Belkin N1 Vision Wireless N Router F5D8232-4 Setup

I remember from years ago how painful it was to setup and configure routers. It's definitely a lot easier and consumer friendly now. The whole setup process could not be easier. For example, Belkin has eliminated the need to enter the IP address of the router in the web browser address bar. Instead all you need to do is type "routersetup" in the address bar and off you go. If you can't remember IP addresses (or even misplaced the setup CD) then this is certainly much easier. Here are a couple of screen shots of the manual installation screens to illustrate the settings you can change.

When you first run the setup you're offered one of two installation types, automatic or manual. If you're replacing an existing router or you want to specify domain names and encryption types then the manual install is definitely what you want but if you're uncomfortable with tweaking these settings or just want a quick and easy install then the auto install requires no input from you at all. It's that easy.

Once the setup is complete you're up and running. Now the fun begins with exploring all of it's various features on it's LCD display.

The Belkin N1 Vision router's most obvious feature is it's bright LCD screen which contains a host of (somewhat) useful information.

Belkin N1 Vision Wireless N Router F5D8232-4

Since the N1 Vision is 802.11n draft 2.0 compatible, the 3x3 radio design provides excellent speeds and complete wireless coverage across long-distance ranges.

The buttons on the front of the router have a high quality textured feel to them that produces an audible click when pushed but they require you to get a grip of the router's backside before pushing any of it's buttons. Otherwise the router itself will tip over. I personally would've liked to have seen some extra sensitive buttons or even possibly a touch screen to avoid this just because my router is in a hard to reach place. Either way, they still work just fine.

At first I wasn't sure where I was going to place this router because of it's unusual stance. This was going to replace my existing router that sat on top of my PC but it wouldn't fit since it wouldn't clear a desk drawer above it. Since it is a vertical style router, it really doesn't take up as much space as most traditional flat style routers do so I was able to find a place for it on my desk with no problems.

The WAN port and all four LAN ports on the back side are of the Gigabit variety and support 10/100/1000 Mbps auto switching capability. There is also a small recessed hole that contains a reset button on the far right should you need to reset the router.

• Interactive Status Display shows your network's broadband speed, computer bandwidth usage,the status of connected network devices, and more.
• Plug-and-Play CD-less setup
• Easy Security Setup with support for Wi-Fi Protected Setup^TM and Multiple SSID
• 802.11n draft 2.0 compatible - 3x3 radio design provides excellent speeds and complete wireless coverage
• 4 Gigabit Ports

F5D8232-4 Specifications

Browser Based Management	Browser Based Management
Link Rate	Up to 300 Mbps in 20/40MHz Channel Mode
Maximum Users	253 (LAN), 16 (WLAN)
Patent Pending LCD	Connected Devices , Download/Upload Speedometer , Guest Access Network , Network Display , Usage
Plug and Play Setup	Plug and Play Setup
Ports	WAN-- 1 Gigabit Port LAN-- 4 Gigabit Ports
Range	Up to 1,600ft*
Security	Wi-Fi Protected Setup; WPA, WPA2-Personal, 64-bit/128-bit encryption, Multiple SSID
Specifications Standards	IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n draft* , IEEE 802.3ab
VPN Support	IPSec pass-through , PPTP