Price : Too low to display
BELKIN F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode 802.11g Router Print Server - Includes: power supply, manual, RJ-45 Ethernet cable, software CD, & more. Belkin High-Speed Mode 802.11g Router - This router allows your computers to transfer files and share a broadband Internet connection - wirelessy! It supports Belkin's High-Speed Mode, which means that when it's coupled with other Belkin High-Speed Mode products, data transfer rates can boost up to 125Mbps. Supports up to 253 clients Supports up to 25 wireless clients Web browser interface Supported Protocols - TCP/IP, UDP, CSMA/CD, DHCP, AppleTalk, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI Supports ISP Protocols - Static, Dynamic, PPPoE, & PPTP VPN Support - PPTP/IPSec Pass-Through (single) PC and Macintosh compatible (NOTE - Print Server function is not Mac compatible!)
This review is from : Belkin F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router with Built-In USB Print Server
The Best Router I've Ever Had... . This is my 4th router, and it's by far the best one. The previous one I had was a D-Link. The one before that - Linksys. And my first one was a Netgear. Netgear was just plain bad. Maybe it's because it was one of the first ones in its line. Maybe it was something else. I don't know... and I don't care. I got rid of it fast, and got myself a Linksys. For the most part, I was pretty happy with it. The setup was fairly easy and pretty straight forward. A few questions/problems that I've had over time that I owned it, were answered by Linksys support in professional and timely manner. It was a nice and reliable product. But the time came to upgrade it, and I decided to try something new. D-Link was my next choice. The router itself also wasn't bad, although the setup was a bit more challenging, and the product itself was not as user-friendly as Linksys. I would probably still keep it, despite a few minor inconveniences. What finally made me give it up and look for another one was D-Link's support, which is virtually non-existent and useless for the most part. I own several different D-Link's products, and they are all not bad products, but god forbid you have a problem - you'll have to jump through hoops to get help, and in the end will have to solve the problem yourself anyway... but that's another story. Let's get back to this Belkin router. I did a lot of research before going with Belkin. A few things that made me make a final decision were the fact that it comes with a built in USB Print Server, and that it also supports Windows Connect Now technology. Here is a little summary of what I like about Belkin and why I recommend it to other people:
Setup - Like a walk in a park... Fast and painless. Especially if you are upgrading from another router. Like I already mentioned, it supports Windows Connect Now technology through its' USB port. I saved my wireless settings (using Wireless Network Wizard on my Windows XP SP2 laptop) to a USB flash drive, and then just plugged it into the USB port on Belkin router. That's it. In a few seconds the settings were saved, and I was all set. If you don't have another router, it's not that bad either. Just follow the wizard from the included installation CD, and you'll be up and running in no time. Then, you can also take advantage of Windows Connect Now - plug USB flash drive into the router's USB port to save the settings on it, and then easily add any number of computers/others products to the network. Beautiful, isn't it?! Print Server installation was just as easy. I have a 5 in 1 printer/scanner/fax machine from Brother (model MFC 3100C), and it worked like a charm. Using the same installation CD, I followed the steps, and in 2 minutes I was sending jobs wirelessly to my printer. Totally awesome!
Performance - Beats any other router that I've had/tried. I would highly recommend though to use it in conjunction with Belkin card (I got Belkin Wireless G Card F5D7011) to get the most out of the router's capabilities. It's probably 25% faster than the D-Link that I had before.
Features - I'm going to repeat myself here, but where else are you going to find a router that has a built-in print server, supports Windows Connect Now, and has the speed of up to 125Mbps, not to mention VPN support and Mac compatibility. Belkin is the one.
Web Interface - Like I said before, this is my 4th router. Prior to this one, I would probably say that Linksys had the best and most user-friendly web browser interface. Belkin's is just as good. It's very self-explanatory and easy to use. Great Help is available too.
Support - I have not had any problems so far, so I have yet to contact Belkin support and can't really say if they are good or bad. I have heard from other people though that they are excellent.
To summarize everything that's already been said, I think it's a great router. In fact, for the price, you get two products in one - a router, and a print server. Nice deal, indeed.
Tips - Here is a few pointers for a smooth installation:
1. If you are installing a network card adapter (which I highly recommend you do, check out Belkin F5D7011 card) together with a router, make sure you install and configure the router first. Trust me on this one.
