Review: Belkin N1 Vision Wifi router

The N1 Vision is a rather odd router, in that, in addition to the usual network ports and wireless network aerials, it has a 3in monochrome screen on the front.

The function of this is to display the download and upload speeds you're getting across your home network.

This is useful for monitoring the speeds of your broadband provider over a longer period of time (rather than a one-off test) which is an increasingly controversial issue.

A simple-to-use navigation pad lets the user flick through the screen's various functions, which include a digital clock and a page showing which computers are connected to the home network, as well how long each computer has been online in the last day.

Sharing a wireless connection with others usually means bringing down the barriers of online privacy and security. But the N1 Vision lets users share their internet access with neighbours or strangers using a nifty guest mode. This keeps the home network completely separate and secure, while others can benefit from your generosity.

The screen and guest wireless are fascinating features, but it's not a perfect device: the tall physique makes it liable to toppling over and unlike Apple's stylish Airport Extreme the N1 Vision has its three aerials (for fast operation) stuck on top, making it an ugly addition to a living room.

You'll need what are known as Mimo-enabled Draft-N devices to get the best performance out of it, but the N1 Vision's coverage was only average even when we tested it using a notebook equipped for the latest and fastest Draft-N wireless networks (with which the N1 Vision is also compatible).

There are faster and cheaper wireless routers than the N1 vision that are more appropriate for streaming high definition video or moving big files across a network. It does, however, have four very fast gigabit network sockets, for the fastest possible wired network transfers.

A dearer version of the N1 Vision with an inbuilt ADSL router also exists, while this version will suit cable customers. Most routers can be easily configured by logging in to them using a web browser, and some even show the same speed information as this one, but if you're uncomfortable doing that, then both versions of the Belkin N1 Vision justify their cost.