Routers are not exactly very innovative devices, as they've been around for quite some time now, this also being the reason why the manufacturers of such devices were forced to come up with various features and designs that would make their devices more appealing to the average users. And it seems that the designers and engineers from Belkin have really managed to rise up to the challenge, as they've created the N1 Vision Router, a device that allows users to see the network's most important parameters directly on its built-in LCD display.

The N1 is thus capable to provide in real time such information as the download/upload speeds (via the included speedometer), the network bandwidth usage, the number of connected devices, as well as the guest access network key and...the date and time.

However, even if this device might seem just a show-off at first sight, the truth is quite different. Thus, the device has an operating range of up to 487 meters, a link rate of up to 300Mbps in 20/40MHz channel mode and supports the IEEE 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11n draft 2.0, 802.3ab types of wireless networks. Moreover, it comes packed with a few security features, as for example Wi-Fi Protected Setup, WPA, WPA2, 64-/128-bit WEP encryption and multiple SSID.

"We always strive to build products that are useful, simple, and thoughtfully designed. Here, we've evolved the intuitive LED display from our flagship N1 Wireless Router into an interactive LCD on the N1 Vision, giving you a sophisticated wireless router that tells you much more about your network activity" said Chris McGugan, VP of Product Management for Belkin. Moreover, the company's representative hinted that the N1 is just the first product from a future wider range of products, saying that "The innovation found in the N1 Vision wireless router is the springboard for subsequent products that will further enable the interaction between the home user and his or her network."

The new N1 Vision router from Belkin will be made available in the US in late July 2007 with launches in Asia, Europe and Australia to follow and will retail for around $199.99, which is not quite an exaggerated price for a router, especially a very innovative one as this particular model.

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