| 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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If you need a stable connection, STAY AWAY, January 8, 2006
By user (Pasadena, CA United States)
It was easy to set up but it drops the connection every 30 minutes or so on both wired and wireless. If you do large downloads or play games it makes this box next to useless. Tech support was useless on this matter and if you search the web everyone has had this trouble for almost one year now.
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Addendum to my previous review - four stars now, January 6, 2006
By user (Tucson, AZ)
In fairness to Belkin, and this device, I would like to make a modification to my review. After reading some of the comments on "Broadband.com" I have learned that the WAP aspect of this devices CAN be used. After configuring the device as a "Wireless Access point", and setting the address, you MUST move your connection to one of the four lan ports. The WAN port is no longer active, and only the lan ports can be used at this point. Interesting that there is no mention of this in the manuals, website, and the seemingly knowlegable tech support person at Bekin did not know this either, and simply stated that this version (2000) device cannot be used as a WAP until some future release of a firmware update. At this point I'm very happy with the performance of the wireless side of the device, the router aspect, and the WAP aspect of the device. My complaint at this point would be poor documentation for the WAP aspect, and sub-par tech support.
(My previous review)
I must state that with the basic default settings this router performs flawlessly, and I give it 5 stars for that. The problem is that I'm trying to configure the device as a access point without the router/dhcp/firewall functions. It doesn't work.
The version of F5D8230-4 that is available these days is the 2000 version. I've worked with the device extensively, and have found the device to be full of bugs and un-usable regarding advanced features, that is to say configuring the device as an access point. The latest firmware update, 2.01.02 is no help either. Tech support confirmed the bugs, and stated that they didn't expect a firmware update that would fix the problem until at least the end of 1st quarter 2006, or later. If you are using the device as a router/dhcp/firewall device it is a wonderful WAP. I recommend it. If you're looking for a wireless access point to extend an existing network, you better make sure you're getting the earlier version 100X device. Also, there are tricks for loading the linksys firmware into the 100X version device to extend it's functionality even further. The problem is that the 100X version has been out of production for some time, and is increasingly difficult to find.
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Horrible reliability - fails to work, January 2, 2006
By user (Denville, NJ, USA)
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13541132~days=9999~start=180
Go
This thing if under any load, drops all ability to communicate on port 80. Only recourse is to reset the router. This is a known problem and Belkin refuses to fix.
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SImple, Fast and What Range !, January 1, 2006
By user (West Shore of Naragansett Bay)
The old g router finally took the big dirt nap (not a Belkin). I had just picked up the Belkin N router days before as a "just in case" backup. Saturday morning and the opportunity presented itself. Within 10 minutes I had this router up and running. After 5 more minutes entering the Mac addresses of all the computers in the network we were running and secure. Of course I have set up 4 routers previously BUT the software was easy to follow. Fast internet speed and the range is excellent considering the last router required a aftermarket antenna to get this range. Second floor and through several walls and the signal is more than adequate.
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Great range/speed, December 28, 2005
By user (Houston)
Big improvement over my old Belkin G Router. I first used my old Belkin G laptop adapter with the Pre-N router, and while the range was better, it wasn't as good as I had hoped. Then when I added a Pre-N laptop adapter, I saw all of the promised improvement of range/speed.
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Great wireless, rotten firewall, December 26, 2005
By user (Massachusetts)
I purchased the Belkin Pre-N router for one reason only which was to get better range and throughput. My existing 802-11G router couldn't cover my whole house adequately and the Belkin did an admirable job of making up for those shortcomings.
However, after using the Belkin for several weeks it is clear that the firewall implementation is lousy for people who want to do something a little more sophisticated than get basic Internet access. It does a great job of shutting down P2P traffic even when you configure the firewall to allow the appropriate ports - or they are registered by UPNP. Even turning the firewall off didn't seem to help. Additionally the VPN pass through didn't work as I expected it to and I wasn't able to make inbound PPTP connections.
As another user did, I have reinstated my old router with the wireless turned off to act as my WAN router and am using the Belkin as a wireless access point only. In this configuration it works fine.
In conclusion, if you just want a wireless router with great range for basic Internet functionality this will work fine for you. If you want to do more with it you will probably need another router to handle your WAN connection. Of course, if you are the type of person who wants to do more then you probably know how to work around this or already have an old router you are replacing.
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Q: Got a range problem? A: Get a Belkin Pre-N Wireless Router, December 20, 2005
By user (Philadelphia, PA USA)
I will not take up much of your time. I think this may be overkill if you have good range in your home - I would recommend getting a standing D-Link or Netgear router.
