Draft-n routers with ADSL modems were so few and far between last winter that in our Labs round-up we could only find six to test. That's slowly changing, and evidence of this is Belkin's latest model, released with an ADSL2+ modem.

Another reason to be cheerful is that the N+ is cheaper than its bigger brother the N1 Vision, a router that missed out on a Labs win last year only due to its high price. In fact, the N+ is around the same price as the older, and less fully-featured, N1.

A few corners have been cut to get that price competitive, however: there's no screen and the four-port switch is limited to Ethernet, rather than Gigabit Ethernet.

But elsewhere, the N+ is very similar to the N1 Vision. It has the same guest access feature, which allows you to set up a second SSID that has access to the internet, but limited access to your internal network. This even allows you to set up a landing page where a password is entered on a web page for access.

There's one-touch WPS security for easy setup with enabled gadgets. There's also an Eco mode, which allows you to disable the wireless radio to a set schedule - say, from 11pm to 5am - when the internet isn't in use. And, as if to make up for the lack of screen, there's a download speedometer in blue lights on the front.

Wireless speed and range is also excellent. In our domestic tests the N+ proved a storming performer - in fact, besting the A-listed Linksys WAG160N (web ID: 121311) at close range and long distance.

And it improves on the N1 in one area, too. On the rear is a USB port that turns external storage devices into Windows (SMB) file shares, adding basic NAS capabilities to the router.

It all adds up to an impressive package. It's quick, versatile and equipped with several novel features worth having.

It's a shame it doesn't have Gigabit Ethernet, but the compensation is a reasonable price, and we've no hesitation in recommending
the N+.