Belkin N1 Wireless Router

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In a departure from the rest of the Draft N pack, Belkin has opted not to support n-only or g-only modes. Instead, your only wireless option is a mixed n/g/b mode. In mixed mode at 10 feet, the Belkin N1 more than doubled the throughput of the Netgear WNR834B router and edged out the Linksys WRT300N. Even more impressive was the long-range test result: we normally test long-range throughput in single mode, but in this case, we had to test the Belkin in mixed mode. We expected it to take a performance hit compared to the others, but instead, it nearly doubled the Linksys's score and squeaked by the Netgear. Despite these impressive feats, we were still underwhelmed by the Belkin's overall performance. 802.11n networking promises speeds up to 300Mbps (though all the networking vendors will admit that this is a maximum burst speed and cannot be maintained), and the Belkin N1 router could reach only a top speed of 53.3Mbps at close range, nowhere close to the max.

Belkin is unparalleled in terms of service and support for its networking products. In fact, unlike some companies that try to bury their support information and tech support number, Belkin includes a boldly colored sheet in the box that details all of your support options, including the phone number. It covers the N1 router with a lifetime warranty, and free, toll-free phone support is available 24/7. At Belkin's Web site, you'll find firmware and driver updates, FAQs, an interactive networking setup guide, and an e-mail support form.

CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and MIMO clients (at 10 feet)
(Throughput in Mbps)

Belkin N1 router

53.3

Linksys WRT300N Draft N router

46.0

Belkin Pre-N router

42.1

Netgear WNR834B RangeMax Next router

26.2

CNET Labs long-range tests
(Throughput in Mbps measured indoors at 200 feet)

Belkin Pre-N router

36.4

Belkin N1 router*

33.8

Netgear WNR834B RangeMax Next router

32.0

Linksys WRT300N Draft N router

17.0

Note: *The Belkin N1 was tested in mixed mode at 200 feet.

See more CNET content tagged:: Belkin Corp.,; router,; wireless router,; Netgear,; Linksys

User reviews

Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 118 reviews
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4.5 stars

22 out of 22 people found this review helpful

"Good Router for Serious Buyers"

by rottrog on September 12, 2006

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4.5 stars

12 out of 13 people found this review helpful

"Quality Performance. Solid Firmware."

by scottvk on June 17, 2006

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1.5 stars

10 out of 11 people found this review helpful

"Great product with some serious birthpains"

by magavara on October 27, 2006

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Belkin N1 Wireless Router

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