Remember the old days when wireless networks were few and far between? Since then, we have come a long way with commercial & personal networks overlapping and blanketing neighborhoods and city blocks. Although performance, reliability, and security have improved, hardware is still bulky, unattractive, and generally "unfriendly". Wireless hardware is the type of device that is unboxed, plugged in, connected, troubleshooted, and left underneath an office desk or atop a bedroom shelf [until the device needs tweaking]. There really is no reason to keep a wireless router in plain view. Browse the wireless section at your nearest electronics store and you’ll see the same square boxes with an antennae or two sticking out the backside.
Belkin introduces the N1 Vision
Belkin recently launched the N1 Vision ($199) which offers a built-in display for broadband network speed, upload & download speed, individual computer bandwidth usage, connected devices, total data usage over a 24 hour period, devices accessing the network as guests, and a general clock / date.
Packaged in a new sleek and sophisticated design, N1 Vision offers the best in networking performance with its wireless 802.11n* 3×3 radio design and wired gigabit ports. The N1 Vision wireless router continues Belkin’s commitment in providing the best user experience in the home market through its Plug-and-Play “CD-less” installation and simple network security setup. [source]
My N1 Vision arrived earlier this week and gave me plenty of time to experience the setup, test performance, and share my thoughts concerning a $199 802.11n router.
Apple sets the packaging standard, Belkin takes a hint
Like many other companies, Belkin picked-up on a few hints from Apple and their attention to packaging detail. See Apple, Jawbone, and Belkin below:
Clean and organized packaging really does translate into an easier unboxing and setup experience. The numerical hints which adorn the small boxed items match the numerical order of steps found in the quick start guide & on the back of the router itself.
N1 Vision; a "friendly" router installation
Setting up the router is as simple as plugging in the power adapter (wall-to-unit), connecting the ethernet cable (modem-to-router), hard wiring a computer (initial setup), and typing "routersetup" in your favorite browser. From here, the installation is quick and easily completed within a minute or two.
Opening "routersetup" in your default browser begins the setup process for entering your network name (SSID), security key (default security type is WPA + WPA2 PSK), guest mode (disabled by default), and a guest security key. Click apply and the router is provisioned and restarted.
Once the router saves your initial settings, your setup is complete. Disconnect your computer from the router and search for your new wireless network to connect.
Belkin N1 Vision setup screen - click for high resolution screenshot.
N1 Vision display is not gimmicky
An auxiliary wireless router display may seem gimmicky considering the router serves a single purpose of sharing your internet connection. However, after a week of use, the router display has proven itself as a great resource for diagnosing your wireless network performance.
- The ISP is currently down, N1 Vision makes this known by overriding the current view with a status message notifying you of connectivity issues.
- Want to know who is on your network? Browse through a list of connected users.
- Curious to know why your network is feeling sluggish? Find out who is moving the most data right now.
Wow your guests and showcase your geekiness.
Things I like, and a few I don’t
Likes
- Excellent network coverage - up to 1600 ft. With the router setup in my apartment, I can access the network from one of my favorite sushi spots up the street.
- Auxiliary display which lets me see how much data is moving in and out while sitting back watching television.
- The router is appealing enough to keep in plain view - looks right at home with the glossy finish of the Toshiba Regza LCD.
- Gigabit - need I see more? Four ports to share the data between XBox, Mac Mini, and networked media server.
Dislikes
- The N1 Vision arrived factory sealed but has some serious spider scratches over the entire finish - bad quality inspection.
- Buttons to navigate the different display views require a very firm press. Buttons click but often do not respond unless firmly pressed for 1-2 secs.
- Entering "routersetup" from any networked machines does not open the router admin panel - the usual 192.168.x.1 does the trick.
Overall, I am a huge fan of the router which offers a huge set of security options and wireless configurations. Guest access mode is great, but not something I see myself enabling. Prior to the N1 Vision, I was using the the Kyocera KR1 router + Sprint’s EVDO network as my main connection. The addition of the auxiliary display gives me a heads-up on network activity while providing a little extra juice for moving data on my local network. [Digg this]
* Belkin N1 Vision unboxing pictures on Flickr.
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69 Comments
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WOW! very cool! gonna have to pick one of those up for myself. Thanks for the review. Honestly, I hadn’t even heard of it yet (man, I gotta get back into the swing). Thanks!
Brent
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This looks excellent, I’m going to try and pick one up to test it out. Love some of the unique features such as data usage over 24 hours.
