RadioShackBelkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router
Manufacturer: Belkin Part number: F9K1103
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ router is arguably the most affordable 450Mbps true dual-band router on the market and, while far from perfect, it's likely to deliver more than what you pay for.
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CNET editors' review
Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router price range: $93.90 - $99.99
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 07/11/2011
The good: The affordable Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ router offers fast 5GHz wireless speeds and has two USB ports for hosting an external storage device or printer. The good-looking device also features true dual-band Gigabit Ethernet and comprehensive guest networking.
The bad: The Belkin N750 DB's 2.4GHz wireless speed and 5GHz range could be better, and its current firmware doesn't support IPv6. The router's vertical stand design, though eye-catching, makes it topple easily.
The bottom line: The Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ router is arguably the most affordable 450Mbps true dual-band router on the market and, while far from perfect, it's likely to deliver more than what you pay for.
At its street price of less than $100, the Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ router is much cheaper than any other true dual-band router that also offers the higher 450Mbps speed on the 5GHz band. And it's a capable device, providing very fast 5GHz wireless speeds and a host of advanced features.
On the downside, the N750 DB's wireless range on the 5GHz band and especially the throughput speed on the 2.4GHz band could use some improvement. The router's built-in network storage is much inferior to that of similarly configured routers on the market. Its lack of support for IPv6 and WEP wireless encryption means that it's neither future-proof nor backward-compatible with certain older wireless clients.
Still, for the money, the N750 DB is a good choice for those looking for a robust home router. If you don't mind spending a little more, also check out the Asus RT-N56U or the Linksys E4200.
Setup and design
Shaped like a sleek UFO standing vertically on a base, the Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ router looks great. Unfortunately, this is not a very practical design, as the base is rather light, making the device topple easily, especially when there are network cables plugged into the ports on the back. The router comes with four Gigabit LAN ports for wired clients and one WAN port for connecting to an Internet source. Also on the back are two USB 2.0 ports to be used with external storage devices or printers. We tried these ports with a few portable bus-powered external hard drives and they worked well as long as only one drive was plugged in at a time. When two drives were connected, the router's USB ports didn't seem to provide enough juice to power both.
Like previous routers from Belkin, such as the Play Max, the N750 DB comes preconfigured with two wireless networks, one on each band, with their names and encryption keys printed on a label attached to its body. This way, if you don't want to bother with setting up networks, you can just use the router with the default configuration. We'd recommend changing these, however, as the provided network names and encryption keys are hard to remember.
And it's actually very easy to further customize the router. All you have to do is log in to its Web interface from a connected computer by pointing a browser to its default IP address, 192.168.2.1. By default, the log-in password is blank. On top of that, the router comes with desktop software, called Belkin Router Monitor, which helps with the initial setup process and also helps map network drives to the connected USB drive, launches the Web interface, lets you change the router's settings, and so on. Experienced users however, will probably want to skip this software entirely as it isn't really necessary and will run by itself each time the computer starts up, unless you change its settings to dictate otherwise.
Features
Like the Play Max, the N750 DB comes with some nifty-sounding features: Self-Healing, Video Mover, Print Zone, and Memory Safe. Despite the fancy names, these are just standard features found in most, if not all, similarly configured routers. Video Mover streams content to network media streamers; Print Zone supports use of a USB printer; and Memory Safe enables a connected USB external hard drive to be used as the backup destination for connected computers. The only feature unique to the N750 DB is Self-Healing but this feature basically means that the router can restart itself at a scheduled time, which a good router shouldn't need.
We tried out Video Mover and Memory Safe and found that though they worked as intended, they weren't really viable due to the slow performance of the router's built-in network storage. You can't control the way the router streams or shares data stored on the connected USB storage device, either. Once plugged in, the entire drive is shared over the network with everybody having full access to it.
As with the Play Max, we'd recommend that you not get excited about these gimmicks and focus on what the N750 DB really offers as a wireless router.
The N750 DB is a true dual-band router, meaning it offers two separate wireless networks simultaneously, one in the ever-popular 2.4GHz band and the other in the newer, clean 5GHz band. Its 5GHz band even supports the higher 450Mbps Wireless-N standard (as opposed to the 300Mbps of most Wireless-N routers). The router also offers a comprehensive guest networking feature, which allows guest wireless clients to access the Internet but not other local resources such as a printer or files. It can work like a public hot spot by making unknown users log in via a Web page, giving the owner more control over the connected clients. Guest networking is only available on the 2.4GHz band.