2. When installing/configuring Print Server, make sure you have your printer drivers already installed.
That's it. Enjoy!
The Best Router I've Ever Had... . This is my 4th router, and it's by far the best one. The previous one I had was a D-Link. The one before that - Linksys. And my first one was a Netgear. Netgear was just plain bad. Maybe it's because it was one of the first ones in its line. Maybe it was something else. I don't know... and I don't care. I got rid of it fast, and got myself a Linksys. For the most part, I was pretty happy with it. The setup was fairly easy and pretty straight forward. A few questions/problems that I've had over time that I owned it, were answered by Linksys support in professional and timely manner. It was a nice and reliable product. But the time came to upgrade it, and I decided to try something new. D-Link was my next choice. The router itself also wasn't bad, although the setup was a bit more challenging, and the product itself was not as user-friendly as Linksys. I would probably still keep it, despite a few minor inconveniences. What finally made me give it up and look for another one was D-Link's support, which is virtually non-existent and useless for the most part. I own several different D-Link's products, and they are all not bad products, but god forbid you have a problem - you'll have to jump through hoops to get help, and in the end will have to solve the problem yourself anyway... but that's another story. Let's get back to this Belkin router. I did a lot of research before going with Belkin. A few things that made me make a final decision were the fact that it comes with a built in USB Print Server, and that it also supports Windows Connect Now technology. Here is a little summary of what I like about Belkin and why I recommend it to other people:
Setup - Like a walk in a park... Fast and painless. Especially if you are upgrading from another router. Like I already mentioned, it supports Windows Connect Now technology through its' USB port. I saved my wireless settings (using Wireless Network Wizard on my Windows XP SP2 laptop) to a USB flash drive, and then just plugged it into the USB port on Belkin router. That's it. In a few seconds the settings were saved, and I was all set. If you don't have another router, it's not that bad either. Just follow the wizard from the included installation CD, and you'll be up and running in no time. Then, you can also take advantage of Windows Connect Now - plug USB flash drive into the router's USB port to save the settings on it, and then easily add any number of computers/others products to the network. Beautiful, isn't it?! Print Server installation was just as easy. I have a 5 in 1 printer/scanner/fax machine from Brother (model MFC 3100C), and it worked like a charm. Using the same installation CD, I followed the steps, and in 2 minutes I was sending jobs wirelessly to my printer. Totally awesome!
Performance - Beats any other router that I've had/tried. I would highly recommend though to use it in conjunction with Belkin card (I got Belkin Wireless G Card F5D7011) to get the most out of the router's capabilities. It's probably 25% faster than the D-Link that I had before.
Features - I'm going to repeat myself here, but where else are you going to find a router that has a built-in print server, supports Windows Connect Now, and has the speed of up to 125Mbps, not to mention VPN support and Mac compatibility. Belkin is the one.
Web Interface - Like I said before, this is my 4th router. Prior to this one, I would probably say that Linksys had the best and most user-friendly web browser interface. Belkin's is just as good. It's very self-explanatory and easy to use. Great Help is available too.
Support - I have not had any problems so far, so I have yet to contact Belkin support and can't really say if they are good or bad. I have heard from other people though that they are excellent.
To summarize everything that's already been said, I think it's a great router. In fact, for the price, you get two products in one - a router, and a print server. Nice deal, indeed.
Tips - Here is a few pointers for a smooth installation:
1. If you are installing a network card adapter (which I highly recommend you do, check out Belkin F5D7011 card) together with a router, make sure you install and configure the router first. Trust me on this one.
2. When installing/configuring Print Server, make sure you have your printer drivers already installed.
That's it. Enjoy!
Belkin F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router with Built-In USB Print Server Reviews
Excellent Combo . I purchased is Belkin when my DLink 713P died (twice). I wanted to go with a brand that was a little more reliable. The Belkin is great! I connect at 54ish mbps and also can connect to my work's VPN; a telecommuters dream - no more dial up. Those who are in to convenience, it is not as user friendly as the Linksys systems, but wait, Linksys does not offer a unit with 802.11g speed, 4 ports, and a print server. This is the one.