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It’s about time a company made the router sleek and easy to use. It’s been in the consumer market for over 10 years, finally they make it people friendly.
The more people understanding what’s going on in their own internal network, the less their prone to problems.
Linkysys/Cisco, D-Link, Netgear and Apple… you’re up.
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Would you happen to have a screenshot of the admin panel (Or does it look the same as the router set-up page?)?
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Wow, I don’t even get that range on my current 802.11n router (D-Link DIR-655). Right now, the D-Link freezes up when maxing out the Gigabit connection. This router is one I’ll have to try.
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The N1 Vision looks absolutely stunning. Such a sleek design. I’m pleased that companies such as Belkin are bringing attractive design to products that one would never expect would benefit from it.
I own the “non-vision” N1 (picked it up yesterday) and have been thoroughly pleased with it, such a step up from my old DLINK hunka-junk.
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Updated the completed setup area of the post to include a screenshot of the web admin panel.
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i bought this router and i already have two of the same router, previous version (N1). i have had a lot of problems with them.
a) older machines cannot connect with latest router firmware, but CAN connect with older versions of router firmware. repeated tech support calls led to them sending me replacement units that had the same problem.
b) unstable - intermittent hangups. requires power cycle at least once a week.
c) the tech support, when i used it, was very bad. all phone support were just foreigners reading from flowcharts. any situation that didn’t fit the flowchart results in a replacement refurbished unit, zero support to solve any problem that isn’t covered in their pre-written scripts.
d) firmware is kind of goofy - it’s been through 3 revisions (plus first default firmware). each firmware solved something but created some new problem. e.g. update #2 increased uptime (power cycle once a week instead of daily) but the display lights all blinked. update #3 solved the blinking lights but now older wireless NIC’s (2001-2002 era laptops) can’t connect at all.
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Belkin is so expensive in my country… I just bought the cheapest LINKSYS a few days ago.
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Looks great, but my experience with home/small office wireless routers is so negative (from EVERY manufacturer) that I have to ask about reliability before I consider another one. I have tried Linksys, Belkin, Dlink, and Netgear, and none of them were acceptable. My most recent experience was swapping out my Belkin for a Netgear (because the Belkin would drop the WAN connection 3 or 4 times a week). I’ve just switched back to the Belkin, becaue the Netgear required restarting 3 or 4 times A DAY!
Sorry about the negativity - my suggestion for everyone is this: before you buy any router product, lurk in the manufacturer’s product support forum for a few days and get a scope of what to expect. Granted, almost no one who has flawless operation would be those forums, but I think the experience can be useful. If the manufacturer doesn’t have an online forum, try usenet (”Google Groups” is a convenient way to search usenet).
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Well, though it appears they’ve been able to somewhat copy Apple’s packaging style, the easiest part to duplicate, judging from the configuration software and the unit’s industrial design, Apple doesn’t have too much to worry about. Glad to another manufacturer at least giving design s cursory thought.
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That’s a cool product by Belkin. By the way, is there any Gigabit USB Wireless adapter around which happen sell below $50? Could anyone tell me one brand?
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I have had the previous routers from Belkin…the Pre-N and the current N1 (v3000 revision). The Pre-N was great…fast and reliable. The N1 has been the worst router I’ve ever owned, going all the way back to my original gray Apple airport flying saucers. The N1 out of the box wouldn’t stay up without resetting itself a few times a day. Performance with security on was awful and wouldn’t allow certain devices to access it (like my wi-fi cell phone). Even worse was that certain devices would just become inaccessible for no reason at all….imagine your wireless printer just disappearing and reappearing on the network for no reason. And it wouldn’t matter it the device was wired or wireless….it would just disappear. Two firmware upgrades later (including a non-published one from Belkin), the reliability is a bit better, but devices still sometimes wink in and out of the network for no reason.
All I’m saying is that the N1 soured me completely on Belkin wireless products after a great experience with the Pre-N. I hope the N1 Vision truly works because the N1 was (and still is) a complete disappointment.
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Ummm gigabit ethernet and wireless are two different types of media.
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I installed the previous N! router for a friend. I used Belkin’s matching external USB Wi-Fi adapter. It was the easiest router setup I have every done.
I live in the NYC area, we have terrible power. I find that routers are often reset by power fluctuations. I solve this by plugging routers into uninterruptible power supplies. This always makes them much more stable an usually solves the problem completely.
Prior to 802.11n Wi-Fi was a nightmare in pre-1950’s buildings. N has made a big difference in all but the biggest apartments.
I like Belkin and am delighted that they are making routers that I can install quickly and support over the phone.
