The Economist- 12 issues for $12!Belkin Play Max Wireless Router
Manufacturer: Belkin Part number: F7D4301
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router seems like a simple and fast wireless router, but its useless desktop software and cumbersome USB-related features make it less appealing than other options.
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CNET editors' review
Belkin Play Max Wireless Router price range: $87.99 - $165.00
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Edited by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 04/22/2010
The good: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router is compact, supports true dual-band, Gigabit Ethernet, guest networking, network storage, and USB printers. It offers fast wireless performance and a long range.
The bad: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router requires the Belkin Router Manager software to be running on a computer for its advanced features to work. It is confusing to set up and use, doesn't have any status indicator lights, and its network storage performance is slow. The router gets hot when used for an extended amount of time, and its firmware is buggy.
The bottom line: The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router seems like a simple and fast wireless router, but its useless desktop software and cumbersome USB-related features make it less appealing than other options.
The Play Max router is a disappointing step backward for Belkin. Compared against Belkin's own highly rated N+ router, the wireless networking and network storage capabilities of the Play Max are bogged down by Belkin's software, which must run in the background for many of its features to work.
The router is housed in a plastic chassis and doesn't have any status indicator lights, except for one that shines solid green if the device is on and ready and amber if something's wrong. Its included software applications are either confusing or useless. On the upside, the router offers fast wireless speeds and long range. It's also the only wireless router on the market in this price range ($130) that comes with two USB ports that support both USB storage devices and printers.
If you are looking for similarly configured dual-band router, we'd recommend the easier-to-use and similarly priced Cisco Linksys E3000. If you don't care about dual-band, stick to the good old Belkin N+, or check out the Cisco Valet Plus .
Setup and design
The Belkin Play Max Wireless Router comes in a compact package with its antennas hidden within the chassis. It's designed to work in the vertical position and comes with a detachable base.
On the back it has two USB ports, four Gigabit ports (for wired connections), and one WAN port (to connect to a broadband modem). The router comes with a CD of software, which supposedly guides you through the setup process. This process, however, is unnecessarily confusing. For example, one of the first steps involves entering the default wireless name (SSID) and password that are provided on a sticker attached to the router. This is a required step even when the computer is connected to the router via a cable and has no wireless adapter. To make it worse, the default SSID is "Belkin.5A17" and the password is "C427332D." These are tedious to type correctly, especially for those who are not so fluent with a keyboard. Most importantly, it's an unnecessary step. Generally, setup involves simply creating a network, not logging into an existing one.
After that there are many features, which Belkin calls "apps," for you to configure. These apps are really just needless window dressing for what we consider fairly standard features. For example, there's an app called "Music Mover," which is just a function that enables the streaming of music from connected USB drives. The Cisco Linksys E3000, for example, can stream not just music but also photos and video, and you can enable it from its Web interface.
We also found that the Belkin setup software, despite its colorful appearance, is more of a gimmick than a real application. Most of its supposedly advanced functions are just the shortcuts to those particular parts of the router's Web interface. For example, when you click on the "Firewall Settings" from within the desktop software, it will launch the browser and point to the Firewall section of the Web interface. Again, we didn't see why this software was necessary. It would be easier and faster to use the Web interface right away and skip having to install setup software.
Features
The setup process will also install the Belkin Router Monitor application, which is set to run automatically each time the computer starts. The application works with both Windows and Mac computers. Beyond the fact that this program will slightly bog down your computer, we were also disappointed to discover that many features of the router require software to be running on a network computer. These features include the USB print and storage functions, Music Mover, Music Labeler, Daily DJ, and Bit Boost.
For comparison, all other routers that have built-in network storage or USB printer functions, including the Belkin N+, do so without requiring any software installed on any computer in the network. Requiring a computer to be on in order for network storage and printing features to work somewhat defeats the purpose of having these features at all, because, after all, if you must have a computer on, you are better off having that computer host the printer and storage than the router.
Furthermore, we found that most of the listed "apps" are just gimmicks. For example, the BitBoost supposedly optimizes the router for different types of traffic, including Video, Voice Device, and Online Game. However, when we picked one, it was unclear how the setting was being applied and there was no way to verify if it was working. It was also not clear if the change would affect just one computer or all the computers in the network.
