| Belkin N1 Wireless Router |
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Model: F5D8231-4
Brand: Belkin
Manufacturer: Belkin Components
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 112
Operating system: Windows XP Professional Edition
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: |
Stream HD Video
Listen to digital music
Play online games
Transfer photos and home videos
Shop online and surf the web |
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| Description: |
| Based on the 802.11n draft, N1 Wireless enables multiple receivers and transmitters to send and receive data wirelessly.Intelligent MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) spatial multiplexing techniques build upon the widely deployed 802.11g standard by greatly increasing speed, range, and faster speeds of up to 300Mbps.Using this smart-antenna technology, N1 Wireless from Belkin delivers greater range and faster speeds, for a quick and efficient way to distribute video, music, photos, and files among the networked computers in your home. The built-in Network Status Display lets you see your connections working. Each icon represents a network component, so you can easily monitor for fast troubleshooting. |
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| User Reviews (112 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 of Total 6 Pages
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Considering This Product? Read Further, August 13, 2007
By user (NJ, USA)
I owned this router for almost a year now, and I must say I am utterly impressed by its ease of use and reliability. This capacious router is extremely dummy-proof, literally an easy 1-2-3 step to initiate.
For a router, I find the design unusually sleek in a good way: simple yet alluringly sophisticated.
I have 2 computers, an internet tv box, a Playstation 3, and a VOIP phone all dependant on it and haven't had any difficulties to connect whatsoever.
Looking for a stable router that will surely last for many years to come? Then what are you waiting for? Get this product now!
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don't waste your time, August 8, 2007
By user
This router had lots of problems connecting to various websites. I contacted Belkin, who responded promptly, that it was a known issue and they advised me to make changes on my wireless devices to correct the issue. I attemped it and had varied success but it just isn't possible on some of my devices.
Why bother with a router that needs this kind of tweaking when you can go elsewhere.
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Good Purchase, August 1, 2007
By user (San Jos, Costa Rica)
I am writing from Costa Rica, and I thing this is a very good router and I am very happy with my purchase.
Very fast, good signal, in other words excellent.
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Love it! Just be sure to set a password, July 24, 2007
By user (McKinney, TX USA)
I have this router installed in my home office, roughly in the center of the house, replacing an AirLink 108 pre-n that died. I now get 4-5 bar strength in every room in the house, and outside up to 100' from the office. Regularly get >54Mb connections on machines that have the right wireless connections. Works well with my older PCs, a mix of 'a', 'b' and 'g'. The indicator lights have already helped me diagnose a failed connection, they told me the ISP was down and not my home network. More importantly, the entire family can tell the state of connections, they don't have to ask me what some light combo means. The configuration web page is very easy to use, and the router supports WPA-PSK2 security. It was easy to configure lan gaming for my home PCs, without exposing ports to the whole internet.
The only caveat: it ships with NO password installed, which means anyone can connect to it and configure it by default. BE SURE TO SET A PASSWORD ON THE ROUTER.
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Worked For Twenty Minutes, July 15, 2007
By user (Austin, Tx USA)
I received this unit from Belkin to replace my Pre N model that went belly up in less than a year. It took awhile to get through tech support to a technician to pronounce it dead. Then you wait for the "Replacement Department" to contact you to tell you what the technician said and tell you that the replacement is going to be sent. It took about two weeks to get through the whole process. I hooked it up, very easy set up. It looks very sleek and nice. Everything was fine for about twenty minutes and then the wireless light went out and nothing worked to get it on again. No wireless signal. Ethernet works, so if you don't need wireless, get this product. Of course, I'm joking. I just want a wireless router that works. I've had linksys, wasn't happy. I was happy with the Pre N, but it didn't last. Apparently the Pre N is no longer made. Started with the same problem, the wireless light went out and no signal sent. Anyway I'm waiting for the technician to call again, then on to the Replacement Department. We'll see what happens next. I wonder if it's worth it. Oh yeah, as mentioned before, you pay the postage to send it back. It would be worth it if one of them worked.
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Not perfect, but close, July 13, 2007
By user (Manassas, VA)
Now I must start off with that I was a Linksys/Cisco fan for a very long time. It wasn't until my WRT54G died that I decided to try something new. This was priced right for me at the time, so bought this with the free shipping and out of the box it worked like a charm. Now I gave this a 4 out of 5 due to the config cd not even working. Not a big deal, and don't need it since it was a cinch to setup. Now for the inexperienced I would still buy this if you want the faster dl speed, and better range (and pretty blue lights)...just make sure the cd is working. Otherwise it might prove to be a bit much to setup. It even has a connection light for those that just use wifi (shows inet is active). So no real need to use the ports if you're not intending to.
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Belkin service abominable, July 9, 2007
By user
Installed the Belkin N1 router, worked for 5 minutes,then ceased working. Contacted tech help, quickly diagnosed unit defective, they advised that someone would call me to arrange a swap.
