Belkin N600 Wireless Dual-Band Router (Latest Generation)

Get the job done, great seller.

I consider my computer skills to be pretty good. I am not an “expert” by any means, but can certainly manage enough. I can maintain/update my computer as needed and can trouble shoot problems pretty well. However, this router is great for people who have little no computer experience too because it is SO easy to use!

I needed a new router for a couple reason. First, my old router was, well, old, about 4 years old and it was not an “n” router. Second, my router began to have problems about a month or so ago. It would randomly drop the internet on me which was VERY frustrating. In order to get my laptop back online I would have to turn the router off and back on. It was annoying to say the least.

I looked at a lot of routers on here before choosing this one. I wanted an “N” router and also one that would allow for wireless printing as I just ordered a new, wireless printer too. I also wanted router that could handle what we have: 2 laptops, a PS3, a Nintendo Wii and two Nintendo DSi’s (Although the Dsi’s are not connected all the time. I decided on this based on the number of good reviews and because I liked how it looked.

The shipping was super fast. I had the router 2 days after I ordered it. Set up was a breeze. This router comes with the router name/password on a little card. Once I had everything hooked up I just clicked on the router’s name from the list of connections available, entered the given password and was online in seconds. I did go through and re-name the router and pick a different password, which was also very easy to do. The software that came with it was easy as well. Overall I was extremely happy with how quick it was to set everything up. Another nice thing about this router is that you can set up a “guest network”. There are a few options, but I chose to set it up “cafe style” – when someone connects they are brought to a webpage where they have to enter the password, and that is it. Your guests can be online in your home, but not on your own network – I love it!!

The router itself is pretty nice. It is not quite as solid as I thought, as the plastic is lightweight. However, I still like how it looks/stands up. It takes up a minimal amount of space on my desk and blends in with my decor with no problem. The “looks” of a router may not be important to everyone, but for some people it is and this router def. works well.

Now for the best part: I am getting a VERY noticeable increase in speed. With the old router, when I went to “Open Network and Sharing Center”, and then clicked on my connection, under “Speed” it would say: 54 Mbps. Now, when I look I see the number staying between 130-144 Mbps. I am guessing this difference in due to the fact that my old router was not an “N” router, and my laptop’s wifi is 802.11n. I could be wrong though. Networks/wifi is one thing that I do not know a lot about, beyond being able to set up a connection. This increase in speed was noticed right away. I would have a few seconds of lag time before when I opened a web page, but now I see none. Also, downloading music goes about twice as fast and when I watch videos there are no pauses. I think I’m finally getting the speed I am paying for from my cable company. =
The range with this router is impressive as well. I am getting full bars everywhere in my house, where before I would get about 2-3 at the furthest point from the old router. I am not yet taken my laptop(s) outside to see how far I can get, but I bet it will be pretty good. Also, I have not been kicked on the internet at all since setting the router up. By now it would have happened at least 8-10 times in a 24 hours period. That alone has made me very happy.

I have not yet been able to try the wireless printing as my printer will not be delivered for a few more days. With the ease I have had so far though, I do not anticipate any problems in setting up the wireless printing for both laptops. I also have not yet tried the “video share” feature but do plan to try it. I will update this review after trying those features.

Not sure what is going on with this Router. It was installed properly but after one week it disconnected from the modem. Had to reinstall it… for it to work again. Several days later… it disconnected again… so we had to repeat the same install steps. I have also unplugged it from the power bar… waited for 15 seconds and then plugged it back in. That seems to work most of the time.. to re boot it etc. Seems to need a lot of manual intervention to keep it operating.

LET’S BE HONEST…
This wireless router is the bee’s knees. I mean, seriously, it might as well be Liam Neeson’s offspring, it is THAT phenomenal. Earth would implode due to an imbalance in the force if this thing was any better but still priced the same. Just look at the pictures of it. Two words: Sex Appeal. Another two words. Chick magnet. If this router was born a car instead of a router, it would be a 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 coupe. This is possibly the best router you can get for 70 bucks or less. If you play multiplayer video games online, stream multimedia content, or even just cruise the interwebs, this little guy will hold your hand tight and walk you straight into Mordor.

I would share some negative aspects about this router, but oh… wait… there aren’t any. Even if there were, why would I be honest about them and tear apart that ingeniously conceived first paragraph of positive aspects just so you can have an unbiased review to read?

In short, this router will easily breeze through pretty much any task you put it up to (as long as your ISP provides respectable speeds and a multitude of other variables, which you have absolutely no control over, work out in your favor). And how long did it take me to get this out of the box, plugged in, and start surfing the web wirelessly? From its humble beginnings within its packaging, less than 5 minutes had passed before I was on a magic carpet ride through limitless cyberspace. Just plug it in, pop in the setup disc, click a couple buttons and it does the rest. Super fast, super easy.

Read on if you want the specific (yet boring) information that will only convince you even more strongly that you want this router.

FEATURES…
– Dual-Band technology runs two frequency channels at once and smartly prioritizes demands in order to prevent interruptions in streaming, gaming, and downloading
– Up to 300Mbps + 300Mbps (both channels run at up to 300Mbps simultaneously)
– Fancy media server lets you easily share photos and video between your home/mobile devices (Smart TVs, cell phones, tablets, etc.)
– 4 integrated gigabit ports for connecting multiple devices
– 2 USB ports for wireless printing and sharing photos, etc.
– Extensive Parental Control options
– Reliable and excellent signal from anywhere in your home (unless you live in an enormous mansion).
– Great customer support, firmware updates, and accompanying software
– Blue status light on top front of router is very soft and non-intrusive

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX…
– The sleek, stylish, and very sexy Belkin N600 wireless router
– Power cord
– Very nice quality Ethernet cable
– Software disc with User Manual

MY INFO…
– 22 years old
– College student
– Avid PC gamer (including online multiplayer)
– Frequently watch YouTube videos
– Download lots of files almost every day
– Spend a lot of time on the interwebs

I expect great performance, speed, and reliability from my wireless router. As I write this, I have only owned this particular Belkin router for a couple days, but my signal has not stuttered at all and my download speed is just as good as when wired directly to the modem. Before this router, I owned a mid-range Belkin wireless router that performed flawlessly for a year and a half. For the record, that router did not die, but when I moved out of my old place I opted to buy a new one and let my roommate have the older one. The quality and reliability I experienced with my previous Belkin wireless led me to purchase this one.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27th 2012
I’m not sure if it was the fault of the router, modem, or my internet service, but last night I experienced my first hiccup in its performance. I unplugged the router and then modem, waited a full minute, and plugged the modem back in. Waited for it to boot up, then plugged the router back in. Then tested the wireless connection again and it was back to normal. Most upsets with performance can be solved with this method. Will update again if anything else happens in the future.

I will try to update this review as time goes on. I hope this review was helpful to you!