Price : Too low to display
Belkin High Speed Mode (HSM) Wireless Network Access Point for PC and Mac F5D7130 / BLKF5D7130
This review is from : Belkin WIRELESS ACCESS POINT ( F5D7130 )
Product works well watch out for firmware updates . First of all, the installation of this product is relatively straightforward but the default factory settings will leave your system open (unsecure). In these times of increasing cases of hacking and with more and more wireless products being available, security is a major concern and you should make your first assignment to secure your system from attacks.There are several options available for securing your connection that include eliminating the broadcast of your wireless network name (SSID), setting up encryption manually or automatically (either 64 or 128 bit) by using an optional passphrase and filtering out MAC addresses.Now, setting up the Wireless Access Point is not as straightforward as it seems, and here's where the documentation should be a bit clearer. The WAP setup has a web-based interface that requires an Internet browser such as MSIE or Netscape.The default IP address (and URL) of the WAP is 192.168.2.254 with a Class C subnet mask (255.255.255.0), you could care less about it, but it is very important to know. In order for you to configure the WAP, you must set up your PC IP address (either the wireless client or the host PC that you will use to connect to the WAP) on the same subnet as this default address on the WAP. In my case, my DSL router belongs to a 192.168.1.xxx subnet, so I had to change my address temporarily to a valid one(192.168.2.100) as explained in the manual. Fortunately, the WAP setup allows you to change the WAP's default IP address to suit your needs. About applying firmware updates:Problems arise when you apply new firmware, a common procedure that everyone should do when acquiring these kind of equipment, but should be very careful when doing so.Firmware updates bring improvements, fixes and new features to your WAP and keeps it up to date. The problem I had was that the firmware changed the WAP's default IP address to 192.168.2.1, something I found out after researching networking.belkin.com.The second issue was that my security settings were erased and my saved settings were not completely recovered, apparently because of some format compatibility issue not documented anywhere. Luckily, I put everything on paper and I was able to set everything back the way it was but believe me, looking at a "page not found" error after a firmware update is not for the faint of heart.Now about client connectivity. I own a DSL router connected to a simple 8-port 10MBps hub. I connected my WAP in one of the ports on the hub. My laptop (with a PCMCIA wireless card) immediately found the WAP. Reception should be fine if your wireless clients reside across open areas. Closed rooms are another story. In my case, although my bedroom (closed area) is much closer in distance to the WAP, there was no reception initially and noise was higher than in the living room (open area). For this reason I had to place the WAP in a more direct line of sight to my bedroom and in a higher position to allow for better reception. This required a longer patch cable than the 6-inch UTP cable included with the WAP.In summary, if you are familiar with networking PCs and know how your network is set up then you shouldn't have any problems installing and using this product, otherwise I'd recommend bringing someone with networking experience to help out.
Product works well watch out for firmware updates . First of all, the installation of this product is relatively straightforward but the default factory settings will leave your system open (unsecure). In these times of increasing cases of hacking and with more and more wireless products being available, security is a major concern and you should make your first assignment to secure your system from attacks.There are several options available for securing your connection that include eliminating the broadcast of your wireless network name (SSID), setting up encryption manually or automatically (either 64 or 128 bit) by using an optional passphrase and filtering out MAC addresses.Now, setting up the Wireless Access Point is not as straightforward as it seems, and here's where the documentation should be a bit clearer. The WAP setup has a web-based interface that requires an Internet browser such as MSIE or Netscape.The default IP address (and URL) of the WAP is 192.168.2.254 with a Class C subnet mask (255.255.255.0), you could care less about it, but it is very important to know. In order for you to configure the WAP, you must set up your PC IP address (either the wireless client or the host PC that you will use to connect to the WAP) on the same subnet as this default address on the WAP. In my case, my DSL router belongs to a 192.168.1.xxx subnet, so I had to change my address temporarily to a valid one(192.168.2.100) as explained in the manual. Fortunately, the WAP setup allows you to change the WAP's default IP address to suit your needs. About applying firmware updates:Problems arise when you apply new firmware, a common procedure that everyone should do when acquiring these kind of equipment, but should be very careful when doing so.Firmware updates bring improvements, fixes and new features to your WAP and keeps it up to date. The problem I had was that the firmware changed the WAP's default IP address to 192.168.2.1, something I found out after researching networking.belkin.com.The second issue was that my security settings were erased and my saved settings were not completely recovered, apparently because of some format compatibility issue not documented anywhere. Luckily, I put everything on paper and I was able to set everything back the way it was but believe me, looking at a "page not found" error after a firmware update is not for the faint of heart.Now about client connectivity. I own a DSL router connected to a simple 8-port 10MBps hub. I connected my WAP in one of the ports on the hub. My laptop (with a PCMCIA wireless card) immediately found the WAP. Reception should be fine if your wireless clients reside across open areas. Closed rooms are another story. In my case, although my bedroom (closed area) is much closer in distance to the WAP, there was no reception initially and noise was higher than in the living room (open area). For this reason I had to place the WAP in a more direct line of sight to my bedroom and in a higher position to allow for better reception. This required a longer patch cable than the 6-inch UTP cable included with the WAP.In summary, if you are familiar with networking PCs and know how your network is set up then you shouldn't have any problems installing and using this product, otherwise I'd recommend bringing someone with networking experience to help out.