Excellent Combo . I purchased is Belkin when my DLink 713P died (twice). I wanted to go with a brand that was a little more reliable. The Belkin is great! I connect at 54ish mbps and also can connect to my work's VPN; a telecommuters dream - no more dial up. Those who are in to convenience, it is not as user friendly as the Linksys systems, but wait, Linksys does not offer a unit with 802.11g speed, 4 ports, and a print server. This is the one.
Belkin F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router with Built-In USB Print Server Opinions
Acceptable wireless performance; good USB print server . Router comments: The wireless router coverage is OK but not great. The wireless signal seems to fade in and out a bit, even when the distance between the router and the computer is approx. 100 feet. The router's installation software that came on the bundled CD couldn't detect my internet connection. Being a bit familiar with router configuration (this being my second router), I was able to make a few changes to the router's configuration to fix the broken installation process. But if this is your first router or you have never looked at a router's configuration before, then a broken router installation process could be a minor problem. If you call the toll-free support phone number, initially an automated voice prompt will try to diagnose your problem and give you some instructions to fix the problem. I was too impatient to wade through the automated prompts before I could get in touch with a live human being, so I simply hung up and solved the problem myself (the automated help instructions did launch me on the right track though).
Firewall comments: There is no SPI filtering built into the router's firewall. Otherwise, it looks OK.
USB Print Server comments: The USB print server works with my Epson C-86 printer. The USB print server installation was smooth. I am pleased.
Overall: The 2 best things about the router that form the basis of this 4 star rating are: USB print server that really works and the exceptionally low price being offered here by J&R through Amazon (be mindful that you are buying 2 products for the price of 1 - namely, a wireless router and a USB print server). Of course, the wireless router piece in this Belkin router does work but its coverage didn't thrill me. If you don't require a built-in USB print server, then I believe you could find a better wireless router for a slightly higher price (look at Linksys model: WRT54GS).
Update (Oct 15, 2005): I found out through my own experience (and through PC Magazine's review of Belkin's similar router without the USB print server) that if you use this router in HSM mode (high speed mode), then the signal strength goes down remarkably and you can't get a good signal at any thing more than short distances. I have turned the HSM feature off and now I get better signal quality.
Acceptable wireless performance; good USB print server . Router comments: The wireless router coverage is OK but not great. The wireless signal seems to fade in and out a bit, even when the distance between the router and the computer is approx. 100 feet. The router's installation software that came on the bundled CD couldn't detect my internet connection. Being a bit familiar with router configuration (this being my second router), I was able to make a few changes to the router's configuration to fix the broken installation process. But if this is your first router or you have never looked at a router's configuration before, then a broken router installation process could be a minor problem. If you call the toll-free support phone number, initially an automated voice prompt will try to diagnose your problem and give you some instructions to fix the problem. I was too impatient to wade through the automated prompts before I could get in touch with a live human being, so I simply hung up and solved the problem myself (the automated help instructions did launch me on the right track though).
Firewall comments: There is no SPI filtering built into the router's firewall. Otherwise, it looks OK.
USB Print Server comments: The USB print server works with my Epson C-86 printer. The USB print server installation was smooth. I am pleased.
Overall: The 2 best things about the router that form the basis of this 4 star rating are: USB print server that really works and the exceptionally low price being offered here by J&R through Amazon (be mindful that you are buying 2 products for the price of 1 - namely, a wireless router and a USB print server). Of course, the wireless router piece in this Belkin router does work but its coverage didn't thrill me. If you don't require a built-in USB print server, then I believe you could find a better wireless router for a slightly higher price (look at Linksys model: WRT54GS).
Update (Oct 15, 2005): I found out through my own experience (and through PC Magazine's review of Belkin's similar router without the USB print server) that if you use this router in HSM mode (high speed mode), then the signal strength goes down remarkably and you can't get a good signal at any thing more than short distances. I have turned the HSM feature off and now I get better signal quality.
Router & print server w orked just fine right away. . I ordered this because my old Dell router fried during a firmware update. I unwrapped the Belkin, ran the installation software, and it detected my modem settings and worked right away, without any tinkering required--box to online in 5 minutes. I followed the directions for the print server, and it worked right away, too. Can't argue with that. Have had no other problems (and will grouse here if & when I do). Its range seems good, although I haven't tested it severely.
