Routers help connect different network architectures, they also choose the best path using the dynamic routing technique across an internetwork and help reduce traffic through the creation of collision domains.
My home router had been experiencing slow internet speeds and it also overheat from time to time, little did I know that the occasional overheating will subtly but surely damage the router thus cause a slow internet connection. Through research I discovered that deployment was the problem as the router had been placed under direct sunlight.
Routers need to be placed in areas where there is a lot of air circulation, and where heat can easily escape. Better yet, you could get the cooling pad or mat that comes with the fan, which you can plug directly to the USB port. So as you install either the Belkin Ac1200 and or Linksys AC1200 ensure that they are not near electronic devices.
What are the differences between the Belkin Ac1200 and the Linksys Ac1200
Model |
Belkin Ac1200 (Winner) |
Linksys Ac1200 |
Speeds |
300mbps at 2.4GHz
867mbps at 5GHz |
300mbps at 2.4GHz
867mbps at 5GHz |
Dimensions |
10.45 x 3.35 x 13.69 inches (small and portable) |
13.28 x 10.37 x 27.38 inches (Bigger size) |
Weight |
15.9 ounces |
1.60 pounds |
Wireless communication standard |
802.11a/b/g/n |
2.4 GHz Radio frequency |
The Belkin Ac1200 vs Linksys Ac1200- How do they compare?
Performance
The Belkin Ac1200 and the Linksys Ac1200 have the same throughput which is 300mbps at 2.4GHz and 867mbps at 5GHz. The provided speeds can conveniently cater to either your home or office networking needs. However, users must ensure to get an internet package from their internet Service provider that matches the speeds of their home or office routers.
And still on performance the Belkin Ac1200 turns out to be the better router because it offers the latest in wireless communication, the 802.11a/b/g/n. B and G are the frequency bands, and n is the ability to use multiple frequency bands, in carrying out the multiple-input and the multiple output processes. Well, this technology enables maximum throughput from the router.
The Linksys router on the other hand, has been equipped with the 2.4 radio frequency, which enables it to offer coverage at longer distances but the data speeds are not going to be any faster.
Design
The Belkin Ac1200 features a sophisticated unique egg-like design with the control features incorporated on the sides. Deployment should never be an issue as the unit has incorporated a stand, meaning you can place it on any flat and hard exposed surface to enhance data transfer speeds and coverage.
The Linksys Ac1200 is a bit bulky and has incorporated two antennas to help in connectivity and coverage. At the back you have been provided with four LAN ports and one WAN port complete with a USB port to encourage connectivity to other external networking devices.
The Linksys Ac1200 features a rather professional outlook in design, and the external antenna enhance its performance and gives users the option of adjusting for signal strength making it a better router when compared to Belkin.
Set up and installation
Given its simple yet sophisticated design, setting up the Belkin Ac1200 can be a head-scratcher. Not to worry though because the setup process is rather simple through the built-in web set up a page that allows you to set up the router without necessarily using a CD, which is what most Belkin routers use.
Set up and installation of the Linksys Ac1200 also doesn’t require a CD, you will therefore, connect your router to your internet modem, and your computer. You will then proceed to connect to the Linksys secure network and follow the instructions to have your router up and running.
Applications
Most of the applications that are installed on routers are to help them function seamlessly. So, for the Linksys Ac1200 you have been provided with the wireless AC technology, which when combined with the 2.4 and 5 GHz band it will be able to ensure that data traffic flows smoothly with minimal latency. The above then ensures that the bandwidth-intensive activities can be engaged simultaneously without interruptions.
The router has also been equipped with the WPA2 encryption complete with the SPI firewall, which ensures that your home Wi-Fi is secure and that your data is safe. For the Belkin, let us first remember that it is a high performance dual-band router, and utilizes the dual-band technology to offer faster speeds with enhanced performance.
With the above technology users can therefore, multitask with ease, by engaging the online games and the HD movies. The incorporated 300mbps at 2.4 GHz is to allow users to seamlessly engage the low bandwidth tasks such as web browsing, Wi-Fi printing, and emailing seamlessly, whereas, the 867mbps at 5GHz is for the bandwidth-intensive activities.
Belkin Ac1200 is the better router because it has been equipped with the latest wireless communication standard (802.11a/b/g/n), while Linksys offers users the 2.4GHz frequency band.
Belkin Ac1200 vs Linksys Ac1200- A comparison overview
Belkin Ac1200- Overview
- Up to 2.8X faster than N Technology
- New level of performance for reliability and coverage; Compatible with 'N' & 'G' technology
The Belkin Ac1200 router is quite a revolution in the world of routers because for one it is up to 2.8 times faster when compared to the N technology. Users who have been looking for a router that offers ad advanced level of performance then this is the unit to settle with, because apart from being reliable and offering wider coverage it is compatible with the N and G technology.
The router has been equipped with a parent control feature that you can use to block unsolicited content from finding their way into the devices connected to your network. While also keeping a close eye on what your kids are doing while online.
Pros
- Equipped with dual-band technology
- Works with both Wi-Fi N and G
- The router is reliable and convenient for the long haul
- Easy to deploy
Cons
- Users experience problems with 5GHz
- Best for the basic online engagements
The Linksys Ac1200 Overview
- Up to 2.8 times faster than Wireless-N technology: Simultaneous dual-band speed up to N300 Mbps (2.4...
- Faster Transfer Rates: USB 2.0 and Fast Ethernet for sharing photos, video, data files or a printer...
The Linksys Ac1200 is feature-packed to allow users to customize the router to suit their needs, for example the smart Wi-Fi feature enables device and website prioritization. The parental control feature allows blocking of adult websites and monitoring device engagement on the online platforms, and you can also turn Wi-Fi access on or off.
The incorporated USB 2.0 port enables faster transfer speeds, when you need to share photos, data files, videos, or a printer in your network. Besides the router is a dual-band meaning that the provided data transfer speeds are high, for the wired connections you have been provided with up to four high-speed Ethernet ports.
Pros
- Set up and installation is easy and fast
- The dual-band router can handle bandwidth-intensive applications
- You can view all the connected devices in real-time
- Incorporated the latest security feature the WPA2
Cons
- Drops connections
- Not convenient for the long haul
Conclusion
If you are looking for compatibility and efficiency in one package then the Belkin AC1200 is your router, the device is not only easy to deploy but has incorporated the latest technology in its manufacture, and is pretty easy to set. The Linksys Ac1200 is a sturdy unit but not for a busy environment.
Verdict; so, which is the better router? The Belkin Ac1200 or the Linksys Ac1200
The Belkin Ac1200 is the better router because it utilizes the best performance-enhancing wireless communication standard, offers high networking speeds at 300mbps at 2.4GHz and 867mbps at 5GHz. The router is also small and portable thus easy to deploy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What bandwidth should I set my Belkin AC1200 router?
Set it at 40MHz, the idea here is to use a channel with the least interference but you are also free to use any channel.
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Can my Linksys Ac1200 achieve faster speeds in online gaming?
The Ac1200 router can best handle casual online gaming.