It’s fair to say that router innovation runs at a steady pace. Sure we’ve seen 802.11n network speeds emerge in the last few years, USB printer and hard drive sharing on the network, but we’re all waiting for the Next Big Thing. Belkin this week released four new routers that signal a completely fresh take on router design, offering a segmented range of features designed around the type of user that will buy them. Meet the Surf, Share, Play and Play Max Wireless Routers.
Play Max Wireless Router (F7D4301) – $129.99
- Stream HD videos, play games online, and download large media files
- Features high-speed Gigabit ports for media-intensive applications and simultaneous Dual-Band networks for maximum speed and coverage
- Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
- 2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
- 5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
- Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
- 2 USB ports to support external USB hard drives and USB printers
- UPnP server
- Pre-configured wireless security
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ – 256-bit WPA®/WPA2® and 64/128 WEP encryption
- VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
- Compatible with Mac OS® X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, and Windows XP
Play Wireless Router (F7D4302) – $99.99
- Provides the fastest, most reliable speeds for streaming video, playing music, and online gaming
- Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
- 2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
- 5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
- Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
- 1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
- Pre-configured wireless security
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
- VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
- Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP
Share Wireless Router (F7D3302) – $79.99
- Easily share and access documents, photos, and files from multiple computers
- 802.11n
- 2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
- Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
- 1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
- Pre-configured wireless security
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
- VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
- Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP
Surf Wireless Router (F7D2301) – $49.99
- Surf the Web, email, and instant message from anywhere in your home
- 802.11n
- 2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
- Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
- Pre-configured wireless security
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
- VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
- Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP
At the same time, Belkin have also announced two new Wireless USB adaptors to support the range of routers.
Play Wireless USB Adapter (F7D4101) – $69.99
Surf & Share Wireless USB Adapter (F7D2101) – $49.99
- Connects your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network
- Provides optimal range and distance when paired with an 802.11n router
- WPS security with the push of a button
So far, so good – but perhaps most interestingly, Belkin will be shipping their routers with a variety of in-box applications to enhance the use of their routers with your network devices and media.
APPLICATIONS:
- Self Healing: Automatically detects and resolves network problems and runs routine maintenance scans to give you the clearest wireless channel. Available on Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max.
- Memory Safe: Automatically backs up precious photos and important files to your external hard drive. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.
- Print Genie: Print wirelessly from any computer on the network from anywhere in your home. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.
- Music Mover: Play MP3s from your music library on your home stereo wirelessly. Connect your external hard drive on which you store your music to the router—and move music from your computer to your stereo through devices like Xbox 360® and PlayStation® 3. Available on Play and Play Max.
- Music Labeler: Automatically identifies and labels your track with the correct title, artist, and genre. Available on Play and Play Max.
- Daily DJ: Get daily personalized playlists from your music library based on your mood. Available on Play and Play Max.
- Torrent Genie: Downloads large media files like movies, music, and games, even when your computer isn’t on. Available on Play Max.
- Bit Boost™: Prioritizes traffic on your network for video, gaming, and VoIP, letting you easily select your most important data streams for seamless network traffic. Available on Play Max.
I’m definitely going to check these out when they’re released in April (US – Europe comes in May) – starting with the Play Max!
Source: eHome Upgrade
