![]() ![]() Both of these are limited, however for example, you can't make the router restart only when there's no Internet activity (so you won't be disconnected during a gaming section, for example), and you can't customize the streaming feature at all, other than turning it on or off. The former allows users to set the router to automatically restart itself daily or weekly, and the latter is basically a media-streaming feature available when there's external storage plugged into the router's USB ports. The rest of the router's supposedly special features, which it shares with previous models, are just nifty-sounding gimmicks, such as Self-Healing or Video Mover. In the end, I had to manually enter the upload and download speeds after that, I didn't see any difference between having this feature enabled or disabled. In my testing, however, the router failed to test how fast my connection was. Similarly, the IntelliStream feature is designed to "prioritize high-bandwidth and low-latency services such as voice, video, and games for the best possible online experience." You can just turn it on and it will prioritize the traffic based on how fast the connection to the Internet is. In other words, if you want to make your Internet connection safe for young kids, it'll be almost useless for all adult users connected to the same network. ![]() This means, once a level is set, all computers in the local network will have the same level of filtering. Unfortunately it doesn't offer the option to customize each level or control what clients in the network will be affected. The Parent Control features offers a quick way to set the Web filtering between four preset levels. I didn't find these new features impressive, however. The interface also lets you manage the router's other features. By default the log-in password is left blank. You can also skip this software and get directly to the router's interface by pointing a Web browser from a connected computer to the router's default IP address, which is 192.168.2.1. For more advanced settings, such as changing the name of the wireless network, the software helps launch the router's Web interface and navigates directly to a particular section. Once installed, the software offers step-by-step setup instructions, including the very basics, such as hooking up the router to a power source and devices. The router comes with a CD that contains Belkin Router Monitor. To make the initial setup even easier, the router comes with a CAT5e cable already plugged into its WAN port. This information is different for each unit, is the default value if you reset the router, and is all you need to get your wireless network up and running, after plugging the router in to power and Internet sources (such as a DSL modem). The label also has the information for the router's guest network (available only on the 2.4Ghz band). The 1200 DB comes configured with two wireless networks, one on each band their names and encryption keys are printed on the bottom of the base and on a label attached to the router. There are also two USB 2.0 ports, and like other Belkin routers, they took a long time (about more than a minute) to recognize a connected hard drive or printer. On the back the new router comes with four gigabit LAN ports for wired clients and one WAN port to connect to an Internet source, such as a cable modem. The router offers no other option in terms of placement. The router is designed to work vertically on a small base and can topple relatively easily since this base is narrow and the whole package is light. The Belkin AC 1200 DB Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC+ Gigabit Router looks exactly the same as the Belkin Advance N900 DB or the Belkin N750 DB: a sleek, UFO-shaped chassis with hidden-antenna design. To make up for this, at the street price of just around $160, the new Belkin is also the most affordable among those that are 802.11ac-capable.Īll things considered, though, since there aren't any 802.11ac hardware clients on the market right now, I think you're better off either opting for one of the N600 routers on this top-five list for much less, or spending the same amount on a solid N900 router. Compared with other 802.11ac routers I've reviewed (all of them are three-stream), however, it was, as expected, the slowest. In my testing, similar to other recent routers, the Belkin's performance on the 5Ghz band is much better than that on its 2.4Ghz band. ![]()
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