Belkin Basic (N150) Router

I had an ADSL modem already, needed a wifi router to access net on my mobile and laptop, this does what I needed.

The setup was brief, the router detected all the settings of my internet provider (BSNL), had to just install the bundled software. Instructions during setup was pretty neat (Took me exactly 2 mins to complete setup).

The modem configuration page is well organized and easy to understand even for novice users (My wife understood almost all settings!).

Range and signal strength are adequate. I have placed this at a corner room with concrete wall on all four sides, in spite of this the net is accessible all around the house (even at the balconies) at decent speeds.

The external appearance of the device could improve, though can't complain at this price point. The device is fairly small and fits at a nook on my computer table without coming in the way of any other peripherals.

User reviews on other websites mention that the device keeps dropping connection, I personally have not experienced this. Have kept the device on for the last 4 days and there has been no problem with connection at all.

Usually I blindly trust Flipkart for their products and this router was no different. But for my net connection (Static IP's) and a cable directly running into my netbook (W/O a CD Drive)this router just failed to work. I called up the Belkin support, which mind you, was a little difficult to reach, after more than an hour and a half's work, they declared, this needs to be replaced.
So, a word of caution, if you have a net connection similar to mine (w/o a modem), I say go with Netgear or something similar.
Sorry, Belkin..!!

Belkin routers are not all bad. I was previously using a different model of theirs happily for the last 3 years before one day it suddenly stopped working. That's when I purchased this model. Some of the problems I have with this router are:

- No automatic error correcting. (If you pick up the box and see behind it shows some comparison chart with this basic router and some more pricier models. One of the points is automatic error detection and resolution). At first I thought it's just a marketing gimmick but later I found after using that the connection suddenly goes dead (both for the desktop connected via LAN as well as for laptop via Wi-Fi). You need to keep unplugging and replugging in the router.

- Very bad signal strength.
The previous router (from Belkin itself) was awesome. I used to get full signal strength throughout my house. But this one doesn't do that. If I go to the next room or somewhere away from the router it gives me only 1 signal strength that frequently keeps dropping out to 0 then keeps returning.

- Setup took quite some time.
Even though this comes with a CD that automaticallly does all the configuration. Don't get me wrong I don't really need the CD. As long as I can open the router's built-in web application I can configure everything on my own (I've done that before for myself and for a friend too). But this one was one pain in the a**. The router just doesn't get detected by the software. After 10 mins of trial and error it finally got detected.

- Keep unplugging the router and replugging it back it
That's the way to manage this router if some kind of network problems come. I've enabled the protected mode and had better performance after that. But seriously the last Belkin router I had was way way better. (It was vertical shaped like this one only except that it had a long antenna that was visible, was slimmer, had 4+2 lights in the front. That was definitely the best Belkin router model for home use).

I got this router for my You BB connection of 12mbps. Setup was a breeze took 10 minutes. I have been using it for 3 months now so lets break it down:

Looks: Ordinary and borderline dull. Nothing to shout about.

Ease of Setup: Super easy. Belkin has made a very clear interface and the instructions are straightforward.

Performance: Now this is where it gets into haves and have nots. This is ideal for a 1 BHK and thats it. Anymore, and you're looking for a serious drop in signal strength through the walls. Safe to say the range is great within 15-20ft (open). Just dont expect it to take care of your bungalow. With my connection, the wireless performance is flawless. I use wifi with equal ease on my phone (galaxy s plus) too, thanks to this router. No hiccups and no as such issues till now. Even though its not a gaming router, I use it to lpay on xbox live and it smooth. 12mbps helps :).
However, from time to time, there is a message that keeps popping up (Your wireless password has been changed, click here to..etc.) even when I havent changed it. Not that it drops the connection at this point in time, it just keeps flashing this message no matter you reboot the router or restart the wifi. Solution:restart the laptop, which is extremely annoying.

Security: You have the standard WPA, WPA 2 and 128 bit WEP so that should keep you covered without any problems.

Verdict: Small apartment (heavy/light usage regardless) and basic requirements? Get it.

This Router is utter value for money for the features on offer in the package...thought it says BASIC on the box, the packaging, installation instructions, and ease of setup are par excellence. It will be hard to find another Original Equipment Manufacturer that provides the same level of ease of use of their product.

That said the router is meant to a basic hub for tethering your wired and wireless devices to a common home network and easy share data across the networked devices. You will not be able to stream music or video to a Wi-fi enabled display using this router.

This is truly Value For Money..if you have several computing devices at home( desktop, laptops, smartphones) that all require internet access at the same time. This router performs well at allocating bandwidth to all required devices from the main internet line. However if you have a direct line connection then this may not be efficient in recognizing the incoming internet connection. Through a DSL connection or ADSL modem connection this router just works!!!