Belkin WIRELESS ACCESS POINT ( F5D7130 ) Reviews
Does what it says on the tin . There's a firmware update at Belkin's site (you need to navigate the site directly rather than use the automatic check built into the box) which brings full 'g' compatability plus some sophisticated relaying and encryption features.What's it like to use? Well, it's pretty simple to set up. It needs a Javascript enabled web browser - so Linux, Mac, and PC users will have no problem setting it up. Follow the instructions and you can't go wrong.This box is intended for use with an existing network - machines connecting wirelessly will act as if they've been plugged into your network directly. For the more technical of you, the wireless MAC addresses appear as standard Ethernet addresses which means you can use your existing DHCP servers, etc, to administer your network. Security features offered includes a MAC whitelist, WPA and WEP encryption/login standards, plus the ability to hide your network so it doesn't automatically appear on network selectors. The system is fully compatable with Apple's AirPort (and presumably AirPort Extreme) cards as both use the same 802.11b and 802.11g standards. Range is difficult to test in my apartment - certainly, it is powerful enough to cover my home and half of an adjacent/one floor up apartment with a strong signal when situated on a bookcase in the middle of mine, without any tuning on my part to get it to an ideal position.It isn't a router (except between the wireless network and the wired network.) You cannot (usually) plug it into a cable modem or DSL modem directly. Belkin has a seperate box available that will do this that also incorporates the wireless functionality. More sophisticated boxes, such as Apple's AirPort hubs, include features like printer servers - this doesn't, it's just a wireless access point, something to connect your 802.11b/g devices to your Ethernet network.The device is a large plastic box, resembling a TV dinner you'd put in the Microwave. It has two positionable antennae permanently attached to the outside of the box but no socket to plug in a more powerful antenna. It comes with a mounting stand that allows you to position it vertically, or you can sit the thing down flat. Or you can put two screws in the wall and hang it from that. Happily the power supply is not a "pregnant plug", but a small box into which you plugged an A/C cable and out of which came the standard DC line.What's more to say? It's exactly what it advertises itself as being. It's inexpensive, at the time of writing, I have no qualms recommending it.
Does what it says on the tin . There's a firmware update at Belkin's site (you need to navigate the site directly rather than use the automatic check built into the box) which brings full 'g' compatability plus some sophisticated relaying and encryption features.What's it like to use? Well, it's pretty simple to set up. It needs a Javascript enabled web browser - so Linux, Mac, and PC users will have no problem setting it up. Follow the instructions and you can't go wrong.This box is intended for use with an existing network - machines connecting wirelessly will act as if they've been plugged into your network directly. For the more technical of you, the wireless MAC addresses appear as standard Ethernet addresses which means you can use your existing DHCP servers, etc, to administer your network. Security features offered includes a MAC whitelist, WPA and WEP encryption/login standards, plus the ability to hide your network so it doesn't automatically appear on network selectors. The system is fully compatable with Apple's AirPort (and presumably AirPort Extreme) cards as both use the same 802.11b and 802.11g standards. Range is difficult to test in my apartment - certainly, it is powerful enough to cover my home and half of an adjacent/one floor up apartment with a strong signal when situated on a bookcase in the middle of mine, without any tuning on my part to get it to an ideal position.It isn't a router (except between the wireless network and the wired network.) You cannot (usually) plug it into a cable modem or DSL modem directly. Belkin has a seperate box available that will do this that also incorporates the wireless functionality. More sophisticated boxes, such as Apple's AirPort hubs, include features like printer servers - this doesn't, it's just a wireless access point, something to connect your 802.11b/g devices to your Ethernet network.The device is a large plastic box, resembling a TV dinner you'd put in the Microwave. It has two positionable antennae permanently attached to the outside of the box but no socket to plug in a more powerful antenna. It comes with a mounting stand that allows you to position it vertically, or you can sit the thing down flat. Or you can put two screws in the wall and hang it from that. Happily the power supply is not a "pregnant plug", but a small box into which you plugged an A/C cable and out of which came the standard DC line.What's more to say? It's exactly what it advertises itself as being. It's inexpensive, at the time of writing, I have no qualms recommending it.
