Belkin Wireless Pre-N

Four of the wireless routers this month come with MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology, a system that transmits the same stream of data twice over one channel to increase signal strength and coverage. And the potential of MIMO is proved by the long-distance results of the Belkin Pre-N router.

Our long-range test saw a data rate - with WPA encryption - of 9.4Mb/sec. This is faster than many other routers' short-range speed without encryption. Our 100MB selection of files transferred in under a minute-and-a-half, making the Belkin a great choice for larger offices or homes with multiple users, where long-range performance is critical. Close-range throughput of 11Mb/sec doesn't come close to upsetting the KCorp's 17.8 Mb/sec, though.

As with most of the proprietary transfer-speed technology (MIMO will remain proprietary until 802.11n is ratified by the IEEE), Belkin claims that the Pre-N router works fastest with its own PC and PCI cards, so you won't be able to integrate it into an existing wireless network at full speed.

This isn't a particularly elegant router - the three aerials make it difficult to house unobtrusively. Apart from the MIMO speed and range boost, the Belkin offers all the usual features. The built-in firewall offers SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) to protect you from DoS (Denial-of-Service) and Ping of Death attacks, but, unlike the Linksys Wireless-G SRX, there are no user-configurable filters, such as URL or keyword blocking. However, Belkin does include six months' free parental-control filters, based on the Cerberian blacklist system.

WEP and WPA encryption are supported, although unlike the KCorp KLG-575 it doesn't offer RADIUS encryption. You can filter permitted users by MAC address and, like all of the routers this month, you can allow unfettered access to a single PC using a DMZ (demilitarised zone). Belkin also complies to the 802.11e QoS (Quality of Service) specification, meaning the quality of your VoIP calls is less likely to drop out if others start using the WLAN.

The Belkin is also user friendly. A step-by-step guide is included on the CD, which will set up the router as you're walked through the settings on offer. Updating the firmware is simple, as a button in the interface checks the Belkin website for new versions.

There's no denying that the Belkin Pre-N router is an expensive option, and the accompanying Pre-N PCI and PC Cards and PCI adaptors aren't cheap either, at £58 and £63 respectively, but there's also no arguing with the speed or range of the device. If you need your wireless network to cover a large area, the Belkin is the one to go for.