Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router
by Netgear
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List Price: Our Price: $34.96 You Save: $24.03 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $14.99 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router
Customer Review: Speedy and Secure
Summary: 5 Stars
The WGR614 v.5 router is the current 'standard of measure' for simple home wireless networks. As with all electronics, get the latest drivers! Go to the Netgear website - find the product and download version 1.7 (it replaces 1.3 shipping with the product). Once you have the new version on your computer type 192.168.1.1 into your browser enter the user id 'admin' and password, 'password' and upgrade the firmware. Select upgrade and specify the file you downloaded.
This is my second wireless network and it performs very well. I had an older MR314 but this was an 802 11B (11 MBS vs 54 MBS for the WR614) I bought the WGR614 at Comp USA for $14.95 (with rebates) and have been enjoying the higher speed. Part of the reason I upgraded was to take advantage of the WEP security that was not available for the older MR314. If you want more robust security the unit also supports WPA, but this is harder to set up and slows the transfer speeds.
I have been using the router for about three months and it has performed well. It isn't as sturdy as the MR314 (blue metal case was a lot more durable than the white plastic) but it is good enough. Currently 802 11G is the slowest speed you should consider when purchasing a router - this will provide good service for the next year when Super G routers (108 MBS) will be very common. For now though this is a great router especially at the low price point.
Customer Review: Time to go G
Summary: 5 Stars
Compare with the D-Link wireless network I installed 2 years ago, installation of Netgear is just ABC. All you need is read the instructions, install the software, then hardware and it's ok to use. I installed cards in WinXP, Win2K & Win98SE all w/o problem. Pro: professional outlook, excellent range, easy setup & security setting, reasonable price (if you could take advantage of Amazon's offer).
3 years warranty is good enough, lifetime is meaningless. Always turn the system on, if it don't break at the first few months then it last. Also, these products were made in Taiwan so quality is better (insider of electronic manufacturing should known this better)
My experience for ALL Technical Support -- forget it, most just wasting time. Some did give me HINTS to solve the problems I met, but overall none can solve the questions I asked. I got no reason to believe Netgear can do better than others. I don't blame coz one really need to be an expert to solve problems over phone, orindary customers should read the instruction carefully before install the products to avoid trouble.
I didn't have time to try out everything yet (still use g & b mode coz need to wait for Amazon's gift certificate to buy another wireless card to complete my network) but so far so good, won't be regret to buy 1 router/AP + 1 PCI card + 3 PC cards in this price for such performance. 5 stars!!!
Customer Review: Stunningly simple, Amazing range
Summary: 5 Stars
I know some have had problems with this item, but not me. I plugged it in and pressed the configure button and was done. My laptop picked it up right away. I tested it in the basement and in a room at the farthest corner away from the router. I even tried it outside at the end of my driveway and it still picked it up.
I suspect that many problems folks have may be related to interference with other electronics.
I have NEVER had a piece of hardware (especially networking) be so simple. Literally, plug it in and forget about it.
Awesome, very highly recommended.
** Update **
1/14/05 I have been able to consistently reproduce an issue that disables the router. I've been playing World of Warcraft and it works perfectly until I connect using my laptop (wireless). At that point after about 10 minutes of play the router stops responding and must be rebooted. This issue is being discussed on the WoW forums by people using different routers not just this one, but I wanted to point out that there IS some condition that will cause the router to hang. Having said that, with the exception of this game it has happened VERY rarely to me. Some think it has to do with the number of packets coming in overwhelming the router and this may be the case.
I still think this is a great router but it can lock up, as I have found.
Customer Review: Makes Working At Home Feel Like I'm In The Office
Summary: 5 Stars
Several months ago, I purchased the Netgear WG511 Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps PC Card bundled with the Netgear WGR614 Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Router and can't believe I waited so long to buy the duo. * The installation and setup of the items was complete in 10 minutes.
* The router is located on the 2nd floor within a two-story home, that includes a basement and an insulated aluminum enclosed patio. I've accessed the internet (via cable modem) and worked in every room and to-date have never loss connectivity. The only downside is that signal strenghth drops to low (~11 Mbps) in the basement or patio. Honestly, I don't notice a drop in performance when the signal weakens.
* Netgear's router also includes true firewall security and URL blocking which has preventing my system from being hit from a couple of "nasty" viruses. (There's a log available so you can check to see any attempts made your PC.) I didn't have to worry if working from home from cause me to later infect my office's network when I connected.
* The price is comparable to Linksys, Belkin, and Microsoft; Netgear always seems to offer a great bundle deal or rebate.
* The router is slimmer in size than Linksys
The router along with the wireless PC card has been the best personal purchase made to benefit work. At home, I now have the same connectivity speed and security that I have at work.
Customer Review: Easy to install. Works great. Looks great!
Summary: 5 Stars
EASY TO INSTALL... This was my first router installation, but it was easy! The router comes with short, easy-to-follow installation directions. It took me 10-minutes to open the box, read the directions, connect the hardware (it includes a power cord and a network cable), power-up my PC, boot into Windows XP and access the router through Internet Explorer. Netgear's interface is wonderful. Modifying security settings, an optional step, was a breeze. I never even looked at the CD that was included.WORKS GREAT... As soon as my desktop PC booted into Windows XP, I was connected to the Internet through my Road Runner cable connection (my PC was connected to the router via cable; the router, of course, was connected to the cable modem). Laptop connection was almost as easy. I did download the most recent firmware (1102) from Netgear's web site to make the router 100% compatible with the 802.11g specs and to be able to block broadcast of SSID (the upgrade also fixed some minor problems): http://www.netgear.com/support/support_dnld.asp?prodNum=WGR614
LOOKS GREAT... The picture doesn't do it justice, nor will anything I can say. I have the router sitting vertically in its stand. The side LEDs face me. They are clearly marked, lit (or blinking) icons. Thin and elegant.
I was torn between Linksys and Netgear. I still respect Linksys, but I am glad that I bought Netgear.