Belkin WIRELESS ACCESS POINT ( F5D7130 ) Opinions
F5D7130 works fine with Linksys WRT54G . Just got the Belkin F5D7130 and was about to send it to trash cause seemed to work *only* with Belkin routers...but then I found out how to make it work with my WRT54G.
As stated in the F5D7130 manual, you need to set up the F5D7130 MAC address into your Belkin router in order to use the F5D7130 like a range extender, since you cannot do this in a Linksys router, I tried the inverse...just loaded my Linksys MAC address into the "Wireless Bridge" configuration section of the F5D7130..and its working perfectly.
Finally, as stated in the Belkin manual, WAP is not supported in extender mode, but WEP works fine...so, better WEP than nothing...
Regards.
F5D7130 works fine with Linksys WRT54G . Just got the Belkin F5D7130 and was about to send it to trash cause seemed to work *only* with Belkin routers...but then I found out how to make it work with my WRT54G.
As stated in the F5D7130 manual, you need to set up the F5D7130 MAC address into your Belkin router in order to use the F5D7130 like a range extender, since you cannot do this in a Linksys router, I tried the inverse...just loaded my Linksys MAC address into the "Wireless Bridge" configuration section of the F5D7130..and its working perfectly.
Finally, as stated in the Belkin manual, WAP is not supported in extender mode, but WEP works fine...so, better WEP than nothing...
Regards.
Setup for range mode to expand your wireless connection . Belkin know of this problem but will not post fix on web they want you to spent and hour on hold with a customer service agent reading the updated manual to you. The product is great but there instructions are the worst. Then again Linksys range has similar issue when setting them up. Another issue on there site they brag about WPA secuity it contain but don't tell you that wep is only support in range expander and not WPA.
Follow the documentation but just add these simple changes.
Setting wireless Range to access router
Open both web interface:
Belkin Router Web page router 192.168.2.1
Belkin Range expander Web page range 192.168.2.254
Reset to default
Connect range to router via Ethernet cable
Where it ask for the mac address:
Add both mac addresses from range to router yes both not one
Add both mac addresses from router to range yes both not one
Enable security on range first then on router WEP only does not support WPA in range mode.
Reset both.
Intenet now working.....
Note if you have ver 1000 add both mac address to each range and router
note if you have ver 2000 just add wlan range to each range and router.
It took me one hour on hold to find this out. Belkin knows this is an issue and they will not document it on there website.
Once it set it works 99% I will leave the one percent off just because nothing is perfect in this world.
Good luck.
Follow the documentation but just add these simple changes.
Setting wireless Range to access router
Open both web interface:
Belkin Router Web page router 192.168.2.1
Belkin Range expander Web page range 192.168.2.254
Reset to default
Connect range to router via Ethernet cable
Where it ask for the mac address:
Add both mac addresses from range to router yes both not one
Add both mac addresses from router to range yes both not one
Enable security on range first then on router WEP only does not support WPA in range mode.
Reset both.
Intenet now working.....
Note if you have ver 1000 add both mac address to each range and router
note if you have ver 2000 just add wlan range to each range and router.
It took me one hour on hold to find this out. Belkin knows this is an issue and they will not document it on there website.
Once it set it works 99% I will leave the one percent off just because nothing is perfect in this world.
Good luck.
Works As Advertised . Let me preface this by saying that this review will be based on its relative performance in our office environment and its weight is based on workload and price. Ease of install is important and so is user connectivity/configuration.
I'm using this with a Juniper Netscreen-5GT that connects to a D Link DSS-24 (24 port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch). We are using it mostly for guests who come into our office wanting to check emails while they are conducting business meetings with us. We use a wired network for our work, but we want the conveniece of wireless for those people that don't want to hunt for an ethernet cable and a wall jack. I have done my testing mostly on Dell laptops with Intel Centrino processors. That said, I configured the AP at my desk before placing it in our wiring closet. I bought this access point last night, read a few reviews beforehand, and read the manual briefly before starting my work.
I rate the ease of install as a 5, only because it wasn't complex and it didn't magically change IP addresses on me, even after I installed the firmware update.
