Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Networking - Articles / Reviews

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Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Networking

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
Belkin
Mar. 27, 2005

Specifications

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Network Setup

Connecting to the router the first time, I was very surprised NOT to be greeted with the usual username and password authentication screen. Instead, I was able to see the status screen. Only when you attempt to see or change any of the settings will you be presented with a request for a password. Located below the password box is the line "Default = leave blank." Simple enough; hitting the submit button gets me right into the router. I would most definitely recommend changing the password immediately, but then again, I would recommend that no matter what router you use.

All of the required settings are located to the left of the router status screen. These include the wireless as well as the wired setup screens. I am happy to see that the security menu is under each of the individual wireless menus. Security should always be an important first step when setting up a wireless network. The overall setup of the router was very intuitive and easy to follow. Most all of the screens contained a hyperlink titled more info. This takes the user to the help screen that gives a brief synopsis of what each item does. This type of help can be a great help to the novice or occasional user.

For the most part, the setup screen is nothing revolutionary. Each function is straightforward and looks like so many other routers on the market today. Of note is a lack of an installation wizard built into the router. The router interface only gives you menu choices, not wizards. I found this router very easy to configure and maintain without any wizards, but then again, I have a good deal of networking experience. The installation wizard can be found on the included CD-ROM that comes with the router or directly from Belkin's website. The wizard is designed to install using a computer that is already connected directly to the Internet. It analyzes the connection in terms of addresses and setups and will then transfer it directly to the router. Once completed, any computer connected to the router will be able to surf the Internet.

This also means that anyone who has an 802.11a or 802.11g network card can also use your internet connection. I find it utterly appalling that first the wizard has no mention of the wireless setup for the router and second, both the A and G radios are turned on by default in an open mode that exposes your network. Rather than go on a long tirade about Belkin's complete lack of security setup I will continue with my setup of the wireless portion of the router.

System Settings

Since the installation program did not set up the wireless, I will now do it by hand. Connecting to the web interface at 192.168.2.1, I am presented with the status screen. The first thing I would like to do is change the default password. For some reason, the change password option is hidden under a subcategory called "system settings." Once in there, I can change the default password and also set the proper time zone; I can also change the UPnP (Universal Plug "n Play) functionality as well as the remote management capabilities of the router if I want to be able to manage it remotely. Most people probably won't need to change anything on the list. The automatic firmware update does sound enticing, many times for newer products; it is only through firmware updates that you are able to get the necessary bug fixes. although I am a bit wary about automating a task that is so important to get right.

Wireless Setup

Since this router has two radios (802.11a and 802.11g), there is a menu for each. Both radios operate separately so you will have to configure each in terms of channel support and security. Each radio is a separate entity. For the 802.11a, you have the choice of operating it in "a only," "auto 108 Mbps," and finally "108 Mbps only." We will test these out individually later.

For the 802.11g radio, you have similar settings, yet you do have more choices in the realm of wireless modes. You can operate at "b only" (11 Mbps), "g and b," "g only," "auto 108 Mbps," and finally "108Mbps only." Again, these settings will be further tested later to determine the actual speeds. For both the "a" and the "g," you can also choose to completely disable each radio.

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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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