| Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router |
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Model: F5D8231-4
Brand: Belkin
Manufacturer: Belkin Components
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 221
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft), IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
LAN Ports - N/A
WAN Ports - N/A
Warranty - Lifetime Limited Warranty
LEDs - Yes |
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| Description: |
| Powered by Airgo Network's True MIMO technology, Belkin Pre-N products improve wireless reliability and performance, and enable users to work with high-bandwidth applications, such as audio and video streaming.Belkin utilizes True MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) from Airgo Networks in its Pre-N products. True MIMO is the first technology to address the issues of coverage, speed, and interference in larger homes and offices.True MIMO is a smart-antenna technique that uses multiple antennas to transmit and receive wireless signals. It reaches a step further than other smart-antenna technologies by transmitting multiple signals on each antenna. As a result, Belkin's Pre-N products with True MIMO technology create a robust wireless connection while providing a larger coverage area with the bandwidth and quality of service needed to run advanced applications, such as streaming video or Voice over IP (VoIP).True MIMO is one of the underlying technologies being considered for 802.11n, a standard in the works for the next generation of Wi-Fi technology. |
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| User Reviews (221 total): |
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General ly working 802.11G/B router, May 8, 2007
By user (Sacramento, CA USA)
This is a great overall wirless router. But, however the Pre-N concept is still a debate as the Pre-N capabilities have still yet to be approved into the IEEE standard. I can use this as a general wireless router, but I could not get the unit to work out of the box for extended long range use. The long range use of this unit is standard at best, nothing to get excited about. The Linksys models work just as well. Maybe when the Pre-N standard is approved more support/performance will be available, but I am not sure.
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I give up on Customer support and am trashing mine, April 28, 2007
By user (Phoenix AZ)
Worked fine awhile. Now can't even load its own config IP page.
Over the last two weeks I've gone through the usual routines with three level 1 techs who each tried to send me to level 2 realizing normal fixes weren't working.
Twice I was connected to Level 2 only to be placed on hold while they read the ticket and then get disconnected. Twice waiting for call backs within 1 hour and another escalated to a supervisor who would call in 30 minutes and as I write this its been over an hour.
I just don't have all the hours it takes to try to get this thing to work again! I have already wasted so darn many hours on it when I have so many other things to do. Part of problem maybe I have a static IP but it worked briefly.
Tried to get them to send me a replacement but seems they first have to get me to a level 2 tech which seems impossible.
UPDATE:
About 2 hours later a Level 2 person did call me back. Suggested needed to switch to dymanic of the LAN vs static and call cox to get their MAC address and showed me where to put it. Well, it was on the modem but also called cox where gal was VERY helpful, trying to test things. Concluded no response from router even with MAC address used.
Recall Belkin and got a nice lady without the usual Indian accent (sounded more British). She had me restore the router to the original settings (after 3 other tech's had me make various changes) reboot and set up basic settings. To my amazement it worked - for about 20 minutes.
Then down again and nothing I do will get it connected again via the LAN. I did get my TVO's updated via wireless before that went down again too.
I am probably switching to a Linksys getting locally tomorrow after more research of various reports. Belkin is just to unreliable.
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Stay away from this one!, April 17, 2007
By user
This router is about the worst I have owned. Will not hold the signal. Went to belkins website and downloaded the new firmware were it also had a bulletin that said if you experience frequent dropped signals you are supposed to change the channel. Did that, still drops signal. Called Belkin and they had me switch everything back to factory settings. When I said your website says that this is the problem I was told "You not need to worry sir" Ya great. Well its going out to the garage now to see if my hammer will fix it. Wish I had that $100+ back.
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Great product!!, April 13, 2007
By user (NW, Florida)
Another reviewer stated "so easy, it's scary." Exactly! I had both the router and the pre-n notebook card both installed in 15 minutes. The software wizard was incredibly easy, and did all the settings. The router with the card (not included) increased my download speed by 10 times and gave me a greater range and strength of signal. I had been using the basic linksys and not only does this blow that away performance wise, the linksys was much harder to setup.
I highly recommend this product!!!
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Problematic, March 6, 2007
By user (Brooklyn, NY)
This router gave us trouble from the start. We're a small office with generally 3-5 networked computers (some Mac, some Windoze) running at a time on a business-class cable connection. We ran this router for four months, then removed it from service. The throughput was fair, but certainly not what we expected given the reviews. The most significant issue was that it dropped packets like crazy, and outages were frequent. It was not uncommon that our wireless network was down 30% of any given day, even while our wired connections were running fine.
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Possible Problem for VoIP Users, March 4, 2007
By user (Southeast USA)
So far, this router has worked flawlessly, and the installation CD is very easy to use - just note that you should start up the CD before connecting ANY cables. The setup program tells you when to connect to the WAN port, one of the LAN ports, and, finally, to plug in the power cord/adapter.
Cautionary Note: Users of VoIP phone services should be aware of one possible problem. I signed up for a Vonage account but could not get my phones to work properly using this router and a Linksys phone adapter. I kept getting choppy audio not matter what I did. This problem could be unique to my situation, but I suggest hooking everything up and checking it out within the return period. [Actually, a search of reviews mentioning "VoIP" reveals that several people have had the same problem with this router and VoIP service.]
I purchased this router when it was on a super special deal, but I did not attempt to use it until about 3 months later. Then, I discovered that there was problem. Fortunately, I still had my old router, so I tried it and found out that the phones worked perfectly with the old router. Thus, I knew that the problem was with the Belkin Pre-N wireless. I ended up chaining the Belkin (Router B) to my old router (Router A). I tried it the other way around, but got the choppy audio again.
