Home Networking with Belkin

In case you didn't already know, a wireless router is perfect for connecting tablets, smartphones, HDTVs, laptops and Blu-ray players to the Internet. For many of these types of devices, a wireless connection is preferred if not mandatory. When it comes to determining which router is best for you, think of how large an area you want to cover. The larger the area, the better the wireless router you're going to want to get. The other major criteria to consider is how many and what types of devices you plan to have use the wireless network. The more devices the more power you're going to want to get out of your wireless router.

There are three models of Belkin wireless routers which I want to go over in this article. The N150, N300, and N600 DB. All three of them have MultiBeam Technology. This technology is exclusive to Belkin. It means that all Belkin routers provide high speed wireless connections with better range. Another important aspect of this feature is that it minimizes dead spots. Dead spots are areas within the wireless routers coverage that get either slower speeds or have trouble maintaining a stable connection. Another feature which all three routers will have is an easy 3-step setup process. Don't worry about convoluted directions or extra hardware which you won't find out you'll need until you get home. Simply take the router out of the box, plug it into the wall, modem, and computer, and let the router take you through the necessary steps to get the router going and have a secure connection. The last feature which all 3 of these routers will share is a unique preset security code that will let you get online quickly. If you want to you can change the code to a password which is more easy for you to remember, but to get you started they'll provide you with a password which has all the features of a password that is hard to predict and hack through.

The N150 is capable of speeds up to 150 Mbps and is compatible with 802.11g. The important part of that cryptic phrase is the "g". The "g" represents an old type of wireless technology. Saying it is compatible means that if your laptop has older wireless G technology in it that the N150 router will still be able to connect it to the Internet. Starting at $44.99 this is the router you want if you don't have a lot of devices to connect and want something affordable. If you want to stream movies through Netflix or another online content provider, or plan on playing video games through your console online, you might want to consider moving up to the next step. But if all you want is to browse the web, check your e-mail, and maybe do a little socializing on Facebook, this is more than adequate for you.

The N300 is the next step up. It supports 802.11n wireless technology which is the newer generation of wireless technology when compared to wireless G. This will still be backwards compatible as well. It is capable of speeds up to 300 Mbps. The feature specific to this model is called Self-Healing and is a feature which lets the N300 detect and resolve problems on its own. Personally, I think this specific piece of technology is extra helpful because there is nothing more frustrating than having to deal with tech support when you can't figure out how to fix the wireless router on your own. The N300 is capable of conducting a self diagnostic and implementing steps towards resolving the issue.

The top of the line in terms of Belkin wireless routers is the N600 DB. DB stands for Dual Band, and requires a certain level of explanation so you can truly understand why it is a significant leap in technological capability. The N600 is a Simultaneous Dual-Band router. It has two separate radios working simultaneous to create a wireless network. Each of these radios is wireless N and operate at two frequencies. One operates at 2.4 Ghz which is more crowded because most wireless routers work on this frequency. The second radio operates at 5 Ghz which is much less crowded because generally only other dual-band routers operate at 5 Ghz. So basically a dual-band router like the N600 can split your wireless activity between both radios to work faster and more efficiently. It is also capable of prioritizing which data is sent to which frequency, so if you want to stream Netflix or play your PS3 online it will send it to the less crowded 5 Ghz instead of the more crowded 2.4 Ghz.

The iPad and iPad 2 support dual-band technology. Most new laptops have dual-band technology installed. HDTVs recommend dual-band for streaming online content and apps. Dual-band technology is generally a great way to future-proof your home network.

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Cost:

The N150 starts at $44.99

The N300 starts at $69.99

The N600 DB starts at $109.99

Sources:

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=522112

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=522110

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=492429