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

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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.
A MIMO system collects incoming signals and compares them to see which, if any, of the data streams are fractured because of collisions with objects blocking their path (duct work, metal lathe, appliances, etc.). MIMO merges those signals, using the good parts from each, to assemble a complete data stream -- assuming that the same fragments in each stream won't be mangled by obstructions. It works quite well and typically prevents retries that would slow things down.
According to a Belkin press release, traditional MIMO routers tend to provide "a donut-shaped coverage pattern -- flat and wide." The new Belkin routers, on the other hand, use their internal MultiBeam antennas to "provide improved coverage in all directions -- more of an apple shape." In other words, the new antennas can cover more space, including multistory homes.
Belkin uses a technology described as "implicit beam forming," which tends to focus the signal toward wireless network devices rather than in an omnidirectional pattern that scatters the signal in all directions. In addition, the N750 (as well as its single-band sibling, the N450) transmits data on three streams simultaneously rather than the two streams that are typical for wireless routers. Belkin claims it offers 50% better throughput, but I've yet to see that type of improvement in any product.

Installation

The N750 doesn't connect to the Internet until after you've run Belkin's software on your Windows (XP or later) or Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) computer.