Belkin G Wireless Router Review

Not everyone can afford a $100 router. For those wishing for access to wireless internet, Belkin might just have what you're looking for. This budget router, the Belkin Wireless G router that is, comes to the table with a $40 price tag. Less than half the price of your average router, just what do you get from Belkin's little router that could?

Well, after purchasing one and thoroughly testing it out, I think I can paint a vivid picture. Here you'll find the Belkin Wireless G router broken down by the systems around my home that utilize it.

Overview.

Installation of the G router was fairly simply. You insert the included disc, install the wireless management add-on, and plug your modem into the router. The G router features 4 Ethernet ports in case you want multiple wired connections, but doesn't have a signal enhancing antennae. Thankfully the Belkin G's range of 400 feet should be plenty for most homeowners.

The Belkin G's Wi-fi capabilities are both standard and backwards compatible. Somewhat durable but hollow feeling, it does come across as a budget router, but doesn't look like something made in a random back alley. The Belkin G is compatible with laptops, printers, game consoles, portables, and any other Wi-fi compatible hardware.

The Dell Laptop.

For starters, let's see how well the Belkin G router functions with my Dell Latitude D610. As advertised, the signal penetrated the 400 feet mark during my tests. The connection was relatively fast and stable. For those uninterested in sharing their internet connection or concerned with security, the Belkin G includes both WMP and WPA encryptions. I was quite satisfied with the range, quality, and ease of use when it came to my Dell Latitude and the Belkin G. No complaints here.

The Nintendo Wii.

Next in line for testing was my family's beloved Nintendo Wii. I was hoping to retire our Nintendo USB Wi-fi adapter in favor of the Belkin G. After easily connecting to the router, I grabbed a handful of Wii games with online play. Right away I realized there was a problem while trying to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl with a good friend of mine, George Wilson. Several attempts to connect and test my Sonic against his Link failed.

Chalking it up to busy servers, we instead decided to try The Conduit with another friend of ours, Cordera Woodard. This proved successful and quite fun, though somewhat plagued by lag. Monster Hunter Tri, like The Conduit, allowed us to play but was somewhat unresponsive. The next three games we tried all failed to connect- Endless Ocean, FFCC: Echoes of Time, and Mario Kart Wii. Some investigating revealed that the Belkin G support most instances of online gaming. While a serious blow to its usefulness, it did function superbly when it came to downloading Virtual Console Games, surfing the web on the Wii's Internet Channel, and watching movies on the Wii's Netflix channel.

Sony PS3.

After failing to be fully compatible with the Wii, I had little confidence in the situation being different with my PS3. Grand Theft Auto 4, Fuel, and Dragon Ball: Raging Blast all failed to yield any sort of connection with George. Upon trying Warhawk we were surprised to find ourselves able to play together- though with the same conditions of slight lag that came with Monster Hunter Tri and The Conduit.

George and I were then able to successfully meet up in the PS3's online social game, Home, where we played Chess and waited for something fun to happen. Highly disappointed that only two games worked with the Belkin G, I was slightly cheered up by being able to download PSN games and surf the web- just as before with the Wii.

The Nintendo DS, DS Lite, and DSi.

The final trio of Wi-fi compatible systems in the house were all that remained. George and I crossed our fingers and began the test. The original DS failed to allow us to connect and play Mario Kart DS. Considering the original DS has no other online applications besides gameplay, the Belkin G was useless with it. The DS Lite was the next to be connected with the Belkin G. Unfortunately repeated attempts to connect in Clubhouse Games proved fruitless. Like the original DS, the DS Lite has no other online applications.

The final candidate was the DSi. Fingers crossed once more, we tried to start a battle in Metroid Prime: Hunters. Our desperate attempts at attaining luck were for naught. Error codes. Nothing but error codes. The one difference between the three was that the DSi featured downloadable games, a built-in web browser, and firmware updates- all of which functioned nicely with the Belkin G router.

After some extended time with the Belkin G wireless router, I can't say I'm disappointed. While I did grow tired of seeing error codes on my Wii, PS3, and DSi, I was pleased with its other basic functions. The connections offered were fast and reliable- the convenience unmatched. While those looking for something solely for online gameplay will be frustrated beyond all measures, consumers interested in an inexpensive source of wireless internet will be very pleased. With the Belkin G wireless router, you've got plenty of options to play with, 400 feet of range, and a low price tag.