BUT... if you wireless card goes out of range then you need this router AND it does work. I previously owned a SMC wireless router with a SMC (and now Cisco) wireless card. Things worked good for a long time - then one of the router's antenna broke and then I moved the router to the basement and then went my coverage. In certain spots at certain times coverage was fine - in other spots or the same spots at other times the coverage was spotty (basically I had to flip my laptop over and around to get a signal).
Well no more!! I can safely say this is a perfect purchase for access from a basement all the way up into the attic (3rd floor). I am using the connection now as I type this review--> the router is in the middle section of the basement and the laptop is on the 2nd floor in the back of the house. We have wireless phones and all other kinds of interference.
A couple of nice to haves (but not present):
1) Print server
2) More functions in Administrator Tool.
3) Lower price on the Belkin wireless card - I have read the transmission rates and connection are even better when the two are combined but for $60.00+ US it did not make sense replace my existing card.
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Installation nightmare, December 15, 2005
By user (Soldotna, Ak USA)
The router works great once you get it installed and after half an hour on the phone with your ISP Customer Service rep.
I called Belkin Customer Service first and that was a joke. "John" was clearly located offshore and I could barely understand what little input he had. He finally told me he could not help me but he would send an email telling me what to do to fix the problem... he never sent an email.
But again, once you find someone to help you get it to work it's awesome.
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great router, period, December 10, 2005
By user
Have been using this router for over 6 months. First router was a Linksys, second was a Netgear (supposedly high speed). I have not looked back since replacing my other two routers. We live in a fairly large house (basement + 2 floors) and the signal can be read quite nicely throughout the house (in comparison to prior routers which generated weak signals). Setup was quite easy. I do wish the router had an on/off switch. When my broadband connection goes down (briefly, every 3 weeks or so), I need to shut down my cable modem and router and then fire them back up. Would be easier if I could just flip the off switch instead of pulling the plug. All in all, I am very satisfied with this product which also performs nicely with machines using cards made by other manufacturers. Thanks Belkin!
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Great W-lan capabilities, but a little disappointing concernig further options, December 2, 2005
By user
As the title says, the W-lan capabilities of this Router are great.
Even 2 floors above the router (solid ferroconcrete) I have still ~60% signal quality and high transfer rates.
On the other hand I expected more settings for that price.
-I missed the possibility to associate IP's with fix mac addresses
-My internet Provider uses an MTU that is outside of the ajustible values (Arcor Germany with 1488 and 1492)
-The setup Tool that came on a CD doesn't allow to configure the Router when the WAN port is not connected to the internet
(of course you can if you use the html configuration)
At the moment I'm using the Belkin as an Access Point and my old rooter keeps the connection to the Internet and works as a DHCP server
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So great that I own three of them!, November 27, 2005
By user (Phoenix, AZ USA)
I have two of these in a hotel that I own and they reach all but 3 or 4 of 106 guest rooms. I've never had problems, they've stayed on for months without having to be turned off, they're just fantastic! My guests are happy - especially since it's free to them!
So, after tons of issues with my Linksys at home I went ahead and bought one of these to replace the Linksys - I live in a high rise and don't mind my neighbors using my connection - but I suggest that you operate it on 802.11G mode only not b/g, this way you won't be subjecting yourself to slower speeds. Also, I noticed that it was slow - painfully slow for some reason - so I changed the channel setting from 1 to 9 and now I'm at either 54Mbps or 24Mpbs with an "excellent connection" through 5 walls about 60 feet away from the router. Also living in a high rise there's literally dozens of wireless routers (and these are just the ones that broadcast their SSID or "name") in my neighborhood and none of them are interfering with the Belkin!
My gripe is that they still don't have a pre-n USB adapter for computers - it's either PCMCIA for laptops or a card you have to put into your computer. At my hotel we loan out - for free - usb wireless adapters - they work much better than cards because they have a cord for better reception. When will they come out with a USB version of the adapter???
Order it, it's really simple to use and you will not be disappointed!
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Excellent range and speed, November 16, 2005
By user (Arlington, Texas USA)
I had a Linksys 802.11g router and a Dell Inspiron with a built in 802.11g card and antenna. I needed a wireless connection in a detached shop. The Linksys units barely had a connection with the Linksys router sitting in a window facing the shop. With the Belkin router and card the signal strength and speed are maxed out in the shop. This is with the router not even sitting in the window facing the shop.
I setup the router as an Access Point since I already have a router and switch. I had to call Belkin support a couple of times to get this working. On these calls I got through fast and the support advice was very good.
I highly recommend this router and the related PC Card.
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overrated, November 4, 2005
By user (IL, USA)
To be fair, it can get 3 stars, but I read a lot of good reviews about this router before buying one myself, while I am quite disappointed at this time.
