
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PRE -N is my new frieNd..., March 8, 2006
By r_drew (Mentor, OH USA)
I am so happy with this router. First off, I have to say that setting up the router with my broadband connection was super simple. I just popped in the cd-rom and followed along with the directions. I love simplicity! I have been using Linksys products for the last 4 years, 802.11b to be exact. I am still using the wireless 802.11b cards for the time being till I can save up for the 802.11x pre-n card. The signal strength on the old wireless 802.11b router was always excellent, but I never got great download speeds, usually between 8kbs-25kbs consistently and in the 90kbs-100kbs range on a VERY good day (very, very infrequently). The pre-n router has me in the 190kbs-230kbs range consistently. A major difference, and still while using the wireless 802.11b cards. I am very impressed with the product, as well I assume are my neighbors in the entire condo complex, cause I am sure they are reading my pre-n router signal because it broadcasts so stinking far. To bad I just locked it up tight with it's great security features.
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Belkin Pre-N Router, March 4, 2006
By Planner (Bay Area, CA)
I bought this router recently to replace my very reliable Netgear MR814 11b router. My Axim X51v for some reason would not connect to my old router (it is a known issue with the ver. 1 model of the MR814) and I was getting a Thinkpad with a a/b/g Wifi card. I was on the market for a 54g router with some major characteristics: ease of use, ease of setup, and performance (distance and speed). After reading a lot of reviews online, I chose the Belkin Pre-N. Even though I am not planning on using a Belkin Pre-N wifi card on any of my laptops, I read that it will still improve the performance of G and B antennas.
Setting up the Belkin was really easy - disconnect the old router and stick in the CD - follow the instructions and then plug the new router in and you are ready to go. After that open up a browser window and log into the router using the 192.XXX.X.X number supplied and make any changes to the settings that you want. The router interface is pretty basic - almost too basic, but it did do the job. I like the one-button firmware upgrade, as well as the easy security setup. But the MAC address filter was a little vague in its operation and didn't auto-detect all new MAC addresses (like my old Netgear). You also had to manually enter in the ones that it couldn't find.
I didn't have a 54G router previously, so I don't really know if the range or speed have improved in G format. But my old Gateway Centrino does seem to be a little quicker and the range is better. The MIMO antennas appear to be doing their job. I noticed that i was getting much better range from a DLink PCMCIA card. And i haven't had any compatibility issues. So far, the router has easily detected and connected to antennas from Intel (Gateway 450X), DLink (Wifi PCMCIA card ona old Compaq), Dell (XPS M140 and Axim X51v PDA) and IBM (Thinkpad) without a problem.
Final Grades:
Price - 3/5
Ease of Setup - 5/5
Eases of Use - 4/5
Features - 5/5
Interface - 3/5
Range - 5/5
Speed - 5/5
Compatibility - 4/5
All in all, I think that the Belkin Pre-N was a good deal. It was a little more expensive than a 54G solution, but the ease of use and performance make up for it. Computer savvy users may want a more technical interface, but for the casual user, the interface is probably just right.
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Perfect, Fast, and Stable, March 1, 2006
By W. Wang (Taipei, TAIWAN)
I purchased this specially from the US, so I can use it in my home in Taiwan. It has greater distance than any other wireless router I used. It's easy to setup and much cheaper than other routers in the same class. Just a note, it is not available in Taiwan yet, and the black market price for this is twice as much as I paid in the US. So I am very happy.
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Disappointed and Worst Technique Support (Long Waiting Time), February 27, 2006
By Shulin Chu (Valley Stream, NY United States)
1. I bought the belkin pre-n router based on the rating report, and I've tried to fix one month day and night. Internet is still not stable and everyday I need to reset the router in order to access online. In the beginning, technique support asks to exchange the new router, update firmware, change setting. Computer is still not stable. After trying one month, I give up the belkin pre-n router b/c I found out someone is also like to buy this router based on the rating and also feel very disappointed. And I change other router which is linksys WRT54GS. After I've changed to Linksys WRT54GS, all of the problems is solved
2. Everytime I called belkin technique support and the waiting time is "ALWAYS" over 30 mins no matter weekday, weekend, day and night.
3. Belkin Pre-N does have the good signal and good rang but it's not very stable. Too Disappointed....
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Fast, easy setup and great signal., February 24, 2006
By S. Kallshian (Seattle, WA USA)
I bought this router because I have 3 TiVos in my condo that are all on my wireless network. Their signal was pretty weak from across the condo and it made for slow transfers and some faulty connection attemtps. When I put in the Belkin router all the signals boosted significantly, and I really like the web-based setup. It has lots of advanced controls (I needed port forwarding and MAC address filtering) but comes with logical defaults for those who are afraid to configure it themselves. I'm not even using Pre-N network cards to experience the full benefit of the router, but so far it's been great!
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Really good range, February 22, 2006
By CT (TN)
I bought this item based on reviews from Tom's Hardware Guide. It replaced a TriMode D-Link router in my network. My home network used to require a repeater to reach the other end of the house. I no longer need the repeater with the Belkin Pre-N router, and I'm not even using Belkin Pre-N network interface cards. The range seems really excellent. I am still a little skeptical about using a networking product from Belkin, but for the home user it's a great device. I am glad I chose it over a new D-Link device. Plus, Belkin has an excellent warranty policy.
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Finally a wireless easy to install!, February 21, 2006
By Karen Spencer (Granite Bay, CA United States)
I have been trying to install a wireless system at my home for years. I am fairly computerly literate. However, all the other systems were too complicated. Plus with all the trees we have on our property, they just didn't work.
I finally decided to try Belkin as a last ditch effort. I set it up in 10 minutes. It worked immediately. The range is amazing. We can't even get cell phone service out here. However, I can carry my computer everywhere on my 2 1/2 acre property and get internet coverage. And the speed is quite fast.
I highly recommend this product.
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