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Looks very cool but why didn’t Belkin include USB NAS and maybe some print serving capabilities? These are going to become very popular.
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It sure is an interesting product, but i’m still not convinced that the screen is useful. Although it’s cool to show your geekery (right???). There are many programs that can show the bandwidth usage, currently connected users and such.
I’m also using a belking router (it was on sale). It seems that belkin had “redesigned” the interface. I wasn’t to happy with the old firmware (interface). Can you put a review of the new “software” interface? Thanks
BTW - They probably doesn’t have one for this router but, you guys should install DD-WRT ( dd-wrt.com/ ). It’s a custom firmware that will make your router feel like a million bucks. Well not million, but it sure gives it more oomphs and hackery.
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@Tom: Well they would probably add those features in the next version and add another USD 25 to the price tag.
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I just purchased the new N1 F5D8232-4 router and so far so good. Installation was a breeze and coverage and speed is comprable to the NetGear N router I replaced. I was about to take it back because the LCD display was not working properly. I happened upon your site read about having to push hard on the navigation buttons and walah. Thanks.
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It is strange that even though the button has a resounding click when pressed, the display does not change unless it is pressed firmly for a few seconds. Definitely something that Belkin should have caught.
Re: some of the previous comments concerning Belkin routers shutting off randomly, I haven’t experienced anything yet - even with large amounts of data moving in and out.
I have discovered that the iPhone will drop the wireless signal if a data connection is not made for 15-20 minutes.
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WOW Sexy piece of machinery! I probably won’t get it because there is too much dust in my house, the glossy finish will just go to waste. But maybe one day!!
Tony Cai
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Love the router.
Derek, what theme are you using for Firefox? It’s really nice.
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Joey,
Have you used Firefox much?
He is using Safari, it’s the native Mac Browser.
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Actually, the screenshot shows that he is using Firefox (next to the Apple logo).
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Joey is correct re: Firefox as the browser in the screenshot. It’s the default installation theme. However, I am using UNO to make the OS X interface a little more "plastic" - http://5thirtyone.com/archives/389
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They are sold at Fry’s and Best Buy, usully right next to the gigabit-USB hubs.
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This is definitely great looking in contrast to the majority of routers out there. But it misses the boat in two places, for starters it still looks like a router. Granted it’s a lot prettier than my franken-Linksys, but I still wouldn’t want it sitting out on a shelf someplace, versus an AirPort that wouldn’t look out of place in my entertainment center. Then there’s the firmware. It looks more user-friendly than a lot of the firmware out there, but it’s still pretty ugly and bare bones. For the price I’d just as soon get an AirPort.
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I had to return this router because I could not VPN via the Belkin N1 Vision to my work.
Belkin Tech Support was useless. I had already used a sniffer to debug the Nortel VPN client port useage and Belkin support could not understand what dynamic ports meant. It is kind of hard to setup Port-Fowarding with dynamic ports and this router does not support Port-Triggering. Belkin support did not understand Port-Triggering either.
I tried, but had to return it.
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derek, what made you go for this .11n router over apple’s router? the only thing with apple’s that i’d want is the airdisk. just curious if you gave the apple aebs a look.
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That’s unfortunate that Belkin CS was not familiar with their own product. One of the first things I tested when the router arrived was whether or not I could create a VPN tunnel to my office network / machine. Fortunately, I was able to make the connection.
I had the Airport Extreme for awhile. The integrated print / file sharing option was a fantastic touch - especially for a $170 router. There was nothing that I didn’t like about the AES. I’m not sure where I stood on the Software Updates requirements and having to use a separate utility on Apple computers to maintain the router.
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Sad sad day. I really liked my N1 router, ease of setup, speed, coverage was gr8t and the display is a very nice feature. It was nice to see/track how much the kids were downloading or uploading and how long they had been on. I liked to be able to see what speeds it was uploading/downloading at with out having to install some outside PGM.
The problem was when I purchased my new computer “which the router is connected to” it would not allow the remote computers to connect to the network. The USB2 adapters are not Vista compatable. Before I found this out I had exchanged the router “30 day return policy” and you will be glad to know they had fixed the issue with the scroll button on the router. It worked very well.
So back to the Linksys WRT350N. So far a good router but miss the N1.
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whoeversed this thing cant do port triggering is wrong!,ive got it set up with port triggering and port forwarding,and can also dial into my offices vpn no trouble! updated firmare possiblley
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Belkin did release an update about two weeks ago that addressed some of the issues of the device.
