Router Highlights: The Wireless N1 Router
If you need to connect one or more computers in a wireless network or to the Internet using wireless technology, you will need a wireless router. There are many producers of wireless devices, but if you want to buy one or more such devices, you should choose from products belonging to known brand names, such as Belkin, Linksys or 3Com. The prices of these products have plummeted recently, so setting up a wireless network is easier and cheaper then ever before with an N1 wireless router. Belkin is one of the most important and renamed networking equipment manufacturers and you have only benefits if you buy Belkin wireless devices. Remember, if you want to have the maximum wireless speed and compatibility, buy all the products (wireless router as well as wireless network adapters) from one manufacturer alone. The N1 wireless router is one of the latest models from Belkin and it is the one you should choose if you plan to create a wireless network. Compared to other wireless routers, the N1 Wireless Router works in a mixed n/g/b mode, not in a single mode (only 802.11b, or just 802.11g). In theory, a wireless router that works in single mode only offers better performance, but in comparative tests the Belkin Wireless N1 Router outperformed similar products coming from Linsys and Netgear. However, you should remember that the 802.11n mode is not yet officially standardized and if you want maximum compatibility, speed and flawless operation you should buy 802.11n compatible devices only after the specs will be finalized. Physically, the wireless N1 router looks like all N-series routers before it (it has three antennas, four LAN ports for wire connections, a WAN port, a power jack and a pinhole reset button.) Its cover is painted in silver and black. On top of the router you will find a network-status display that has replaced the LED status lights. This offers you a better view over the network operating status. Instead of using blinking LEDs, which often do not provide a through understanding of the network status, the N1's network-status display panel uses graphical representations for all the connections available (you will see globe representation for the Internet connection, a modem, a three-antenna router, a desktop PC representing a wired connection, a laptop representing a wireless connection and a lock to represent wireless security). If the icons are solid blue, this means that everything is working perfectly, whereas a blinking icon tells you that there is a problem with your wireless network. In the package, Belkin has included all you need to set up the N1 wireless router: a quick installation guide, power and network cables and installation CD. All the steps you need to take from opening the package to finishing the install is thoroughly detailed, so the setting up process should be a piece of cake, even for those who have not set up a router before. The included software package offers you a detailed configuration process and a powerful, yet intuitive management utility. |
