Performance
If the apps aren't the killer feature, perhaps the performance is? Equipped with dual-band Wireless N and a four-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, Belkin's Play Max is one of few routers to offer such features for less than £100 (£120 with a built-in modem).
In order to test the router's performance, we test throughput using the PassMark PerformanceTest benchmark from a Core i7-based desktop to a Dell Inspiron 1520 notebook equipped with a Belkin N Wireless ExpressCard Adapter.
The Belkin Play Max is configured with firmware 1.00.39, and a comparison Netgear DG834N is running firmware release 1.02.15.
Readers should note that our wireless tests are conducted in a third-floor office, surrounded by numerous other wireless networks. Signal degradation is inevitable and home users should expect better results.
Wired performance
With our desktop and notebook wired to the routers, both the Belkin Play Max and Netgear DG834N are able to saturate the notebook's Broadcom 10/100 ethernet controller.
Wireless performance
With the supplied Belkin N Wireless ExpressCard Adapter unable to detect the Play Max 5GHz band, we tested using the 2.4GHz band on wireless channel 11.
Using the wireless notebook in the same room as the router and ethernet-attached desktop, average throughput on the Belkin Play Max registered at a useful 52.29Mbit/s.
Wireless range, however, proved to be below expectations. Moving to a room 20ft away from the router, average throughput dropped to 20.95Mbit/s. Despite Belkin using dual-plane antennas and MIMO technology, the older Netgear was able to maintain a better signal at the same remote location.
Network storage performance, heat and power consumption
Although the Belkin Play Max touts network-attached storage functionality, performance is very average. Copying a 810MB assortment of MP3 files took a massive 331 seconds.
Power consumption hovers at around eight watts during use - two watts lower than the Netgear - but the Play Max does become noticeably warm. We didn't run into any stability issues, but we'd suggest keeping the router in a well ventilated area.
