Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Networking

Reviews: Networking

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
Belkin
Mar. 27, 2005

Specifications

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Introduction

The alphabet soup of wireless has not gotten any less complicated since the first 802.11b product shipped so many years ago. Gone are the 1-2 Mbps speeds (if you can call them that) of the past. Now with the 802.11g standard, sharing files and just abusing the network is far easier. This expansion of wireless has also yielded consequences. The unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum has become increasingly overcrowded. Everything from wireless networks to cordless phones sits in this range. Even the lowly microwave can wreak havoc on some poor unsuspecting wireless signal.

Does this mean all is lost? That we will be subjected to just deal with it? No! Actually, by going back a few years to the 802.11a standard, we can once again bring harmony to the wireless spectrum. The 802.11a standard operates in the 5GHz range which does not see the interference found at 2.4GHz. What 802.11a lacks is coverage area. Belkin has decided to combine the 802.11g standard with that of 802.11a. What they claim this does is enable the user to take advantage of the positive characteristics of both channels while minimizing their downsides. Today I have in front of me Belkin's Wireless A+G Router, PCI card, and PCMCIA notebook adapter. I shall do my best to see if this converged product is a worthy competitor to the traditional G setup, or just a sloppy patch job.

First Looks

Router

The Belkin wireless products look very similar to most other wireless products. The usual antennas are protruding from the router like any other. Belkin's attempt to get the user to set this stuff up correctly will be immediately apparent once you open the box. Everything is color-coded and large yellow labels are affixed to the anti-static bags telling you to install the software first. Belkin even includes a wireless router setup program that takes you through the steps to setup your router.

Looking more closely at the router front panel will also reveal the dual nature of the device. You will notice that not only does this router include the standard wireless G protocol, but also right next to it is the A. Of course, that is why they called this a dual band router.

On the rear of the device can be found the RJ45 ports for the WAN (Wide Area Network) and four standard Ethernet ports for connecting other machines. Since this is a router, it also includes all the necessary components to hook up to your DSL or cable modem to share your broadband Internet connection.

On the underside, there are holes such that the router can be mounted to the wall. I do notice that the router can really only be mounted in one orientation, which puts the antenna's pointing down. This can't be the most ideal method of placement for a wireless AP in my opinion, although it would minimize the strain on the Ethernet cables.

PCI Adapter

The package contents include the usual installation CD, manual, and wireless card. I did note that the antenna for the PCI card was already affixed to it. Many PCI wireless cards have detachable antennas; this one is permanently affixed to the card. This could make for a harder installation if you have lots of wires running around in your computer since you can't remove it.

PCMCIA Notebook Adapter

Included in the box is the card and installation disk. Affixed to the card packaging is a bright yellow sticker stating to install the software before inserting the card. Other than that, it looks pretty plain.

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Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Network Setup
Page 3: Network Setup Cont'd...
Page 4: Adapter Setup
Page 5: Testing
Page 6: Quick Note on Tech Support & Conclusion

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by Guest on July 15, 2005 - 5:38 pm

Thankyou for a through review. The only question I have is will a 2.4 ghz phone interfere or will the router automatically adapt the right band. Thanks Tim

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