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BELKIN N1 - NORTEL VPN spent a few hours on Tech support tryin solutions that I had already located on the internet -trying to get my NORTEL VPN to work thru the Belkin router. Tried wired/wireless, inside firewall open all port, put it in DMZ, Changed the Routher IP from 2.1 to 3.1 - Tech support was USELSS- “looks like your VPN access point does not allow NORTON N1 range of IP’s” Yea Right - USELESS. Research on the internet shows this to be KNOWN problem with Belkin they haven’t got around to fixing yet - but still advertise that BELKIN N1 works with your VPN - USELESS. Took the BELKIN N1 back to Best Buy and exchanged it for another CISCO product that works. BELKIN N1 - Don’t mess with my VPN man!! that’s how I makes me money to buy these things!!
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Hey Stumpy1949 - I see that you weren’t able to get VPN working with the Belkin N1 router and am curious what solution you did go with that worked? A Cisco device? I’ve been through several Wireless N/Gigabit routers now trying to get one that will allow me to VPN to my home office but can’t find a single solution. Currently on my third Linksys WRVS4400N that the VPN side works on but it has other problems causing the need to be rebooted every 12 hours.
I’m looking for any suggestions available for a product that has Wireless N, Gigabit ports and can be used for VPN access. Any ideas?
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Contact Belkin’s tech support and ask them to send you the firmware fix they have for the Cisco VPN issues. It’s a Beta firmware version, so it’s not on their website yet, but I installed it 2 days ago and VPN works perfectly.
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BP,
Is it possible for you to send me the Beta firmware? I have tried to get it from Belkin’s tech support for 2 days. The support calls are routed to India and they are really useless like some others described in this forum.
If you can help, please email me using googzzhk@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Richard
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I went out and purchased the DIR-655 and was not happy with the connections status with the two farthest computers(weak status). I did have Belkin adapters on 2 of my systems(desktops) so thats probably the reason for the poor performance. On the two laptops,one being a DELL and another HP,which are G and not N rated, the connection status was still better with the N1). I returned the DIR-655 and picked up the N1 Vision. What a beauty,setup was fast and easy and all the connection status are excellent with no issues.I do agree that the buttons to nav. thru the screens are a bit tough you have to press firmly ! see Dlink has another new router out which caught my eye,
D-LINK DGL-4500 Xtreme N Draft N 802.11B/G Gaming Router Triple Antenna Gigabit GameFuel LCD USB .Gotta love all the toys that are out there for us to enjoy!
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I love the n1 vision router but after about 10 calls with 3 levels of support seems no hope to get vpn to work. I even ask at least 3 different techs about the beta firmware talked about above and all said they don;t know anything about it and only firmware the have is the current I already had installed.
If anyone has the beta firmware for cisco vpn can you please send to me as belkin is no help and they just want to rma the router which will do nothing but cost shipping and from what I read will not change a thing. Email is benzjon@yahoo.com
I am using nortel vpn but my company also has a cisco vpn server which I could switch to if needed.
Thanks
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Richard just sent me the beta firmware and now nortel and circo vpn clients work perfect. I talked to belkin a few more times before Richard sent this and no one had any idea what I was talking about at belkin. Now if they could just add a way to set static ips through dhcp it would be the perfect router. I can leave with this just set the lease time to forever and nothing has lost its ip yet.
A Big thanks to Richard for the beta firmware.
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Hey CM pleeeeease send me the Beta fix …. I need to work from home and as all the others, after calls and calls nothing seems to work.
Regards
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Richard or CM,
Could you please send me the firmware as well? I’ve completely reconfigured my network with the new N1 Router and now my wife and I can’t VPN (CISCO) into our companies. Both of us frequently work out of the house and this is highly inconvenient and I really don’t want to the take th Belkin box back to Circuit City, just want it to work. Would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks for the great information.
Tony
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Hi Richard and CM
I’ve recently picked up one of the N1 Router but unfortunately the main issue is with cisco VPN and Bekin support will not respond to my service request.
Could you please send the Beta firmware?
Thank you for the info and your help is appreciated.
My email is : patricsio@msn.com
Great product but my work productivity goes done hill without VPN.
Thanks alot
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Tony you need to send me email (look in posts above) to forward the firmware 2. felipe and Tricsio it has been sent.
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CM,
Thank you for sending me the file. It really does work like a champ..
I appreciate the help and fast response
Thanks
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This router replaced my D-Link DI-514, which was 802.11b. I wanted at least a 802.11g with hopes to go to N someday. Main hopes was to speed up connectivity to my work’s VPN especially since all my PC’s have wireless G cards. More on the VPN in a moment.