I rate it a 5 on use/reliability because we get very good to excellent strength anywhere in our office. 16 yards away in one direction is excellent and 24 yards in the other is very good. Note the latter travels through 3-4 walls. I was able to set the AP on top of our switch in the wiring closet close to the ceiling.
Ease of Install was pretty high. That is, I performed the following to set it up:
1. Unplugged my ethernet cable from my laptop and connected to the AP.
2. Configured my laptop IP address similar to the owner manual's example (192.168.2.200).
3. I can now log into the AP Setup and configure it.
I noted the firmware = 3.00.10 and I had downloaded 4.03.03 (dated 10/2/2004 F5D7130_4.0.03.bin), so I ran the firmware update before configuring anything.
4. After the AP's reboot, I changed the Setup's password, named the SSID, and enabled Security. That's it. In my case, the IP address never deviated from the user manual. This works for me.
5. I restored my laptop's TCP/IP properties back to the way it was and plugged back into the network. I placed the AP into the closet and plugged it into the 24 port switch. That's it.
Now, to get my laptop to use the wireless connection involved the following:
1. Open my Intel wireless connection setup
2. Scan for nearby wireless SSIDs
3. Select my SSID and go through a wizard that asks for the type of security and my password.
It was that simple. Now, I can't speak of others that are using Apples or are trying to use Belkin Pre-N to bridge to another system. I am not commenting/reviewing its bridging or extention features. I am only commenting on setting up and using . Since this is being used in a one-story medium-sized office and is primarly used for our visitors to check email or surf the net, we wanted something this would be reliable and inexpensive to implement. I found this for $39.99 at a local computer store, not a big chain. No rebates. very nice.
The only "confusing" thing that occurred and is a low priority is that after the firmware update, the Hardware now says F5D7230, instead of F5D6130 in the Setup. Perhaps, that's a bug they introduced in this version of the firmware? I'm not worried. It seems to work fine.
I'm using this with a Juniper Netscreen-5GT that connects to a D Link DSS-24 (24 port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch). We are using it mostly for guests who come into our office wanting to check emails while they are conducting business meetings with us. We use a wired network for our work, but we want the conveniece of wireless for those people that don't want to hunt for an ethernet cable and a wall jack. I have done my testing mostly on Dell laptops with Intel Centrino processors. That said, I configured the AP at my desk before placing it in our wiring closet. I bought this access point last night, read a few reviews beforehand, and read the manual briefly before starting my work.
I rate the ease of install as a 5, only because it wasn't complex and it didn't magically change IP addresses on me, even after I installed the firmware update.
I rate it a 5 on use/reliability because we get very good to excellent strength anywhere in our office. 16 yards away in one direction is excellent and 24 yards in the other is very good. Note the latter travels through 3-4 walls. I was able to set the AP on top of our switch in the wiring closet close to the ceiling.
Ease of Install was pretty high. That is, I performed the following to set it up:
1. Unplugged my ethernet cable from my laptop and connected to the AP.
2. Configured my laptop IP address similar to the owner manual's example (192.168.2.200).
3. I can now log into the AP Setup and configure it.
I noted the firmware = 3.00.10 and I had downloaded 4.03.03 (dated 10/2/2004 F5D7130_4.0.03.bin), so I ran the firmware update before configuring anything.
4. After the AP's reboot, I changed the Setup's password, named the SSID, and enabled Security. That's it. In my case, the IP address never deviated from the user manual. This works for me.
5. I restored my laptop's TCP/IP properties back to the way it was and plugged back into the network. I placed the AP into the closet and plugged it into the 24 port switch. That's it.
Now, to get my laptop to use the wireless connection involved the following:
1. Open my Intel wireless connection setup
2. Scan for nearby wireless SSIDs
3. Select my SSID and go through a wizard that asks for the type of security and my password.
It was that simple. Now, I can't speak of others that are using Apples or are trying to use Belkin Pre-N to bridge to another system. I am not commenting/reviewing its bridging or extention features. I am only commenting on setting up and using . Since this is being used in a one-story medium-sized office and is primarly used for our visitors to check email or surf the net, we wanted something this would be reliable and inexpensive to implement. I found this for $39.99 at a local computer store, not a big chain. No rebates. very nice.
The only "confusing" thing that occurred and is a low priority is that after the firmware update, the Hardware now says F5D7230, instead of F5D6130 in the Setup. Perhaps, that's a bug they introduced in this version of the firmware? I'm not worried. It seems to work fine.