All in all, we didn't find any of these little features useful nor did they seem to enhance the networking experience in any way. We believe the router is better used when you skip the "apps" entirely, which unfortunately also means you forgo the router's USB-related features, and stick with its Web interface.
The Web interface is very much like that of the Belkin N+'s: organized and responsive. Here you will find the router's other advanced features, such as Access Control, which restricts the access to the Internet of certain computers in the network; Virtual Server, which allows you to set up a computer for a particular service, such as an FTP or HTTP sever; Firewall, and so on. Unlike the N+, the Play Max also has a feature called "Self Healing," which is a fancy name for another gimmick that allows the router to restart itself periodically.
The Belkin Play Max is a true dual-band router, meaning it offers two separate wireless networks, one in the ever popular 2.4Ghz band and the other in the newer and cleaner 5Ghz band. It also has the guest-networking features that creates a separate 2.4Ghz wireless network for guests. This network allows for access to the Internet, but not to other resources of your local network, such as your printer or files.
Like most recent routers, the Belkin Play Max supports all available wireless encryption standards, including WEP, WPA-personal, and WPA-Enterprise. The router also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), with a button on its front that initiates a 2-minute window time when other WPS-enabled devices can enter the wireless network automatically.
We did find, however, that the router's Web interface was buggy at times, though not consistently. For example, more than once, the router just stopped working after we had applied the changes via its Web interface, requiring us to restart. And once, after a restart, the router for, unknown reasons, reverted to its default settings, discarding all the changes we had made to it.
Performance
Like with the Belkin N+, we were happy with the Play Max's wireless performance.
In the 5Ghz band, the router scored 57.6Mbps in the close-range throughput test, where the router was placed 15 feet away from the client. At this speed it could transfer 500MB of data in about 69 seconds. In the 100-foot range test, the router still scored impressively at 56Mbps, which is a very small amount of degradation in signal strength.
As expected, in the 2.4Ghz band the Belkin Play Max scored lower than it did in the 5Ghz band, but was still very fast compared with other routers, registering 52.2Mbps and 44.8Mbps, in close-range and long-range tests, respective. In the mixed-mode test, in which we set the router to work with both N and legacy G clients at the same time, the Belkin scored 47.5Mbps, which is a very good number.
We were especially happy with the Belkin's range. Like the Belkin N+ and the recently reviewed Cisco Linksys E3000, the Play Max offer up to around 280 to 300 feet of range in the 2.4Ghz band and around 250 to 270 feet of range in the 5Ghz band.
It was a different story when it came to the network storage functionality. Belkin claims that the router can offer a rate of up to 30MBps for data transfer, but in our test it was nowhere even close to that. We tested the router with a few external storage devices, including some USB 3.0 drives, and the best we got from it is 1.1MBps (8.8Mbps) for writing and 2.2MBps (17.6Mbps) for reading. This is by far the slowest among routers that have built-in support for network storage.
The router worked well throughout our testing. However, it gets rather hot after a few hours--not hot enough to worry about seriously, but make sure you leave it in an open space rather than a tight corner.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Service and support
Belkin backs the Play Max with a two-year warranty, which is very good for routers, as most on the market come with only 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.
User reviews
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IT Scam of the year
by sulanuae on November 10, 2010
Pros: I can't really find anything good about this product really.
Cons: The software bundle is bad, It doesn't work well at all on Win 7 and the Router Monitor keeps on screwing up my WLAN setting & Networks, I have no idea why you would need the router monitor software installed anyway, It has basically no functionality
Summary: It can't do anything promised, Belkin support don't even know this product and how it works.
And why would you need a software like Vuze to manage torrents, ...Summary: It can't do anything promised, Belkin support don't even know this product and how it works.
And why would you need a software like Vuze to manage torrents, it should be built in to the router
Please don't do the same mistake as I did.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolute unreliable piece of Crap
by Endley on January 23, 2011
Pros: Advertised Features are great - Print server, media server, torrent genie, 3 separate wireless channels etc etc
Cons: Crappy firmware keeps on resetting and built in ADSL modem stops responding. And then once a month, it crashes so badly that i have to take it to tech customer service and get it replaced. They have replaced my hardware 2 times in last 4 months.
Summary: Extremeny crappy firmware, which crashes and then the router goes dead and has to be replaced. Thanks to the 3 year guarantee in India. Belkin should do a product recall ...