When I found this router, I fell in love, plus the coolness factor of the display sold me.
It was a breeze to setup, even though I didn’t use the built in “wizard”. I’ve had network experience in the past, so it didn’t bother me to do it the “hard” way. I was able to update the pc’s and laptops to use this router equally as painlessly. Currently I have running on this router: Vista pc, XP pc, XP laptop, Macbook, iMac, PS3, PSP, and Nintendo DS. All were very simple to get working with this router.
Now for the “bad” but fixable problem. It would NOT allow me to communicate via VPN to my corporate network using the Nortel Contivity client as I was able to do with my D-Link. I e-mailed Belkin tech support and they said: “Problem solved in version 1.00.13 of the firmware, available from the Belkin UK Support Site.”
I updated to this firmware version and the VPN is working PERFECT! Thanks Belkin!
People have complained about Belkin tech support, but I was able to get my VPN working within two days of contacting them via e-mail. I’m sure a phone call might have had a quicker resolution, but it wasn’t a top priority to get the VPN working asap.
Yeah, this router is a bit pricey, but it works well, and it sure is cool! I haven’t tested the range yet, but I rarely use my network outside of my house anyway.
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I have had the .11 firmware upgrade but am still having VPN problems. Can someone send the patch to me. That would be greatly appreciated.
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sorry email is bsklar@sirote.com.
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Check out this link to obtain the 1.00.13 pre-release version of the firmware that works with the Nortel and Cicso VPN’s
http://www.belkin.com/uk/support/article/?lid=enu&pid=F5D8232uk4&aid=9277&scid=0
if it doesn’t work go to http://www.belkin.com/UK Support model 8232 and select prerelease firmware updates, and download it.
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Music lover you did not have the problem because they just released the firmware that so many of us were trying to get to fix vpn problem. .11 will not work you need .11a and now of course the posted .13 which is just a prerelease of the beta .11a. I emailed I called I did everything for a few weeks trying to get help from belkin even when I directly asked for the firmware from them they did not know how to get it.
I might add all the tech support and call backs were from the outsorced india. Finally a week ago, after I got it fixed of course, the us support from belkin called me and told me I need firmware update to fix problem and it would be released soon. Still no offer to send the firmware or web addy to download it. Just a hang tight and it will be fixed. I of course told him I had it fixed with the .11a firmware and they could close the ticket. He just ask where I got that firmware and I said the net.
I can only imagine how much support dollars belkin has wasted with this vpn issue when all they had to do was put in a support script the told they were working on a fix for the vpn issue and to keep checking.
Would of save me and belkin many wasted hours on the phone trying everything to get vpn working.
With that belkin tech support needs to be given a bad rating and not the router itself.
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Hi guys - same issue here, love the router, can’t VPN using the Cisco VPN - I unplug this router and plug in the previous Belkin N router and connects fine - I tried the UK firmware (.11 I think) and not only did it not fix the VPN issue it then kept my Xbox from connecting… wtf?? can someone tell me which firmware resolves the Cisco VPN issue as all I can get from support is ‘you need to open the ports’ - which no ca do as we use dynamic tunnelling and IPSEC. thasnk, this was the only place I got any good info, you guys rock - juantana”at” hotmail”dot” com
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Thanks for the link to the pre-release firmware 1.00.13. This fixed my VPN issue I had. I’m using a Cisco VPN client.
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I think Belkin might have a few loose electrons …
If you take a look at this web page of their UK site …
http://www.belkin.com/uk/support/article/?lid=enu&pid=F5D8232uk4&aid=9278&scid=282
You’ll see references to two firware revisions. The chronologically latest one is the one with the lower version number.
If you look at the US site …
http://www.belkin.com/support/article/?lid=en&pid=F5D8232-4&aid=9060&scid=854
You’ll see the release date for version 1.00.08 is the same as version 1.00.11.
WTF?
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The 1.00.13 beta firmware worked perfectly for my Nortel VPN problem.
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F5D8232-4_WW_1.00.11a is the us version beta formware that fixex the vpn issues. It is not available on a website. The uk .13 works also but not sure if it creates other problems. If you need the firmware drop me a email. benzjon@yahoo.com
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Does 1.00.13 fix the problem where Xbox 360 wireless adapter cannot find this router?
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The update has nothing to do with wireless. You must have another problem. Try changing to g/b mode only.
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Thank you,
.13 fixed my Nortel VPN problem
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