Belkin Wireless G+

Belkin's Wireless G+ might look much like its previous routers but, internally, a lot has changed. While there are still only two antennae, they now use MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which means better coverage and speed than a standard 802.11g radio.

And, although not the cheapest here, the Belkin boasts an integrated ADSL modem and there's also a filter bundled in the box so you can get connected to the internet straight out of the box.

Unusually, the web interface takes you to a status page rather than the usual login screen. When you click any item in the configuration menu down the left-hand side, or start the setup wizard, the login password prompt appears. The wizard guides you through the essential WAN (internet) and wireless settings.

Wireless settings include WPA, WPA2 and RADIUS server authentication, to which you can add firewall settings to block IP addresses and ports, thereby blocking PCs or applications. You can also schedule times to apply these. The virtual servers page allows you to give access to local services such as FTP and web servers, and there are regular MAC address filtering and DMZ options.

There are some notable absences, though, including QoS, port triggering and, importantly for families, no URL blocking for safer surfing. You could, of course, use a separate software app for the latter, and it's made up for by Belkin's lifetime warranty and the excellent PC Card utility, which visually shows the status of the links between your computer, the router and the internet so you can quickly identify where the problem is when you can't gain access.

But the Belkin's real advantage is speed. Not only did it manage 26Mb/sec at close range, but this only dropped to 20Mb/sec two rooms and 20m away. If you want to save money on the PC Card (£34 exc VAT), you could use your notebook's built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi. We re-ran the same tests using a notebook fitted with an Intel 802.11 a/b/g chipset and the speeds dropped to 20Mb/sec and 7Mb/sec respectively: both coverage and speed are compromised.

Overall, Belkin's Wireless G+ proves there's no real advantage in paying a premium for Draft-N products. You can get similar, if not better, speed and range with a Super G router and MIMO technology. It doesn't have every single feature on offer in this group test, but if you need an integrated ADSL modem and want the best performance currently available you won't be disappointed with the Belkin.

Author: Roger Kirkwood