That was before July 4. No one ever called, repeated calls by me elict promises of a call "shortly" but no one ever calls. The service is obviously being provided by an offshore company that seems to have underbid the project and can't fulfill customer promises.
Outrageous, bush-league performace from a company that presents itself as an industry leader.
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Simply Didn't Work, June 28, 2007
By user
Bought both the N1 router and the cards. Connection would come and go (mostly go), but when it was connected the range and speed, even with the N1 cards, was no better than standard g. Telephone customer service was typical for what has sadly become common in the consumer electronics industry. After upgrading the firmware, only to have the router continue to drop signals, I performed a hard reboot, and then it died for good. Thankfully, all of this occurred while I could still return it, so I was only out the eight hours or so I used to try to get the thing working. While this product does get some good reviews (particularly on CNET), which was why I bought it, it simply did not work for me. Not sure if that was due to all of the variables involved in home networks, or if some of the multiple versions of the N1 (mine was ver. 2000) perform better than others. I have since purchased and installed the NetGear RangeMax products and they are working flawlessly with the range and speed I was looking for.
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Beware of the worst tech support!, June 25, 2007
By user
I am writing this review as I am on hold with Belkin for the 4th time. The worst tech support I have ever encountered. They are of no use and I have been disconnected with no call back. The unit I have, worked (sort of)for a week and then quit. Save yourself the frustration and do not but this unit!
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Sent it back after 5 days of misery..., June 21, 2007
By user (USA)
Definitely has potential, but "N" technology isn't quite there yet. Installation and setup were a breeze, no problems whatsoever. In fact, the simpliest of the 3 routers I have ever owned. My problem was that I could not get my Belkin N1 wireless card to connect at any speed greater than 54Mbps. Calls to tech support were useless as they told me that I should be happy with 54Mbps. I have two cards one could connect at 300Mbps, one only at 54Mbps. The big problem with this router came with interference from my cordless home telephone. Anytime I answered the phone I would instantly lose the router connection. No matter what channel I set the router or phone on it was no good. Again, tech support could offer me nothing. By the way, tech support does not speak English very well. I boxed up all the Belkin merchandise and returned it. Hope you have better luck.
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Belkin N - Don't Set High Expectations, June 17, 2007
By user (San Francisco, CA)
I had high hopes that the Belkin N would be better than my Linksys Wireless G (with SRX) access point, and I was disappointed. Here are the pros/cons:
Pros:
Very easy to set up initially, especially with the CD.
Blue LEDs signal when things are working (Security/Internet, etc.)
Sleek looking
Good price
Cons:
Intermittent connections, especially with mixed G and N configurations.
You can set it so that it operates at 20/40MHz for faster speed. This did nothing for my configuration.
Obtusive advanced set up screen. It does the job, but why make it so difficult?
Overall, I would have kept this unit, but the dropped connections and intermittent signal strength (bouncing from excellent to good and from 54mps to 1mps was too annoying. Unless you go all Belkin or everyone is on the same floor, I'd opt for another unit.
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Looks great, works poorly, June 13, 2007
By user (Houston, TX USA)
I bought this in Feb of '07 due to the draft 802.11n specs as upgrade to my Pre-N router that was also from Belkin. That model though had almost perfect stability which is what my gripe with this is: intermittent connections.
Installation was a breeze and aesthetically it's the best looking router hardware but unfortunately frequently dropped connections (from a mere distance of 20 ft, on different channels from my cordless phone, and away from any walls and major physical obstructions) just does not cut it. A waste of $150.. stick with the Pre-N in my opinion if you want Belkin or look elsewhere.
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Belkin - Says it All, June 12, 2007
By user
I previously had a Belkin Router and I had no doubt about which would my next buy be ... This is a real good router - only and only if - the setup process was good ... There were hitches in the initial setup of the router ... If only the Manual and the Autostart were in sync about the process ! ... Otherwise - a recommended router ... Happy to have it!
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Security Setup & Support Need Improvement, May 23, 2007
By user (SF, CA)
Router works great with very good range and the setup to get it working on my desktop machine(Windows2000) & my notebook(XP) couldn't be easier. However, enabling security is almost impossible without calling support. And I had to go through 4 different support techs to get it worked out. With the desktop running Windows2000 an important step was left out of the security setup instructions. On the notebook, it appears to be necessary to use the utility built into XP instead of the Belkin utility. Poor security setup instructions and support people that didn't know much translated into an afternoon wasted in order to enable security.
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STATE OF THE ART, April 24, 2007
By user (Randolph NJ)
I replaced my four year old wireless router, that had trouble connecting from the second floor to my first floor computer, with the Belkin N1 Wireless Router. NOW, I connect to the immediate neighborhood!! Make sure you secure your connection with a password. No more dropped connections with the N1. Mike Barrett.
