Belkin N1 802.11n Wireless USB Network Adapter Review

Mar 21 2008, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Today we are going to look at the Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter. This adapter goes with the N1 Vision wireless router that we looked at a few weeks back. If you want to set up a wireless network that includes your desktop computer, but don’t want to open your computer case up this USB network card is the product for you. Read on for all the details on the Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter.

Gallery

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Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter is an 802.11 draft N device capable of up to 300 Mbps in 40 MHz channel mode. The adapter is also compatible with 802.11b/g as well. The wireless range is up to 1400 feet and the adapter can operate on any Windows 2000, XP or Vista system. The adapter can also support security including WPA, WPA2-Personal, 64-bit and 128-bit encryption strengths.

Installation & Use
Installing the Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter is the easiest network card install I have ever done. To set the adapter up you simply plug it into the USB port and then install the software and you are done.

The Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter connected easily to the N1 Vision router and connected equally as easy to a Linksys 802.11n router that I have. Wireless range was very good and the adapter was able to connect with enough signal strength from anywhere in my home as well as outdoors.

There are eight wireless networks in close proximity to mine and the adapter functioned well. I noticed no interference from other wireless adapters in my home or from household appliances like the microware or cordless phone.

The adapter sends and received data using MIMO technology to achieve the fast transfer rate. The adapter is attractively designed and features a rounded design with a black and silver color scheme. A desktop cradle with a long USB extension cable is included or the adapter can be plugged directly into the USB port on your computer.

I suggest the desktop cradle be used, the adapter is fat and it will block surrounding USB ports if plugged in directly. The adapter has a blue activity LED on the front of the adapter. The Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter retails for $119.99, making it a bit expensive compared to adapters sing older technology.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Easy install
Good range

Cons

Expensive

Verdict
The Belkin N1 Wireless USB Network Adapter is exceptionally easy to install and performs well with good range and good data speed. The design is attractive and aside from the fat size blocking ports when directly connected and the $120 price tag there isn’t much to not like.

8.5

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.