Belkin intros router with controllable LCD

Belkin today introduced the N1 Vision, a wireless router it claims is the first with an interactive display. A large LCD on the front lets the network's operator keep track of both Internet and local networking info: transfer speeds, a list of active computers, and even a guest access key for the wireless network are visible without having to delve into the browser-based admin utility, the company says. Capable of the draft 2 spec for 802.11n wireless, the router includes a three-antenna MIMO setup for ideal reception up to a theoretical 300Mbps and a uniquely vertical design that takes up minimal space on a desk.

The network device maker also promises easy setup without requiring a specialized CD, and accommodates wired networks through four gigabit Ethernet jacks as well as a separate gigabit port just for the Internet connection. It ships with full support for WPA2 security and VPN tunnels and should be available by late this month for a price of $200 in North America; releases in Asia, Australia, and Europe will follow later.