Other features of the AC 1200 DB include Video Mover, which can stream media to UPnP and DLNA devices. I also did not detect any difference between WAN-to-LAN and intra-LAN video streaming with Intellistream on or off: You can't allocate a specific amount of bandwidth for specific traffic such as VoIP or video, you can only enter specific settings for overall allocation of download or upload throughput. Intellistream doesn't offer many configuration options. When I first ran the tests I got an error message, and Intellistream wasn't enabled until I re-ran it. Intellistream will determine the best settings, or you can manually adjust the download and upload rates. A ping runs, as well as a check for best download and upload speed. It works by running a speed test to determine your connection speed. Intellistream prioritizes traffic such as voice, video, and gaming to tweak network performance. Users can opt to block malicious sites, sites with mature content, and any other threats on the Internet. This is essentially parental controls powered by Norton by Symantec. I prefer the way the D-Link Amplifi Cloud Router 5700 (DIR-865L) router handles IPv6 configuration by allowing users to create a firewall for IPv6 traffic, and how it provides more robust IPv6 traffic management.Īlso new in the Belkin interface is the website filters feature. The problem with only having IP passthrough in a router, though, is that inbound traffic is not filtered or controlled in any way, which can pose a security risk. This allows IPv6 traffic inbound to a network and allows clients on the router's network to access IPv4 and IPv6 websites. IPv6 passthrough is one of these new features. The management interface in the AC1200 has not changed in design since I last evaluated a Belkin dual-band router, but some new capabilities have been introduced into the interface. In fact, included with the router is a small card that has the SSIDs, security types, and passphrases for the main and guest networks. You don't have to do anything to set up wireless, since the AC 1200 comes with both the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks preconfigured. I was easily able to bypass this message with a dismissive click and go into the router setup-but it's bound to confuse users. Check the lights on the router and make sure the router is plugged in" although I had no connectivity issues. For example, the Belkin Router Monitor (which runs minimized in Windows' System Tray, after installation) kept displaying the message, "Your Belkin home network cannot be found.
Unfortunately, after confirming successful setup, software quirks cropped up.
The process took only seconds, and once complete, the software immediately detected an available firmware update to apply. The setup process is quick and problem-free and provides a better experience than I've encountered with previous Belkin routers.
The utility demonstrates how to connect cables and then establishes a connection with the router. The Belkin Setup and Router Monitor is available on the CD included with the AC 1200 DB's packaging. Read Our Buffalo AirStation AC1300/N900 Gigabit Dual Band WZR-D1800H Review There are no LAN- or WAN-port LEDs, which can be useful in detecting connectivity issues. There are only four LEDs on the device: One large one indicating router status, a small LED for WPS (Wireless Protected Setup) activity, and two lights on the back that are lit when a USB external drive or printer is connected to either of the USB 2.0 ports. My pet peeve with the N750 (and now with the AC 1200) is the lack of LEDs. The router has an unusual, upright chassis which resembles a rounded shark fin. The AC 1200 is almost identical in design to Belkin's N750 Wireless Dual-band N+ router.
But I'm not a fan of moving to this new standard before its ratification, and software issues in this Belkin unit dampen the full user experience. For early adopters looking for 11ac technology, Belkin's router offers good performance and robust hardware.
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