Finally, as with most routers, the Belkin lets you designate one computer as the DMZ-open to the world for multiplayer computer games, malicious hacking, or other applications normally foiled by NAT. When unauthorized computers attempt to intrude, the built-in firewall pops up alerts and keeps a log of the disruptions. You can also block computers from accessing your network by allowing only a predetermined list of MAC addresses to connect or to have full network access. Other security features include network address translation ( NAT), which hides your networked computers' IP addresses. We recommend enabling both features once you've finished your installation. While this results in faster performance and simpler setup, it increases the risk of snooping. And while the gateway supports both 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption, the feature comes disabled by default. By default, no password is required to access the setup utility. The Belkin offers plenty of security for your network, but some components have to be enabled manually after setup. For Macs and PCs that run other versions of Windows, generic instructions are provided. The bundled CD makes it easy to configure computers on the network using Belkin's SOHO Networking software-but only if they're running Windows 98 or Me. Belkin also offers a wireless desktop PCI network card and, uniquely, a $50 wireless desktop PCI network adapter that acts as a socket for the notebook card-a good way to save some money if you don't need all your computers to be connected all the time. Both adapters installed easily and worked perfectly. Belkin sent us its $110 wireless notebook network card and its $110 wireless USB network adapter for testing. In addition to the gateway, you'll need a wireless Ethernet adapter for each computer you want to include in your network. Belkin-best known for its cables and connectors-has not produced a flashy, feature-packed gateway, but its perfectly serviceable unit can provide reliable wireless access for any home or small office. Equipped with a standard 802.11b radio, it also features a WAN port for connecting a DSL or cable modem and three 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports for land-line connections. Compact, gray, and inconspicuous, the Belkin wireless cable/DSL gateway router combines straightforward setup with very respectable performance.

Belkin wireless setup utility