Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Notebook Card & Router
Written: Mar 19 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The extended range of the MIMO devices provides the needed coverage.
Cons: The router must be compatible with the notebook card.
The Bottom Line: Since I conduct a great deal of business over the Internet, access everywhere is vital to me. MIMO has the coverage, this is a great matched pair.
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| lucie30's Full Review: Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Notebook Card - IEEE 8... |
Introduction:This review goes a bit beyond just the notebook card to include the companion MIMO router. They operate as a team, and both components are needed to set up a home network.
It was about time for me to enter the contemporary world of wireless networking. Living in Florida has some drawbacks in addition to the well-known advantages. I spend a great deal of time on my computer, telecommuting to work, managing my investments, surfing the Internet and keeping in touch with friends and family. The problem arises because the computer is indoors and the pool area is so inviting and the ideal place to spend time. Also mundane things like travel and keeping connected just beg for wireless connectivity, especially with the proliferation of wireless hotspots. Time in airport waiting rooms can also be used for productive purposes and therefore will not hang so heavy.
So I convinced myself to upgrade my notebook to be wireless and install a network at home. Besides, I was getting weary of all the jibes from my friends and co-workers, so I allowed myself to be dragged into the modern age.
I have always been pleased with the performance and user friendliness of Belkin products, (this is being typed on my Belkin Wireless Keyboard) so I naturally turned to them for the hardware that I needed.
I did some initial research and found many products available to do what I wanted. As I researched, my specification sheet was being defined. At the very least, I needed a router to act as the central point of my network and a wireless card for my notebook. My desktop runs under Windows XP Pro and my notebook under XP Home. So far so good; and it did not take too long to decide on a Wireless G system. I needed more range than the 200- 300 feet that the standard bottom of the line router claimed, and soon settled on the Wireless G MIMO format for my router.
MIMO is the acronym for Multiple Input, Multiple Output. These routers transmit multiple data streams using multiple antennas on a single channel, thus reducing interference such as a single stream device would have, while increasing the range to about 1000 feet.
Once again, Belkin had the products that met my specifications, so I opted for their Wireless G Plus MIMO Router (part number F5D9230-4) and their Wireless G Plus MIMO Notebook Card (product number F5D9010).
The router installation reinforced my faith in Belkin as it was a piece of cake to follow the well illustrated, clearly written instructions. The first step of the 3-step process is to load the CD into the drive. The software examines the computer system and the Wizard (step 2) guides you through the remainder of the process, holding your hand as you are shown how to connect the cables. I have a DSL modem, so the router connects to that and then to the computer via an Ethernet cable (provided). The software will then automatically configure the router to work with the Internet. Security is taken care of; the router has a firewall as well as WPA SPI and NAT software protection.
Again, for the notebook, you install the software before inserting the wireless card. You will be prompted to insert the card, and the power light will be lit upon proper insertion. Just follow the software prompts and the Wireless Client Utility will once again provide the hand holding to connect to the network.
It sounds more complicated than it really is, Belkin has made it really easy. The whole process took less than 30 minutes, including time to read the manuals and the screen prompts as well as to type the responses.
I now had my network and found that it did indeed have a strong signal at 900 feet, the distance from my desktop to my pool lounge. The Wireless Client Utility also scans for wireless hot spots, so you know when you can connect away from home.
Belkin also includes a lifetime warranty and 24-hour toll-free tech support, although the provided manuals were so complete, I doubt it will be needed.
I feel comfortable reporting data rates in excess of 35 Mbps at 900 feet.
Yes, the Wireless G is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g devices.
There is no hesitation in my recommendation for this Belkin router/notebook card pair.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lucie30
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Location: A small island in the Intercoastal.
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3 University degrees. 30+ years in Electronics R&D. Registered Professional Engineer. Graduated USAF Flying School.
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