Belkin 802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router
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Not too long ago wireless networks were slow, hard to configure, and expensive. Belkin’s 802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router offers a fast, easy installation, and cheap solution to a wireless network.
Belkin has been around since 1983; it is one of the leaders in computer accessories. They offer a great variety of products from iPod accessories, to USB cards, to network equipment. Ten years ago not many people even used a computer, let alone had one in their house. Now, in 2005, many people have at least one computer in their homes. Some people use multiple computers at home. Connecting more than one computer to the Internet requires you to share the connection, which requires some type of router and a lot of cables. Getting rid of the mess of wires in the back of a computer has been a dream of consumers. Enter wireless routers, which provide wireless access to the Internet as well as the computer network. Today we will review Belkin's wireless DSL/Cable 802.11g Gateway router.
In the box
Once we dig in, we find the router, a 10-ft network cable, AC adapter, vertical stand, installation CD, and manuals for the router as well as Belkin’s Parental Filter program.
The biggest surprise on the box is the little blurb claiming that the entire network can be set up in under three minutes. Setting up networks has become easier, but I don’t really think it can be done in under three minutes -- especially not a wireless network -- but time will tell.
The front of the router features a row of lights to signal network activity.
The back reveals 4 wired network ports, AC outlet, WAN port, and 2 antennas. The antennas are fixed; they can move around, but can’t be taken out and replaced with different antennas.
The flexible router can rest on its side as shown with the stand, lay flat on its bottom, or even be mounted onto a wall.
The router is 802.11g, which means it has the general range of 802.11b, and the speed of 801.11a. The router is backwards compatible with 802.11b products, but putting a “b” card into the network will drop the entire network down to “b” speeds. “G” speeds are up to 54 Mbps and provide a range of 1500ft. The operation frequency is 2.4 GHz, which may interfere with some wireless phones. If you do experience interference, the router can be changed to 11 different channels.
The router can also operate as an Access Point. A wireless Access Point just broadcasts out the network signal, but a wireless router is a little smarter: it configures itself to the modem and does the job as a router and Access Point.
Next: Installation >>
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