One caveat on the seamless print server: Thanks to J.A. Carey's review below, I did check that my HP 5550 was on the Belkin's list of supported printers before I bought. I'll repeat his link:
http://web.belkin.com/support/printserver/list.asp
One caveat on the seamless print server: Thanks to J.A. Carey's review below, I did check that my HP 5550 was on the Belkin's list of supported printers before I bought. I'll repeat his link:
http://web.belkin.com/support/printserver/list.asp
love this router . This router has been very reliable. I have not had to reboot or touch it since setting up a few weeks ago. The web user interface is easy to use. The print server works great. We print from a Win2K desktop and two WinXP notebooks. I have connected an old HP 855CSe using a USB-to-parallel adapter cable. When setting up a wireless notebook for printer, don't bother with the wizard. Just install the Belkin driver then manually add a new local printer and specify the Belkin driver for the printer port.
Excellent Router with Great Features and Range . I purchased this router to replace my Linksys wireless G router because it has a built-in USB print server. I was perfectly happy with Linksys until I got the Belkin router. The set-up was easy compared to the Linksys. The set-up CD walks you through most of the necessary settings; however, you will need to use the web based router utility to set-up the network security. The manual that came with the router was excellent, and explained every feature in detail. The range and signal strength is at least double that of the Linksys router. My only caveat is that the USB print server will only support the print function on my HP PSC 2410 all-in-one, thus if I need to scan something I have the unplug the printer from the router and plug it directly into the computer. I don't scan often so that is a small inconvenience. Be sure to check Belkin's website for a list of compatible printers before you buy.
Great! Print server works with MacOSX Tiger and WinXP! . Although the manual said that the print server does not work with Macs...guess what? It does. I have an old iBook running Tiger and a Dell Laptop with XP my printer is a cheap HP LaserJet 1200. The wizzard took care of the XP installation, but I had to do a bit more for the OSX as follows:
1. Set up a new network printer with LPD/LPR protocol (standard in this server) This is what makes the print server work with Tiger!
2. Give the IP number of the router as the Print server/router default IP.
3. When it asks for the printing queue do NOT LEAVE it blank, this is the standard way of setting-up the "default" printer. The name of the printer in my case was "printer1" since that is the default name in the router, but you can change that and you must provide that name to your machine.
4. Select "Generic PostScript" printer.
You must be ready to go. The print quality is fantastic. Unfortunatelly the transmition is not biderectional, but I do not care about knowing when my toner is low anyway...
1. Set up a new network printer with LPD/LPR protocol (standard in this server) This is what makes the print server work with Tiger!
2. Give the IP number of the router as the Print server/router default IP.
3. When it asks for the printing queue do NOT LEAVE it blank, this is the standard way of setting-up the "default" printer. The name of the printer in my case was "printer1" since that is the default name in the router, but you can change that and you must provide that name to your machine.
4. Select "Generic PostScript" printer.
You must be ready to go. The print quality is fantastic. Unfortunatelly the transmition is not biderectional, but I do not care about knowing when my toner is low anyway...
Perfect 54g Wireless Router for Home/Work . I am a network engineer, and I've included a long saga to compare this router with other brands that I have just tried to install. The short review: 5 stars - great router. You can be up in minutes and speed, coverage, reliability are great.
I had a Linksys 802.11b router and notebook card that worked fine, but the coverage and speed were slow around the house. My wife wanted wireless in her laptop. I didn't use my laptop for the internet much, so I decided to give it to her. The installation crashed her Dell Latitude D600. So, I came on to Amazon and bought the top of the line Linksys 802.11n SRX400 router and card - not cheap. I also just bought a MacBook Pro, so I thought a better router would be in order. The Mac connected initially. My old laptop with the 802.11b connected (but said it was disconnected). The SRX400 card I bought with it kept going dead in two laptops. I exchanged the router. Same problem. I returned them. Then, I got a Netgear Extreme...also expensive. After much struggle, I got it up and running for a few weeks. Then, the router kept rebooting itself. NetGear support couldn't help (sounded like they were on cell phones - terrible). I returned it. Then, I talked to a guy at Best Buy. Went with the Linksys 54g SRX200. Same problems with the SRX400. I have set up many Linksys routers, so I have no clue what is up with these new ones. I called support. They couldn't help. They then told me no level II technicians were available, and they would call me back. They didn't. I took it back.
