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Belkin Wireless Network Access Point F5D6130 Review
Lonny R. Paul, Guest Reviewer
Review Type: Hands On
Date: Apr 29, 2002
If you need a dedicated 802.11b access point without the features of an integrated
access point, the Belkin F5D6130 Access Point may be just what you are looking for.
 This small
device, approximately 12”x6”, simply plugs into your network via an ethernet cable.
Install the setup software on any PC on the network, and you are ready to go. When
I say, “ready to go,” I should emphasize that it took me less than 30 seconds to
set this unit up and have a client online wirelessly.
This unit is small enough to go about anywhere. It has rubber feet for staying put
in “sitting position,” and also provides screw mounts so you can conveniently mount
this on a wall out of the way. The adjustable dual antennas provide for adjustment
in either position. In either position, she’ll work like a charm.
Overview
This unit features dual antennas and a single RJ-45 input – but don’t think that
it is short on features. This unit provides for MAC address authentication if you
desire – keeping your neighbor from tapping into your network, as well as the standard
fare of WEP settings for data encryption. Three LED status lights on the top indicate
power, link and network status.
Setting this unit up was a breeze. I simply took it out of the box, plugged it in
and connected it to an ethernet cable from my router. WAN activity was seen immediately.
If there is no need to configure advanced features, you are basically done. The
default setting of the unit provides for it to act as a DHCP client and is ready
to go.
To setup the unit, you must install the proprietary configuration software. After
a short install, you run the setup client. You click an icon to scan your network
for the unit, and then the AP is listed in your client software, indicating AP name,
MAC address, IP address, subnet mask and state. To configure that specific unit,
you highlight the unit and click on the “connect” icon. You are prompted by for
a password that is clearly indicated in the manual, and are then able to utilize
the various setup related icons on the toolbar.
As previously noted, the default setting for the unit is to act as a DCHP client,
with WEP disabled. In general setup, you can modify the AP Name, SSID, setting,
and assign a static IP if required. The “Encryption” button allows you to configure
the WEP settings if you choose to use them. In the example shown, I have changed
the SSID of the unit to “303” and the channel to “5”.
To assign MAC address level permissions, simply click on the icon which resembles
saloon doors with a “+” on each side. This will allow you to assign specific MAC
addresses for adapters permitted to connect to the access point.
 The “key”
icon in the setup software provides for changing of the AP’s password. Additional
icons are provided to reset the AP, reload factory defaults, and upgrade the unit’s
firmware. The URL to get upgraded firmware is provided in the documentation and
took approximately 45 seconds to update to the unit.
Operating Performance
This unit was tested with several PC Card and USB adapters from Belkin, Lucent,
and Xircom. TCP throughput was consistently between 4.25 - 4.5 Mbps, going through
concrete walls. Accessing the unit from outdoors, approximately 350 feet away, the
connection would drop to 3.5 – 3.25 Mbps. Still more than fast enough to surf the
web.
Enabling the WEP encryption did not seem to impact the performance of the units
whatsoever. There was a .1-.25 Mbps drop in throughout with 128-bit encryption enabled.
This unit also appeared to have a great range, providing outdoor access up to about
1200 feet away from the access point, through walls and trees without dropping the
signal. The packaging promotes up to 1800 feet of signal, which may be achievable
in an open-air environment.
Summary
In all, the Belkin Wireless Access Point F5D6130 provided one of the quickest setup
times I’ve ever experienced out-of-the-box and had great performance. Although it
has a suggested retail of $159.99, this unit is currently hitting the street between
$129.99 and $159.99. Great unit for someone who doesn’t want anything fancy and
has no experience with network settings and configuration. 30 seconds to setup,
years to enjoy the freedom.
To visit the manufacturer’s site for this item visit
this link . There are also several rebates available for this product, from
$20 to $50 depending on the vendor.
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Belkin Wireless Access Point
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