The setup and configuration are easy and the wireless stuff works fine. My main complain is about its lack of flexibility in configuration.
To be more specific, I play online games and also sometime use P2P file sharing clients. The router keeps dropping legitimate packets even after I openned such ports in the firewall/virtual server settings. I don't complain that it tries to employ the heuristics to detect outgoing scans, but why doesn't it have a switch so that I can turn off this "feature" when I do NOT want it. Besides, when using P2P file sharing, it sometime get frozen and I need to reboot the router to get it working... and rebooting this particular model takes 60 seconds.
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Wonderful Range, Hi Speed, Excellent Value, November 3, 2005
By user (USA)
The Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router was easy to install. Setup was a breeze with the helpful setup CD. Belkin also includes an actual hard copy manual.
The router integrates well with various Linksys, Netgear, and AirLink wired and wireless equipment (switches, print servers, standard 802.11B/G adapters, and network storage devices. I still haven't tried Belkin's 108MB Pre-N adapter. I have been very satisfied with standard "G" adapters.
Overall throughput is higher and wireless signal is considerably stronger than with my older Netgear MR811 and newer Linksys WRT54GS with Speedbooster" technology. These routers have been more susceptible to cordless phones and other 2.4GHz equipment interference issues.
On the other hand, setting are changed through the web-based interface which is awkward, a little clunky, and slow to respond at times. However, considering how well the router performs, I probably won't need to change or reset settings very often.
I wish I would have purchased this router in the beginning rather than try less expensive Linksys and Netgear models. Also, as the price continues to drop, this Pre-N router becomes an even better deal.
Overall, I am satisfied with this Belkin's Pre-N technology and highly recommend this router to home users or small business owners.
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Does what it claims to, and nicely at that, November 1, 2005
By user (Phoenix Az)
I have a whole mountain of wireless routers, access points, and so on. Always either disappointing or annoying - or both
Now I have the claimed range and peformance. My Belkin does not drop the entire network to 802.11b speeds if a single 11b (like a print server or old laptop) is present.
I highly recommend this item, I've tried the competition & this is better. Its great for extending the reach of your network and/or keeping your .11g speeds in a mixed wireless environment
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Excellent speed and range, October 22, 2005
By user (San Luis Obispo, CA)
This router has excellent speed and range and is one of the best computer buys I have ever made. I bought this item based on the excellent CNET reviews and they were right on, this router has the best range of any on the market. The range is so good, that I was able to get good connection at 70 Mbps with my laptop 3 houses up the street (about 200 feet). This was unbelievable, after struggling for years with an old D-link router which would often lose connection and have poor speed from two rooms away from the router in my house.
The router was up and running within one hour from opening the box. I did have to turn off my cable modem and the router for a minute to get an internet connection during the setup, but the fact that this may need to be done was clearly explained in a warning card in the box and in the setup program.
The setup program and book were detailed and clear, and a phone number is provided in several places if you have problems (many other companies do not offer this).
I highly recommend this product for those who have had connection and speed problems with D-Link of Linksys routers.
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It's OK --- Just don't use it as a WAP only!, October 19, 2005
By user (Tucson, AZ USA)
Works fine as a router, but when I tried to use it as a WAP only it lost it's internet settings --- EVERY TIME! And forget about Belkin tech support. They are useless. But for a home environment, where you are using it as a router, with NAT, it's totally fine. Gives good coverage. Don't worry about the Pre-N standard and the fear tactics that say it hasn't been standardized. Who cares? It works, so, well, it works.
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Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless 802.11x Pre-N Router, October 19, 2005
By user (LA, CA)
Belkin is very easy to setup. It comes with a installation wizard CD and make the job easy. I have it installed for almost over a month
and it never needed to be reset. I used it mainly for WPA encription for wireless G device and it works faultlessly. I do not have wireless N device for my laptop yet so I can't comment on the
performance on N setup.
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This is the best., October 18, 2005
By user (San Francisco)
Soooo easy to install. In few minutes, i was up and running. And at what speed!! wow.
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An excellent boost in range, October 16, 2005
By user (Walnut Creek, CA United States)
Bought this because my old linksys A/B/G router's range pooped out far too soon. Installation was simple, the design is a bit sleeker than my old router. Range saw a pretty dramatic improvement, I'd estimate about 3x. What used to be on the very fringe of recieving any signal now gets a respectable 36 Mbps, certainly enough to get maximum bandwidth from my 3.0 Mbps cable internet connection. I haven't purchased any Pre-N cards as of yet due to their expense, but things are just fine with my old A/B/G cards.
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