Hands-on: Belkin N750 DB router extends your Wi-Fi's reach

If you've got problems with wireless access, Belkin's new dual-band router could increase the range of your Wi-Fi.

Computerworld - I tend to resist interim technology tweaks. For example, I'm still using a Linksys WRT600N wireless router from the dawn of the 802.11n age. (Can it be three years already?) There are a few hard-to-reach spots in the house, but it's been running 24/7 and it still works. 

However, I've recently added a Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet to my array of Net-connected devices. Usually used in a room on the south side of the house, it routinely requires 3G to access the Internet because my Wi-Fi simply doesn't reach that far. Likewise, a computer in another room needs a 5GHz access point to connect reliably with the Linksys router. It's time to upgrade.

The Belkin N750 DB router

 

So I was interested when Belkin sent me a note about its new N750 DB wireless dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) N+ router.

According to Belkin, the router ($130 direct, about $99 retail) promises improved coverage through its upgraded antenna system. Another thing that caught my attention: Belkin's claim that the N750 uses "MultiBeam" technology to provide greater throughput at greater distances. It's obviously time for me to enter the modern age of wireless routers.

Make mine MultiBeam

 

MultiBeam is a refinement of the MIMO technology that's been around since 802.11n was introduced. MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) specifies multiple antennas for a given router (the N750 has five) so multiple signals can be sent and received simultaneously.    More