Summary: Extremeny crappy firmware, which crashes and then the router goes dead and has to be replaced. Thanks to the 3 year guarantee in India. Belkin should do a product recall if they have any respect for their customers
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of garbage! Same yourself $100!
by allsounddj on January 2, 2011
Pros: Nothing! It is worthless!
Cons: I have to reset the router every time I go to use it. I have called their customer support 5 times and they can not fix any of the problems with it!
Summary: My network is very slow when I get on my computer a lot. Everytime I want to get online I have to pull the power on the back of the ...
Summary: My network is very slow when I get on my computer a lot. Everytime I want to get online I have to pull the power on the back of the router, and then plug it back in. After it reboots my internet speed and signal are fine. I bought this unit because it has the "wireless print feature" built in it. I have tried using this to print wirelessly and it does not work. After 3 tech support calls, they tell me that my new Lexmark all in one printer is not compatible. The other 2 tech support calls were because my signal was low from the router even if I was in the same room, and my internet was slow. The tell me that the problem was THE BELKIN SOFTWARE that came with my router! I had to uninstall the program from my laptop. This made the signal level higher, but did not fix the problem where I constantly have to reset the unit .I have reinstalled my linksys router since and had no more problems.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolute waste of my money
by wallsoftroy on November 17, 2010
Pros: I only need one box instead of my old N Wireless Router and seperate ADSL2+ modem
Cons: Poor signal strength
Resets to wrong settings by itself
Not user friendly
Backup feature pops up every 2 minutes asking if i want to delete the old files
Doesn't like connecting to another wireless router so blocks the internet connection on bothSummary: I have had no end of issues with the entire package which are:
1. The software locked me out of using my works wireless
2. The Router keeps reverting back ...Summary: I have had no end of issues with the entire package which are:
1. The software locked me out of using my works wireless
2. The Router keeps reverting back to a different ISP's setting so I cant connect ot the internet and it takes 20 minutes to re-configure.
3. My first one completely died when it tried to update the hardware as it requested
4. For some reason it does not like my Outlook and causes connection issues that means I continuously send the same email from my Outbox but it does not think it has sent so resends.
5. Cant add another external wirelss router as it blocks internat connection
6.The connection to the inteernet says its faster than my ISP's modem but it runs very slow.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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needlessly complicated
by mdenunzio on November 15, 2010
Pros: If it made sense to hate an inanimate object, then the Belkin Play router is the one to hate. It give you something to focus your hostilities on, possibly promoting world peace.
Cons: This router has cost me countless hours of frustration in trying to get it to work consistently. My son has yet to be able to log into the internet with it, and none of our gaming devices will work.
Summary: Bottom line: it comes loaded with non-functional features, and is needlessly complicated to set up. I've set up many a wireless router and network, and this router has me ...
Summary: Bottom line: it comes loaded with non-functional features, and is needlessly complicated to set up. I've set up many a wireless router and network, and this router has me completely stumped. It just does not work.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst router I have EVER owned. In the trash pile...
by Rick Sample on November 8, 2010
Pros: Phsst, cute little label with the default router name / pwd and slot under the chassis. Oh, gave me lots of practice setting up a router.
Cons: Install software stops windows service "Wireless Zero Configuration".
Once I uninstalled the bloat ware and got the VERY BASIC setup, it just freezes up for no apparent reason.
Restore settings from file or from admin page does NOT work.Summary: I am blunt. I know. But when I pay $125.00 I EXPECT quality.
I could go on and on, but you get the point...
When a firmware patch is ...Summary: I am blunt. I know. But when I pay $125.00 I EXPECT quality.
I could go on and on, but you get the point...
When a firmware patch is sent out and actually fixes this thing, please post. I will be monitoring this forum.
Thanks
Rick1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is the worst router on the market
by chasandmodesta on October 29, 2010
Pros: At times it can work well, but rarely.
Cons: Terrible Wi-Fi connection. I dumped the rented cheap router from the cable company to buy the Belkin -- what a mistake. I have daily problems with connecting and uploading. Called tech support 3 times with no service rec'd. and no solution offered.
Summary: Terrible product with terrible service, a real disappointment. If your thinking of buy one...... DON'T!. I'd be glad to sell you mine! Terrible connection. I've really been ...
