The most recent award given by CNET Editor’s Choice was to one of the many wireless router models manufactured by Belkin – the Belkin N+. This 4-star rated router completely overcame its competition. If you have not been introduced to the Belkin line of products, or even wireless internet routers in general, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with this powerful device that is now becoming a common fixture in homes across America. At a cost of $100, the N+ by Belkin is hands down the superior choice that provides a fantastic wireless range, powerful data transfer speeds, and a high throughput; everything a wireless router should be.
Its Look and Installation Process
Belkin does not proclaim their wireless routers are the most compact of all others currently on the market, nor is the N+ the smallest router available from Belkin. But its curved case gives it just the right touch of elegance and the stand allows the router to be used vertically. However, it is the attached dual antennas that make the Belkin N+ seem extremely tall. Every cable port and LED indicator light is clearly marked for the user’s installation and troubleshooting convenience.
Those who use the CD setup guide that comes with all Belkin wireless routers will be able to make their N+ model become operational in about five minutes. If you prefer to customize the router’s settings and configuration, the internet firmware is obviously straightforward for all users. This interface gives people the options of modifying firewalls, monitoring daily data transfers, and changing default data protocols.
The Various Operational Features of Belkin Routers
One of the most prominent Belkin N+ features is its highly convenient Storage Manager function that lets users connect to their external hard drive through a USB, which is accessible on any computer belonging to their personal network. This function is ideal for transferring and sharing files over high-speed internet signals, all without a hardwired connection. For example, if you want to gather digital photos stored on multiple computers, you would simply plug-in a thumb drive in your Belkin N+, allowing you to drag and drop your photos into it.
Another excellent function offered by many Belkin wireless routers, including the N+, is a Broadband Download Speedometer. The lined-up, blue LED lights located on the router’s front side show users how quickly their network’s download speed runs. This feature makes it easy to monitor performance, optimize internet usage, and even pinpoint time periods with the highest amounts of traffic.
One other Belkin router feature worth mentioning is its IP address reserving that gives the user’s computer a single, fixed IP address. Having this in a router takes the difficulty out of FTP data transfers, parental control blocking for online content, and firewall setups.
Power and Performance Like No Other
In regards to data throughput and range, no other wireless router quite measures up to the Belkin N+’s power and performance. Laptops connected to the N+ can reach a wireless signal while over 400 feet from the actual router, giving you unparalleled coverage no matter where your laptop is in the house. Download speeds of this router are on average 80mbps, despite the distance from the router or type of data being transferred.