Not very user friendly | Belkin Wireless-G Router DSL/Cable Gateway

electronics: Belkin Wireless-G Router DSL/Cable Gateway

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	• Belkin Wireless-G Router DSL/Cable Gateway Belkin Components Belkin Components average customer review:based on 242 reviews view larger image
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Better Wired than my Linksys

My level of computer competency: Advanced (knows what goes on inside)

First off, I'm going to say that this router's wired functionality trumps my Linksys 10/100 4-port router (Model BEFSR41). The linked model does not support high amounts of traffic over multiple connections (BitTorrent), and the aforementioned product seems to self-reset every few minutes during BitTorrent trafficking (and for a few hours afterwards), which is probably the one thing that I cannot understand further than "the router can't handle the weight."

Conversely, this product (which retails for half the price) can handle the same load of traffic... and it is also wireless. I switched to this product when I found out that the aforementioned problem is almost unique to Linksys routers, which ironically seem to hold more prestige.

The product itself functions very well. It handles any load that I can place on it, but the front-end is relatively silly to navigate through. To go back to the root, you have to leave the all-inclusive navigation menu on the left and go all the way to the right to click an unnecessarily small "Home" button; the Belkin logo at the top-left, where the Home navigation should sit, directs to Belkin's website. Also odd is the fact that two options in the "System Settings" screen (NAT and UPnP) have their "Apply Changes" buttons switched: Select the setting you want for UPnP and click the "Apply Changes" button under NAT to make your change. But don't forget to enter your "Current" and "New" password before making changes to either of these settings, or it will let you know that your password is too short before changing the settings that don't relate to password changing! (UPDATE: This is fixed with 9.01.10, and I didn't want to re-write this paragraph after I figured out that it exists, as you will have this problem unless you manually find the new version... see next paragraph)

Please note that the most recent version of the firmware at time of writing is 9.01.10. I personally had version 9.01.07 installed, but when I check for firmware updates, it lets me know that there's a new version available: 9.01.07. Visit http://www.belkin.com/support/article/?lid=en&pid=F5D7230-4&aid=5027&scid=221 and manually download 9.01.10 and upgrade it. With this installed, the router's "Firmware Update" functions now to tell me that there is no new version. Still keeping my 3-star rating, because I shouldn't have to hunt down new firmware updates... even though the firmware update fixes that problem in the firmware. Come on, Belkin... test things before you release them!

Aside from unnecessary difficulties in navigating to the home menu, the router does offer the functions that I need. Its wireless functionality is good. I can connect to it from upstairs, a good few feet above the router and separated by a floor and bed. The only problems that I have are with the front-end.

Also, I couldn't find a way to describe the feel of the plastic that this is made of... my significant other calls it "happy-meal plastic", as though it were a toy out of a combination food-and-children's-toy combo meal. It feels like the same type of plastic, so I will agree with that.

Other misc. notes:
--Lightweight
--Gets really hot... make sure there's airflow
--Not complicated: plug stuff into it and it works.

I give it 3 stars, because even though it works for me and I can work it, you don't get ahead of the competition by just having things work "eventually" (with the exception of Linksys... see first paragraph)... it should work "out of the box", and the "automated firmware update check" should actually update to the newest version, especially if the firmware fixes an error in changing something on "System Settings".

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Not very user friendly

I've had this router for about 9 months or a little more. First off, I am not a techie type person, although I do know my way around computers for the basics and maybe a little more. When I initially bought it, I had to call customer service several times to get all the kinks out. It may have been that it was just my first time using a router. I had a hard time with customer service, because I couldn't understand what they were saying a lot of the time. I'm not prejudiced or anything, but it was very frustrating trying to get technical information from someone with a strong accent. This may be an issue with other brands, I'm not sure. Well, now since it's been a while since I purchased the router, I'm having trouble with my internet being slow when I am wireless. That's really frustrating since I'm paying for high-speed internet. I'm looking into buying a better one that is more user friendly, and I'll do a little more homework this time.

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Belkin F5D7230-4 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Router - This device is a must if you have multiple computers and a hi-speed Cable or DSL Internet connection. With a built-in 4-Port Ethernet switch and support for 802.11g technology, you can share files, peripherals, or the Internet - with or without wires! DMZ Hosting Configures easily with any web browser or Easy Install Wizard 64- and 128-bit WEP data encryption Stackable enclosure and vertical stand (included) helps reduce the desktop footprint Includes - power supply, manual, quick install guide, RJ45 networking cable, & software CD

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