This required disabling DHCP on the Belkin while you have a connection to it (on 192.168.2.1) and changing the IP Address of the Belkin to one that is within the specified range on Router A, which will function as the DHCP server. To access these settings on the Belkin, just click on the top left menu item, "LAN Settings." Once you make these changes, you must, of course, use the new IP address info to access your Belkin for any future changes.
Then, I connected one of the LAN ports on Router A to a LAN port (not the WAN port) on the Belkin, Router B. Now, my phone is working and I can connect a computer to an open LAN port on either device. Note, however, that the Belkin is now acting only as a switch, so this is not really an idea situation. I have not yet tested the wireless function with this setup, but I see no reason why it would not work -- just be sure to test everything that you intend to use immediately after purchasing your products.
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Works like it should, February 21, 2007
By user (Memphis TN)
Easy to set up - no surprises. No need to think of it once you're online.
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Glad i bought it, February 19, 2007
By user (se ohio)
It was so easy and works great. Dont have to be a geek to install. A retarded monkey could install it .
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Excellent range, but Parental Control feature discontinued..., February 19, 2007
By user (NC)
This router has excellent range, and is easy to set up, but support for the advertised built-in "Parental Control" feature has been discontinued for over a year now. I find it pretty incredible (in a bad way) that the Belkin website and the documentation enclosed with the router still indicate that the parental control is functional even though (after many calls to tech support) I was able to confirm that they are no longer supported.
The only substitute Belkin was able to offer was a free 3 month trial to ZoneAlarm - this was no good for my purpose as I was specifically looking for a router based solution as I have no control over (and can not install software) on the machines that connect thru the wi-fi hotspot that this router was to provide..... (church youth group).
This has been a major bummer for me................
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Broke twice after a few months, February 15, 2007
By user (Chicago IL USA)
After a few months of use it failed to provide DHCP service. After a couple tech support calls (the 2nd of which you have to wait for them to call you back so prepare to sit at your phone for a day or two) they sent me a replacement. The replacement did the same thing and I'm now sitting at my phone again. Meanwhile I bought a super-cheap backup router and it works flawlessly so I predict it will become my main router and the F5D8230 will go in the junk drawer.
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Performs as respresented, January 24, 2007
By user (Scottsdale, AZ)
Consistent high speed and great range over significant distances and through and around interior walls.
Setup software and instructions problem-free for an experienced computer user.
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Excellent Item!, January 23, 2007
By user (Asheville, NC)
Installation was quick and easy and it works great - just as advertised!! Setting up the option to protect the modem from being accessed by unauthorized computers was somewhat difficult, and needs to be simplified for the average non-technie user.
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HMMM GOOD AT FIRST TERRIBLE LATER!, January 16, 2007
By user (Sherman Oaks California)
IT SEEMED TO WORK WELL AT FIRST, BUT THEN YOU START LOSING CONNECTION WITH LAPTOP'S AND OTHER COMPUTERS, THEN YOU CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I WILL SAY THEY HAVE THE BEST SERVICE OUT THERE, NOT MUCH WAITING TIME ON THE PHONE AND THERE GOOD, BUT AFTER MAKING 5 CALLS FOR LOST SIGNALS IN A WEEK, I AM TRYING LINKSYS!!
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Good range, but dropped packets, January 12, 2007
By user (Detroit, MI)
This Belkin router was easy to install and it had a good wireless range, but it dropped a lot of packets and continued to get worse over time. I could not use Skype or any VoIP with it, and ultimately returned it as it began dropping too many packets to even support Internet Explorer.
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Dependable with Great reach, January 10, 2007
By user (Southampton, NY United States)
My old router had limited reach, even from two rooms away. This wireless router allows me to work in any room or outside, with no reduction in service. Very dependable and great reach.
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Perfect barring interference, January 10, 2007
By user
Great quality, great range, easy to set up and use. But interference is interference, If you have conflicting signals on the same frequency be prepared for dramatic decrease in range. Its just a fact of life
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Belkin Pre-N Router, January 10, 2007
By user (Denver, North Carolina-The Denver of the East)
What was it before it was an "N"? It was a Pre-N. OK what's in a name. I set this up in about fifteen minutes and forgot it. I am not an tech geek, but I can follow directions. The directions are clear and the equipment is well marked. It works and works great.
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Excellent Router, January 9, 2007
By user (Texas)
Bought this router from all the research I found on the internet. I have not been disappointed. Powerful, fast and at a reasonable price.
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Works great!, January 9, 2007
By user
I"m using one laptop with a Belkin Pre-N card, also a camera and a media player both running 802.11g all with WPA2 Security. I'm streaming video and audio all over the house (2400 square feet, one story) with absolutely no problems or complaints. It took me about an hour to read the directions and get the security settings to work with everything, since then I've just ignored it.
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Works great for me, January 4, 2007
By user (Lewiston, New York United States)
A few reviews noted problems with this router and that they needed to reset it several times. I guess my usage isn't heavy enough, or perhaps not very unique. I've had no problems for a couple of years. I think I may have reset it a couple of times way back when. The reviews I read for the new N-routers were unspectacular. So, even though this one may not be standards compliant, for SOHO use it is excellent. I will order this one for friends and not the new N-routers. Note that I have only had at most 2 machines running off the wifi and 3 machines wired, at one time.
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