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Belkin N1 Router, April 18, 2007
By user (Bellevue, WA)
When I first bought this router it would have trouble staying connected to the internet for more than 2 hours at a time. It turned out that my RCA cable modem was having some kind of issue with the router. I exchanged my cable modem and everything has worked flawlessly ever since.
Once nice feature with the router is the lighted icons on the front of the router. The wireless icon will light up whenever a wireless connection is made to the router. If you are concerned about outsiders getting on your network, its pretty easy to tell if someone is accessing the router wirelessly.
Belkins customer support was very helpful getting the router / modem problem identified.
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Worst Router Yet, April 14, 2007
By user (Venice, CA United States)
This is the most horrible experience I have ever had with a router. I loved the original Orinoco routers, so easy and so reliable. I also loved the Belkin Pre-N router. This N1 however is horrible. It started with booting off the system every 15 minutes. After TWO DAYS on the phone with technical support, I got the router replaced. The new router booted me off the net after 30-40 minutes. After TWO MORE DAYS on the phone with technical support, we finally got the router to stay on for 4 hours. But then you have to go through a whole system reboot. If you don't believe this is a systemic problem, call their customer support at 877-736-5771 and you'll see that they have put in a hot line for people who can't keep this thing online. There are two things I recommend -- the Belkin Pre-N and the very nice customer support at Belkin. They really did try everything and replaced my product with a different product in the end. Thank goodness for the lifetime warranty on these. Don't buy it. Go with this one instead. Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router
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Should be Number 1 on Your List, April 3, 2007
By user (Dallas, TX)
This is one great router! I spent four days and nights trying to get it set up with no success, but that was due to my ISP insisting that I had a "Dynamic" connection when I really had "PPPoE". Belkin's tech help was patient and courteous though those hours on the phone. I had suspected that we did not have a Dynamic connection, and once I changed that setting the router was running within three minutes. My advice to you is this. If your router has not connected you to the Internet within ten minutes of taking out of the box, you'd better start doubting either your wiring setup or your ISP. Now we have fast connections throughout the house, no dropped connections as with our previous router. My son commented that it is amazing to unplug the cable and see no loss in speed. The CD makes setup easy, and it was a snap to make a connection from our two laptops. My only negative comments regard the lack of a printed owner's manual in the box, and the current dreadful trend of outsourcing tech help to India. They tried and were patient, but it remains very difficult to understand them. I'd buy another Belkin N1 Router all over again, and I've already pitched it to friends and relatives. You won't regret it.
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very bad customer service, April 3, 2007
By user (Atlanta, GA)
I got this router and it just worked for 1 day. After I spoke with the tech support, they have decided it was a defect product then transfer me to the customer service. Unfortunately, the customer rep told me that it is their policy to have me pay for the return postage. I found it shocking that belkin asks the customer to pay for their defect item. Very bad customer experience. For that, I won't buy any more Belkin products.
"Please Note: This is not a pre-paid label. You will need to apply postage when shipping your defective item to Belkin." Is it fair?
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Excellent range and signal - but possibly a bit difficult to set up, April 3, 2007
By user (Los Altos Hills, CA United States)
After spending a few hours trying to get the setup wizard to work (the one included on the CD didn't work right so I had to download a fresh copy from the Belkin site), upgrading the firmware, and then tweaking the system for performance, this wireless router is working perfectly. I am on a 7 acre property with a lot of trees, and from where the router is installed on one side of the property, I get a decent signal virtually everywhere. To be honest, I didn't think this router would do such a good job - but I am very pleasantly surprised.
A couple of notes to new users. You should upgrade the firmware - but be aware that the upgrade process isn't as worry free as it could be. There is a stern warning that you shouldn't disconnect or reset the router while the firmware upgrade is taking place (while it is re-booting) because it might cause the router to be permanently unusable. When upgrading the firmware, I found that the 'booting up' indicator on the router would not stop - and while it says that it is booting up, you are not supposed to disconnect or reset the router. After waiting for it for a long time (about a half hour), I decided to just bite the bullet, go against the warning, and reset the router by unplugging it. Fortunately, it worked out fine and the new firmware took and then the router worked perfectly when it booted up again. But, I was pretty worried about resetting the router in what looked like mid-stream of the firmware update process. A word of advice - before beginning your install of this router, go to the Belkin site and download all the latest quick-install software and firmware upgrades to a directory on your computer. That way, if things don't work perfectly at first, they will be right there and you won't have to disconnect the router and change a bunch of settings in your network connections just to get back onto the internet to get them.
All in all, for the price this router is a very good value and I would highly recommend it. As with anything in the high-tech marketplace, there will be some people that run into an install snag and make blanket negative comments about the product, but from what I've seen so far, the technology and quality is top notch.
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