I bought the Belkin G router and was up in minutes (the way it should be). All the computers connected without a hitch. Got security set up just like that. What's more, my coverage is just as good as it was with the MIMO and SRX...and other range boosting/speed boosting technology. I don't notice much difference in speed. Bottom line, this router is perfect for most anybody to use at home or work, and it is incredibly easy to use and reliable. Although I didn't need to use Belkin support, they have a huge CALL US and an 800 number right on the front of the box.
Thumbs way up for Belkin...and less expensive.
[....]
I had a Linksys 802.11b router and notebook card that worked fine, but the coverage and speed were slow around the house. My wife wanted wireless in her laptop. I didn't use my laptop for the internet much, so I decided to give it to her. The installation crashed her Dell Latitude D600. So, I came on to Amazon and bought the top of the line Linksys 802.11n SRX400 router and card - not cheap. I also just bought a MacBook Pro, so I thought a better router would be in order. The Mac connected initially. My old laptop with the 802.11b connected (but said it was disconnected). The SRX400 card I bought with it kept going dead in two laptops. I exchanged the router. Same problem. I returned them. Then, I got a Netgear Extreme...also expensive. After much struggle, I got it up and running for a few weeks. Then, the router kept rebooting itself. NetGear support couldn't help (sounded like they were on cell phones - terrible). I returned it. Then, I talked to a guy at Best Buy. Went with the Linksys 54g SRX200. Same problems with the SRX400. I have set up many Linksys routers, so I have no clue what is up with these new ones. I called support. They couldn't help. They then told me no level II technicians were available, and they would call me back. They didn't. I took it back.
I bought the Belkin G router and was up in minutes (the way it should be). All the computers connected without a hitch. Got security set up just like that. What's more, my coverage is just as good as it was with the MIMO and SRX...and other range boosting/speed boosting technology. I don't notice much difference in speed. Bottom line, this router is perfect for most anybody to use at home or work, and it is incredibly easy to use and reliable. Although I didn't need to use Belkin support, they have a huge CALL US and an 800 number right on the front of the box.
Thumbs way up for Belkin...and less expensive.
[....]
Belkin Router over Linksys Any Day! . Product exactly as advertised, works great! Easy installation. In general, have had a lot of success with Belkin products.
Previous router was Linksys, which I spent 2 days trying to install, with no luck. Tech support was awful, long delays, service rep was rude and unhelpful. Finally returned it and bought Belkin instead, which I had up and running in 15 minutes.
Previous router was Linksys, which I spent 2 days trying to install, with no luck. Tech support was awful, long delays, service rep was rude and unhelpful. Finally returned it and bought Belkin instead, which I had up and running in 15 minutes.
Cons Review
Very few printers supported . Don't get me wrong... this router works great, as a router. But not as a print server. Very few printers are supported, and Belkin doesn't tell you that until after you buy it. So bottom line, make sure you check and see if your printer is supported before you buy this for a print server. Mine didn't make the list.
http://web.belkin.com/support/printserver/list.asp
http://web.belkin.com/support/printserver/list.asp
Feature Belkin F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router with Built-In USB Print Server
- Built-in 4-port 10/100 Ethernet Switch
- Built-in NAT/SPI Firewall
- Security - 64- and 128-bit WEP Data Encryption, and WPA with TKIP & AES
- Using 802.11g, you can achieve up to 54Mbps
- Backwards compatible with 802.11b equipment for a data transfer rate of up to 11Mbps
Related Post
- TRENDnet 1-Port Multi-Function Print Server TE100-MP1U (Blue)
- StarTech.com 10/100 Mbps USB Print Server (PM1115U)
- HP JETDIRECT 610N J4169A EIO Network PRINT SERVER CARD
Product Details
EAN : 0722868525173UPC : 722868525173
MPN : F5D7231-4P
Brand : Belkin
Weight : 2 pounds
Height : 4 inches
Length : 10 inches
Width : 8 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : Belkin Inc.
Model : F5D7231-4P
Publisher : Belkin Inc.
Studio : Belkin Inc.
Where To Buy
You can buy Belkin F5D7231-4P High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router with Built-In USB Print Server on Amazon . Click here to Read More
