Belkin Wireless Play Max Router

Belkin Wireless Play Max Router

The Belkin Play Max wireless gaming router ($130 list) has the potential to be a very good router. It's targeted at gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, and is one of the most feature-heavy consumer Wi-Fi routers I've ever reviewed. In addition to standard-in-class features like access control and QoS, it packs extras, such as a traffic statistics chart, the ability to function as an Access Point, and channel bonding. But half-baked softwareand subpar performance made this feel like a beta product; even the latest firmware did nothing to resolve the issues. It's a shame, really, as the Play Max is the top router in Belkin's new Surf, Share and Play line. I received a statement from Belkin stating that we may have received a faulty early review unit. Belkin plans to send a later version of the Play Max router, and I will do a follow up review. If any of the issues are hammered out, I will update this review with the new information and change the rating. However, the router I got does represent shipping hardware that a consumer might buy, so I've gone forward with the review of the original unit. The Play Max has four Ethernet ports (plus one for the WAN connection) as well as two USB 2.0 ports. Belkin packages the router with the Ethernet and power cables already connected. The router fails when it comes to indicator lights.