Hardware ReviewsBelkin 802.11g (54g) Wireless Notebook Network Card, Desktop PCI Card, and Cable/DSL Gateway Router This wireless set from Belkin is based on the high-speed wireless standard known as 802.11g (also known by the name "54g"). This standard offers compatibility with widely available 802.11b equipment (running at 11Mbps) but also -- when used with other 'g' equipment -- run at theoretical network speeds up to 54Mbps (thus the "54" in 54g) some five times faster than the "b" standard. For this review, we looked at Belkin's notebook card (PC Card), a PCI card for desktop computers, and a wireless cable/DSL gateway router. Since we bestowed an Editor's Choice award on Belkin's 802.11b wireless gear, we were eager to see if the new 54g equipment met the same high standard. We
found the PC Card All three devices were well designed, solidly built, installed easily and performed reasonably well on Windows XP machines. As we'll point out later, we had some significant issues with the PC Card on a Windows 98 Second Edition machine, so if that's the operating system you are using, we suggest you give our review a close read. One thing we missed: although each of these pieces had a fairly comprehensive user manual, they weren't up to the level we've seen previously from Belkin. In the past, Belkin -- such as with their Ethernet routers -- provided outstanding step-by-step instructions that were perfect for networking beginners. We didn't have any specific problems with the manuals included, they just weren't as comprehensive as we've seen previously from Belkin. Overview Wireless Notebook Network Card This is model F5D7010 and is similar to the other
wireless cards we've reviewed,
including the 802.11b card from Belkin. Similar to that card, this
is a PC Card that fits the card slot available on most notebook computers. An
inch-long gray part of the card
(the antenna) sticks The Belkin package contains the PC Card; a small, 8-panel "quick installation guide;" a more comprehensive 32-page user manual, a warranty card and a single CD. The CD includes drivers for the cards and a nice wireless LAN utility, as well as an electronic version of the printed manual. The user manual provides fairly detailed installation instructions for the card and the Belkin wireless utility, and includes a few helpful troubleshooting tips. Although the instructions should be adequate, they are not as comprehensive as we've grown accustomed to seeing with Belkin equipment. Wireless Desktop Network Card (PCI card) This
is model
F5D7000 and provides all of the functions of the wireless PC Car The Belkin package is identical to the one for the PC Card with the exception of the card itself and the external antenna. Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway Router The
wireless cables/DSL gateway router (model F5D7230-4), similar to other
wireless routers we've reviewed, provides two primary functions. First,
similar to a wireless access point, or WAP, it connects computers that use
wireless networking devices (such as the wireless PC The Belkin router also provides some additional features such as a parental control filters which obviously add some important functions. This Belkin package includes the router; a small, 6-panel "quick installation guide;" a comprehensive 96-page user manual; a separate 18-page manual on the parental filter controls; a power adapter and cord; a network cable; a warranty card; a vertical stand for the router and a CD. The CD includes an automated install program (see installation) and electronic versions of the large user manual and the parental filter control manual.
The router itself has a low profile (about one-inch high by 9-inches wide and 6-inches deep) with a nifty silver and black plastic case. It can sit horizontally on a desk or be mounted vertically with the included stand. Along the front edge of the top are a series of LEDs that indicate, respectively: power, connection to the wireless LAN, connection to one of the four wired ports, connection to the modem and connection to the Internet. The LEDs flash when data is being sent or received in each instance. On the back are two three-inch black antennas, a jack for the power adapter, four jacks for Ethernet cables and a single jack for the cable or DSL modem. There's also a recessed reset button that can be used to put the router back into the configuration from the factory.
Go To Page 2 - Installation, Performance, Support and Summary
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out of the computer when the card is inserted and there are
two small LEDs: one indicates a positive link with another wireless device
and the other flashes when data is being sent or received across the
network. The antenna is a bit thicker than the one on Belkin's 802.11b
card, but otherwise very similar.
d
but in a 
Card
and desktop cards above) to the wired portion of your home network. Thus,
computers and other devices connected via Ethernet cables to this device can be shared
by any device on the wireless network. And, second, the device provides a
"gateway" for all local computers to share Internet access via a high-speed cable
or DSL modem.