Exactly as advertised! . I bought this Belkin access point a few days ago. It is an excellent device! I bought it to bridge and extend my wireless G home network. It connected without problems to my Linksys WRT54G router. The F57130 is, to the best of my knowledge, the only access point that simultaneously acts as a bridge and a repeater. I am using it to augment my wired network, while ALSO using it to add wireless reach to the upstairs of my house. I would have given it five stars if it included a status indicator in its utilities. It's rather unusual to have a wireless device that cannot indicate signal strength -- but otherwise it works great!
Bridge Mode only works with other Belkin products . I bought this bridge/access point based on the good reviews. However, I was using this as a bridge at home to a Linksys router. This seems to be the only bridge that does not connect to other vendor's routers. What a shame. The setup was reasonable, but a little more involved than other vendors. Back in the box it goes.
Cons Review
We'll never know if it would have worked . Maybe this product is terrific at what it does, once configured. My experience with Belkin tech support, the documentation, and the firmware was very, very bad. After 24 hours of frustration, I finally returned the WAP. Then I spent an hour recovering my original configuration.
Note that if you are trying to use this device as a range extender, you will probably be interested in the Super Secret "range extender quick start guide" on the Belkin support web site. It's not included in the box.
My impression is that engineering designed a good product, tested it in very narrow circumstances, then told the tech writers what to write down. Clearly no one tested the documentation.
Note that if you are trying to use this device as a range extender, you will probably be interested in the Super Secret "range extender quick start guide" on the Belkin support web site. It's not included in the box.
My impression is that engineering designed a good product, tested it in very narrow circumstances, then told the tech writers what to write down. Clearly no one tested the documentation.
Do NOT buy any of the Belkin Wireless Products!! . After several hours of telephone support conversation, Belkin told me that there was simply too much interference in my apartment to allow for a connection between my Belkin Router my Belkin wireless notebook card. Mind you, I live in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens, and the distance between the router and the notebook is no more than 40 feet. On top of that, I don't have any cordless phone. So there I went and bought a range extender to place between the router and my laptop. Since then, I have spent several hours of technical support ON A WEEKLY BASIS, because the way they tell me to configure the connections and the wireless bridge just doesn't work! Oh, how I wish I had just bought a very long internet cord instead...
doesn't work tech support not good manual not good . i just received this unit yesterday to serve as a bridge to my Belkin wireless router (the router manual specifies this AP). Cannot get it to talk wirelessly to the Belkin router. I've spent a good deal of time with it including 30 minutes with Belkin tech support, which consisted of someone reading a script to me, arguing about trivial things, and then ringing off before the issue was resolved. Frustrating to say the least. I'm also not impressed with the lack of logging, as well as the wide-open browser access (your SSID and security settings are displayed to anyone without logging in).
The manual is sadly out of date and does not match the firmware nor the physical product, which would make setup difficult for an inexperienced user. Belkin would like to have us believe that this is a plug and play product, but this is not the case.
generally, this is pretty much a piece of cr*p. I'm trying to get Belkin to RMA it and either replace it or refund. Overall, I'm more impressed with Linksys/Cisco products than Belkin, even in this price range.
Update: Belkin issued me an RMA, I followed their instructions to the letter and shipped the product to Canada at my expense. Four weeks later, i got it back, they had refused delivery with no explanation. I chucked the box in the trash.
Belkin, you suck. Never ever again.
The manual is sadly out of date and does not match the firmware nor the physical product, which would make setup difficult for an inexperienced user. Belkin would like to have us believe that this is a plug and play product, but this is not the case.
generally, this is pretty much a piece of cr*p. I'm trying to get Belkin to RMA it and either replace it or refund. Overall, I'm more impressed with Linksys/Cisco products than Belkin, even in this price range.
Update: Belkin issued me an RMA, I followed their instructions to the letter and shipped the product to Canada at my expense. Four weeks later, i got it back, they had refused delivery with no explanation. I chucked the box in the trash.
Belkin, you suck. Never ever again.
Feature Belkin WIRELESS ACCESS POINT ( F5D7130 )
- Connects Devices (From/To) - Wireless-equipped PC or Mac® to wired network
- Description - High Speed Mode Wireless Network Access Point
- Special Features/Suggested Use - Easy plug-&-play installation; 35% faster than 802.11g
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Product Details
EAN : 0722868455647UPC : 722868455647
MPN : F5D7130
Brand : Belkin
Weight : 2 pounds
Height : 3 inches
Length : 12 inches
Width : 8 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : Belkin Inc.
Model : F5D7130
Publisher : Belkin Inc.
SKU : DHF5D7130
Studio : Belkin Inc.
Where To Buy
You can buy Belkin WIRELESS ACCESS POINT ( F5D7130 ) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
