Home > Consumer Reviews > Belkin N1 Wireless Router

The router works fairly well and is simple almost to a fault. The flashing lights on the face of the machine have nice little icons instead of tiny little green lights with text written beneith them.

However, the router does lack a few features such as QoS and the ability to write in long ISP host names. This is irritating if you're sharing the connection with a few people and would like to priorative certain types of content. And not being able to put in long ISP host names makes that whole feature useless as most ISP hostnames are long.

The good news is that the hardware is very good. It's range even on G standard devices is awsome both in it's clarity and range. However the modes it can be in are also a bit lacking. It can only opperate a mixed G/N mode as opposed to pure N.

On the whole what this router needs is a good firmware update which I'm sure is forthcoming. However, it's a good router for home use regardless of that.

Prior to having this router I had trouble getting a decent wireless signal throughout my house when using my laptop. Now I have excellent signal using this router. I love the easy to use interface as well which makes it easy for anyone to setup this amazing router.

Had belkin router "g" series previously, but sometimes could not connect in the family room. Now i can connect anywhere inside or outside my home. Set up was easy. My router is in an upstairs closet, but the design with the icon lights is so cool, i'm tempted to move it to my desktop!

PROs: the visual display showing status on the front is very handy - but it doesn't reflect reality in most situations. It does, however, let you see the unit boot. User interface is straight forward and well laid out. Updates are very simple.

CONs: I've loaded two different firmware/SW versions on this unit. The first version would lockup anytime I browsed a remote computer file system more than 3 directories deep. The latest version is significantly worse. It has the same problem and additionly, the wireless unit shuts off after 10 minutes or so, requiring a power cycle to get it restarted. The on-line support is pathetic (just FW downloads, no FAQ or knowledge base at all). Only the latest FW version is posted, so once you upgrade, you can't go backwards. Performance with the Belkin N card was not noticeably different from other systems with generic 'g' cards.

Overall, a tremendous disappointment. I'll update as I continue to work with their technical support for a replacement/refund.

Bought this router since I am moving to a new place. Previous routers are Linksys or 3com. So time to try Belkin. Initial impression, looks are impressing.

Setting up is easy.

There are some problems that I encountered i.e. losing connection, etc, but after research the internet, things can be solved by upgrading the firmware to the latest one.

Now, I am happy with the Belkin N1.

So if you have problem with your Belkin, try this:
1. Upgrade your firmware (Sometimes, you need to get the beta version from Belkin UK - since its not in the USA Belkin website)

2. Make sure your Qos turned off
3. Turn on the Signal to (20+40 hz).

Then it will solve all the Belkin problems.
vpn, voip (SIP device), all works fine after that.


Do I recommend this product? Yup

If you are a beginner and wants to buy this router, ask your friend to help you to upgrade the firmware and setting up.