The N750 DB offers a few other standard advanced features such as such as Access Control, which can restrict the Internet access of certain computers in the network; Virtual Server, which enables a computer to be set up for a particular service, such as an FTP or HTTP server; and Quality of Service.
The router's Web interface is typical of Belkin routers, organized and responsive. Unfortunately, it seems the router's current firmware doesn't support IPv6, the new version of Internet Protocol intended to replace the current IPv4, which is running out of addresses. This won't affect most home users, however, and might be added via a firmware update. What will almost certainly affect many users is the fact that the router doesn't support the old WEP wireless encryption method, just WPA and WPA2. While WEP is not as secure as later methods, it's used by older wireless clients and without this support the router will not work with a large selection of existing wireless devices.
The router also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) with a button on its front that initiates a 2-minute time window in which other WPS-enabled devices can enter the wireless network automatically.
Performance
The N750 DB showed mixed performance in our testing.
On one hand, the router's throughput on the 5GHz band was very fast over a short distance (15 feet), at 92.34Mbps. Even when we increased the distance to 100 feet, the router still registered 74.64Mbps. At these speeds the router can finish transferring 500MB in significantly less than a minute. And in both tests, the router was the third fastest on our comparative charts. Note that this formal testing was done with 300Mbps Wireless-N clients. When we tried the router with clients that support the new 450Mbps, the Belkin's performance on the 5GHz band proved to be even faster, up to a 50 percent improvement. As our 450Mbps testing plan hasn't been formalized, for now, we'll keep using the numbers generated by 300Mbps Wireless-N clients for the charts. Note that most Wireless-N clients currently on the market only support the 300Mbps standard or slower.
On the other hand, the router's performance on the 2.4GHz band, though quite fast, was consistently below average in our testing. Its 2.4GHz range was very good, stretching to about 290 feet away. Its range on the 5GHz band was much more modest, just about 200 feet or so. For both bands, we found that the router was best used within 150 feet or less.
The router passed our 24-hour stress test. For this test, we set it to transfer a large amount of data back and forth between clients on both bands, and it didn't disconnect once.
Like the Play Max and many other routers with USB ports, the performance of the N750 DB's network storage feature was slow, averaging 21.9Mbps and 55.5Mbps for writing and reading respectively via Gigabit Ethernet. At these speeds, the router can't offer much from its connected USB external hard drive, other than some light file sharing or music streaming.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Write |
Service and support
Belkin backs the N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ with a two-year warranty, which is good for a router, as routers usually only come with a one-year warranty. Belkin's toll-free phone support is available 24-7, or you can fill out a form at Belkin's Web site for e-mail support. Its Web site also offers documentation, downloadable drivers, and FAQs.
Conclusions
We loved the N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+'s price and 5GHz throughput but were let down by the performance of its 2.4GHz band and its lack of compatibility and features. Still, it would make a good, affordable high-end router for homes that don't have legacy wireless clients.
User reviews
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Fast! Everything I expected so far
by herbie3rd on July 13, 2011
Pros: Not sure why CNET reviewer stated Belkin N750 doesn't support 64 bit WEP. It does. I have an old computer in my home network that only supports WEP 64, and the Belkin supports it (wireless - security)
Cons: Bummer if Belkin doesn't add ipv6 in the future:. If ISP drops ipv4 support in next couple of years, this could be reason to return router.
Would have helped if Belkin told you router address was 192.168.5.1, not 192.168.2.1. This would have saved a cSummary: I purchased the Belkin N750 yesterday at Costco, to replace my 6 year old Netgear WGR614 router. Frustrating waits for web pages to load werre common with the Netgear ('sending ...
Summary: I purchased the Belkin N750 yesterday at Costco, to replace my 6 year old Netgear WGR614 router. Frustrating waits for web pages to load werre common with the Netgear ('sending request', 'waiting for', etc). None of that with the Belkin, webpages load in a flash. Also watched two movies so far on Netflix with Belkin using Roku XD also Dell Windowns XP- not so much as a stall or reload over 3mbps dsl line, which were common with old Netgear router.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Four is Enough to know this is Junk
by frazzini on March 6, 2012
Pros: Easy to hook up
Cons: Does not work.
Support horrendous and redundant.
Video stream constantly froze from Dish Network's sling adapter on local network.
No on/off switch.
All went bad after power outages.
Constant slow and dropped signal.
DOES NOT WORK & DOES NOT WORK.Summary: I had a Belkin N+ router since 2007 that worked great I purchased from Walmart and never had a problem, but it was outdated and I needed a better router. ...
