Belkin ADSL Modem Wireless-G Router

Belkin’s contribution to the wireless router world is larger than most. It’s a chunky, silverblack plastic brick. The device is still a better choice for wall mounting than the 3Com OfficeConnect: cables plug into the bottom of the unit and an angled display face means that the LEDs are still visible from a distance. There are two antenna, which swivel around in all directions to help you receive the best possible signal, but they’re not detachable. This means that you can’t easily replace them if you’d like something better.

Belkin has followed the 3Com installation plan, limiting your printed documentation to a single quick installation sheet. Yet as before, if you’re a newcomer to networking then you’re going to need a little more help or maybe a lot. Fortunately, there’s a 94-page PDF manual provided on the CD with more in-depth advice, although beginners may still need help from their ISP to set up the ADSL connection properly.

Your connection and network details are entered through a browser based setup utility, either by a Setup Wizard or by making tweaks manually. This isn’t packed with features, although there’s enough for the average home user. The specs list does reveal plenty of extras, though. The router is designed to support ADSL 2+ and there’s support for 125Mbps wireless connections with compatible equipment. The tests showed regular 54g networking produced above-average results, although whether that’s good enough to justify the price is another matter.