Belkin N+ Wireless Router

N+ Modem/Router: Good wireless range, especially like the 'guest' wireless account which allows someone to get internet access but not access to your home network via the main wifi. I have four 16GB USB memory sticks via a hub plugged into the router as network storage - a very useful facility.

I've marked it down because the status report lacks some info such as error counts. If you like to 'tweak' your connection this is not the router for you. If you want broadband out of the box then it is worth looking at.

Belkin support: whilst a problem was solved it did take some time but as soon as the 2nd level got involved it was sorted.

I was having intermittent wireless connection problems with my old router and decided to upgrade to a Belkin N+ router after being swayed by the inclusion of this product in the PC Pro 'A' list for equipment.

The unique selling point of the item was the provision of a usb port on the router to attach any externally powered hard drive to use as network storage. The box even carries a photograph of the router with an external drive attached.

I have no quibble about the ease of set up or the wireless range of this router but the usb port is a con. The only drive that the router will recognise is a 'flash memory' usb stick. Any size externally powered hard drive simply is not recognised by the router and cannot be used. Belkin's web site now list about four drives that they say are 'incompatible' with the router but none of my drives were on that list and a quick search of the internet shows that many other people are having similar problems too.

So, great router and wireless range but do not be suckered by the concept of having network storage!