Summary: I had a Belkin N+ router since 2007 that worked great I purchased from Walmart and never had a problem, but it was outdated and I needed a better router. I had such a positive experience with my Belkin router I was pleased to pick one of these up as Costco for under $100.00 and it was easy to install using the same http address I had for my old router and did not have to install the CD. I had high hopes, but had to call support due to my modem not being recognized as being connected to the internet and spent hours on the phone only to find out, from a supervisor, that because my particular modem will not be properly recognized and I will not get the blue light that signals all is well and the light would remain amber. I was told this after hours of useless troubleshooting by techs that simply went through the same script each call. I could go on and on about the service, but you should get the point. OK I can live with an amber light, but the video stream from my Dish sling adapter constantly froze and dropped and it worked fine with my old Belkin router. There are no lights other than the power light that will either be blue or amber and no power button. I live in the mountains in Arizona and sometimes the electric goes out that was never a problem for my old Belkin, but every time I lost power the modem would not work again. I tried to reset per support and tried everything to get three of the four to reset but to no avail and they all had to be returned. One of the four never worked. I did some research and bought the only other modem Costco had at the store in Prescott which is the one I wanted, the Netgear 3800, and I could not be happier. I was reluctant to switch brands, but I had no choice and I used to recommend Belkin to all my friends because of the old router, but never again. As with many companies and brands that I have had very good luck with, Belkin has turned to producing junk over quality. I would also like to thank cnet for their recommendation for the Netgear router I now own and it was also posted on the box the router was recommended by cnet. I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY ANYTHING FROM BELKIN NO MATTER HOW INEXPENSIVE IT IS.
Take my advice and do not waste your time with this router. When I returned the last Belkin to Costco an bought the Netgear, the Belkin router had been repackaged and I looked at it hoping it was a newer version and the bugs were fixed, but it was only a newer more colorful box with no revisions.
I usually do not take the time to write this much about a product, but I have to drive 40 miles round trip to Costco and I am only trying to save someone else the awful experience I had to go through. I am not recommending anything, but only not recommending and warning anyone who will listen to my experiences with this piece of junk they labeled a router. I would also suggest to try to use it for a week before you review it and see what happens if the power goes out. -
Good product - Heaven help you if support required
by russelleammen on January 8, 2012
Pros: Finally got router installed and tried to register it - what a joke
Cons: Support (or lack thereof) is a major disaster. I finally gave up and let them win. Good product - terrible lack of support. This is my last Belkin product and it may go back.
Summary: If you want support after the purchase, forget Belkin - they can't understand me and I can't understand them. What I would give for English speaking support personal ...
Summary: If you want support after the purchase, forget Belkin - they can't understand me and I can't understand them. What I would give for English speaking support personal again.
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Never again Belkin...
by Tubal22 on November 25, 2011
Pros: It was only $100 I threw in the trash.
Cons: 250 characters limit? Sheesh. If you turn on security, it locks up every 10-15 minutes. If you turn security off, it seems to do better. If you try to connect a media device, it locks up, regardless of security settings.
Summary: Don't waste your money on this piece of garbage. Try something else.
Summary: Don't waste your money on this piece of garbage. Try something else.
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Happy so far....
by mlindley3515 on October 25, 2011
Pros: Fast fast fast.
Cons: Set up wasn't as user friendly as others I've had.
Summary: Bought a Netgear N600 and took it back after 1 day. Constantly dropped both of my computers. Went from Very good reception to poor...connection speeds varied all over the ...
Summary: Bought a Netgear N600 and took it back after 1 day. Constantly dropped both of my computers. Went from Very good reception to poor...connection speeds varied all over the place. The Belkin has been 100%. I don't understand the CNET review. This one works great!
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I'm glad Costco has a great return policy - going back.
by out4adance on October 19, 2011
Pros: If it worked like advertised, then there would be some Pro's
Cons: Needs to be constantly re-booted.
Not MacOS 10.7 (Lion) Compatible.
Cannot get USB Printers working.
The CD that comes with the printer does not support MAC Lion. I mean you can't even type in the SSID and password. Therefore you cannot use the USB portsSummary: Complete waste of money.
Summary: Complete waste of money.
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"title">Absolute garbage
by delmastrom on October 2, 2011
Pros: A very strong signal when it was able to maintain a constant connection.
Cons: Constant dropping of connection on all devices (both LAN and wireless), does not retain modified usernames and passwords, completely unreliable, live tech support has no true knowledge of the product.