Summary: Terrible product with terrible service, a real disappointment. If your thinking of buy one...... DON'T!. I'd be glad to sell you mine! Terrible connection. I've really been disappointed in this product from Belkin.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst router experience I have had!
by birdseye2011 on September 14, 2010
Pros: None so far, I bought it for wireless and to network a printer and back up memory
Cons: After 6 hours of "support" from Belkin and Verizon the PlayMax is still not working. Belkin now wants to change the modem setting back to what they were when I first contacted them for help. Instead I will return it. I have wasted enough my time.
Summary: This experience has been the typical support techs following their list of questions and steps, speaking hard to understand english to get nowhere. Belkin claimed the modem wasn't set ...
Summary: This experience has been the typical support techs following their list of questions and steps, speaking hard to understand english to get nowhere. Belkin claimed the modem wasn't set up correclty. Verizon went through all the settings to demonstrate that the modem worked fine. Passed me back to Belkin who reset the router, downloaded updated firmware and when it didn't work, claimed the modem settings were wrong and wanted them changed back to bridge settings we started with. All the while my old netgear route works fine with the modem no mater what the settings. The Belkin install disk is a joke, runs a while asks you to fill in few lines, fails and tells you to call them help. Big waste of time, I taking this back, stay away from the Plax Max.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worse wireless router
by bea928 on September 13, 2010
Pros: There is absolutely nothing I like about this product.
Cons: It doesn't work.
Summary: It's give or take when it decides to work. It took me over 14 mins to get to this page and that's only because I had to end ...
Summary: It's give or take when it decides to work. It took me over 14 mins to get to this page and that's only because I had to end up rebooting it. I had purchased one and thought it was defected so I exchanged it, it wasn't a defect, it's the product. The people in customer service are even worse when I asked for an exchange they tried to tell me I would have to pay for shipping, I already bought the product!! Thank God for Best Buy I took it there and they asked no questions. I paid about $80 for this product you would think it would be half way decent. I'll be trying a different brand.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Will not stay connected
by EvilAdonis on August 30, 2010
Pros: If you don't have anything nice to say...
Cons: I constantly have to reconnect to the router, then usually reset the it. When you reset it, all your settings return to factory defaults. Uninstalling the interface software helped speeds some, but you give up most of the features of this router.
Summary: Tech support is a joke. I rarely reset my old Linksys WGR. This router could have potential if it had better firmware, but it doesn't and I'm sick ...
Summary: Tech support is a joke. I rarely reset my old Linksys WGR. This router could have potential if it had better firmware, but it doesn't and I'm sick of waiting for Belkin to get it straightened out. Don't buy this router.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Belkin
- Part number: F7D4301
- Description: Stream HD videos, play games online, and download large media files. Get maximum speed and performance for media-intensive applications. Double your performance and bandwidth with Dual-Band N technology. Simultaneous networks eliminate interference and optimize media-intensive applications like videos and gaming, with speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Dual-plane antennas and MIMO technology provide three-dimensional whole-home coverage for consistent signal, even through walls and floors. WPS/WPA2 encryption standards and preset security settings get you up and running safely. One-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) securely connects multiple computers and devices with the push of a button. Dual-Band optimizes multiple media files like streaming HD video and games. Get your secure wireless network up and running in minutes. Don’t wait around for large torrent downloads like movies, music and games. The TORRENT GENIE App lets you continue downloading even if your computer is shut down or asleep. When you come back, your large media files will be fully downloaded and ready to enjoy.
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 0.02 GHz
- Data Transfer Rate 300 Mbps
- 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 MIMO technology ,
VPN support ,
Dynamic IP address assignment ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
IPSec passthrough ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11a ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
IEEE 802.11b - Built-in Devices LED panel
- Status Indicators Status
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
Hi-Speed USB : 2 x 4 pin USB Type A - Expansion Slot(s) None
Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
Communications
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards Plug and Play
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Self-Healing,
Print Genie,
Music Mover,
Memory Safe,
Music Labeler,
Daily DJ,
Drivers & Utilities - OS Required Microsoft Windows 7,
Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64 bits),
Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Edition,
Apple MacOS X 10.5,
Microsoft Windows XP,
Apple MacOS X 10.6 Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95%
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Belkin products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Belkin
- Address:
501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220 - Phone: 1-800-223-5546