Summary: After one full week of constant headaches with this unit (I replaced a 2003 Dell Router that was infinitely more reliable), and after almost four hours of incredibly frustrating tech ...
Summary: After one full week of constant headaches with this unit (I replaced a 2003 Dell Router that was infinitely more reliable), and after almost four hours of incredibly frustrating tech support with non-English speaking techs from India (who had no knowledge about the unit other than the step-by-step prompts provided by their computer screens), and hours of consulting various Internet sites, I learned that the Belkin routers are notorious for inconsistent performance. I returned the unit to Costco and went to BestBuy and purchased the highly recommended Netgear N600 DB router, which is worth every penny and is $10 cheaper than the Belkin. No problems yet with Netgear. BestBuy, which also sells the Belkin, told me that they have numerous customers who consistently return the Belkin routers for similar reasons. Netgear is their biggest seller, and I am not surprised. Stay far away from Belkin routers!!! And tell these tech companies that if they plan to advertise 24-hour tech support, and they refuse to hire knowledgeable techs who speak English, then be prepared to suffer consumer back-lash. I will never buy another Belkin product.
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Good over router.
by Dadof6 on September 21, 2011
Pros: Very fast. I surf the net and download small videos and it works extremely well. Interesting shape and improved display over last Belkin.
Cons: The router was a little glitch when I first installed and connected to it. This seemed to level out and the unit is working very well now.
Summary: Overall I highly recommend this router. It is fast and reliable. This is my third Belkin Router over many years and I have been completely satisfied with them all.
Summary: Overall I highly recommend this router. It is fast and reliable. This is my third Belkin Router over many years and I have been completely satisfied with them all.
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Great Router
by hurricanium on September 16, 2011
Pros: None as of yet. The 2.4ghz has much better range than the old Belkin F5D8235 N router. At least that is my take. Now I don't have to use an extender. I also find contrary to the CNET review that the throughput is much better also on 2.4ghz
Cons: The only gripe I have is the same one other have pointed out. No way to reserve IP's when using the DHCP. The F5D8235 had this feature so not sure why it was removed.
Summary: Not concerned about IPv6 at the moment. I'm sure a fireware update will add the support at a later time.
Summary: Not concerned about IPv6 at the moment. I'm sure a fireware update will add the support at a later time.
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It's OK but not great.
by tae_dan on August 6, 2011
Pros: One of the fastest (WAN/LAN & LAN/WAN) routers out there per smallnetbuilder tests. Nice strong wireless signals. Reasonably priced relative to other similar dual band routers. GUI could be better. Maybe the confusing GUI threw off the CNET review
Cons: No DHCP reservation. No IPv6 support. No bandwidth/traffic usage meter. Video Mover does not seem to serve any files from a USB-attached FAT32 HDD including MP3's, MPEGs, WMV's, etc (either on WMP or a PS3), although the media server icon appears.
Summary: If you're like most home users who just browse the internet and stream some videos on Netflix, it is an excellent value.
Summary: If you're like most home users who just browse the internet and stream some videos on Netflix, it is an excellent value.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Belkin
- Part number: F9K1103
- Description: N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router features MultiBeam technology, Belkin's exclusive MultiBeam antenna technology gives you maximum throughput while minimizing dead spots for optimized video streaming from multiple devices, virtually anywhere in your home.
General
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Frequency Band 2.4 GHz,
2.4 GHz,
5 GHz - Data Transfer Rate 450 Mbps
- Capacity Virtual interfaces (VLANs) : 16
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP ,
PPTP ,
TCP/IP ,
IPSec ,
PPPoE - Routing Protocol Static IP routing
- Remote Management Protocol HTTPS,
HTTP - Encryption Algorithm WPA2,
256-bit WPA,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP - Authentication Method Radio Service Set ID (SSID)
- Features MultiBeam technology ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11a ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
IEEE 802.11b - Built-in Devices LED indicators
- Status Indicators Status
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x RJ-45,
Hi-Speed USB : 2 x 4 pin USB Type A Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
- Antenna Qty 5
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Miscellaneous
- Width 2.7 in
- Depth 7.7 in
- Height 8.2 in
- Weight 14.1 oz
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP SP3 or higher,
Microsoft Windows Vista,
Microsoft Windows 7,
Apple Mac OS X 10.5,
Apple Mac OS X 10.6 Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 85% (non-condensing)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Belkin products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Belkin
- Address:
501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220 - Phone: 1-800-223-5546
