Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router by Netgear
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Digital camera reviews of Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router
Digital camera Review: A Reliable Router
Summary: 5 Stars
I had this router for almost 5 years and it gave me no problem. I bought another one for my brother's house and he used it for about 4 years. There was only 1 time that I asked him to unplug and plug the power to get the internet back. Both of our routers are on 24/7. I recently moved to a bigger house and I sometimes get connection drops when I use the PC downstair (the router is upstair). So the only weakness of this router is the range but I expect it since it is not range max, range extended or MIMO type. I want to change to a wireless N router but after reading reviews over here, I'd better wait. In the meantime, this router is a rock and it's very affordable.Digital camera Review: A Solid All-in-One Wireless G Solution
Summary: 4 Stars
I decided to upgrade to the WGR614 due to the limited security and spec on my existing Netgear ME102 access point. With no SSID broadcast control, no MAC address access lists, and limited range, the ME102 was quickly becoming obsolete in my household.Enter the WGR614. With a price alluringly under 3 digits after rebates, I decided to cut my losses and step up to the faster 54MB platform. I purchased the both router and the matching WG511 PCMCIA card in order to maximize compatibility.
So far, I am very satisfied. Thanks to my previous experience with the ME102, I had no trouble setting up the WGR614. All configuration on the unit is handled through a built-in web server, including an upgrade feature that allowed me to install the latest firmware from Netgear's web site (a beta version implementing full 802.11g draft compliance with SSID broadcast blocking). A quick side note, if you decide to upgrade to the beta firmware, be sure to do the same with your Netgear WG511 PCMCIA card as well. If you own a different brand of wireless card/bridge/USB connectivity device, be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if they have a "g" draft-spec firmware *before* upgrading to prevent compatibility problems.
As with any wireless network device, performance will vary according to the environment, infrastructure, and placement of the antenna, but in my case, I experienced increased range in my 1600 sq. ft., two story home with steel framing over my old ME102. Where the signal would drop significantly at the farthest corners of the home with the ME102, I had good signal through the entire house. Throughput was improved, of course, but those who primarily web surf may not see dramatic improvement.
I do feel better about security, now that I'm able to use access lists in addition to WEP. While there are still ways around these controls, the added layer of penetration is certainly welcome.
Like it's competitors, the Netgear offers some router and firewall-like features which do everything from hide or forward ports and services to static routing. The latter is especially helpful for connecting the device to another router like the Linksys BEFSX41--perhaps not coincidently, the private IPs used by Netgear are not the same as Linksys. Since I do not use the Netgear for VPN or secure tunneling, I am unable to vouch for it's effectiveness as a remote office solution. I think it would be safe to say however, that those users who need a router with VPN services should look elsewhere for a dedicated device or one that advertises (and presumably supports) such features.
In all, the WGR614 is a solid entry or addition to home wireless networking. I was able to replace a 5 port wired switch and standalone access point with one Netgear wireless router. I would recommend both the WGR614 and WG511 PCMCIA card for a simple-to-set-up, cost-effective, and secure home wireless G solution.
Digital camera Review: A decent G-router for the money
Summary: 4 Stars
A few weeks ago I purchased this router for a wireless connection with my Nintendo Wii. Needless to say after everything is done, it works great. However setting the router up was another story, and as a forewarning I will say that it does not complete the setup if you have a firewall or parental filter active. I had to have a friend come over and shut off my Safe Eyes filter as well as Zone Alarm so I could finish the setup. It generally takes 15-20 minutes on the average computer to finish everything. It then gives you an option to password protect and WEP your connection.
After the router is active it lets you test your browser (and yes it does work with all browsers). I then could log onto the Wii shop channel from my Wii. Download time is fairly fast, at approximately 1 minute per d/l.
Now, a few weeks into it, I notice that my internet connection frequently and intermittently drops and I must wait 10-15 minutes before it will come back. Sometimes unplugging and plugging in both the router and the modem helps but not always, nor does restarting the computer. A person just has to sit and wait it out (make a sandwich or something).
This can get irritating but in the past I have also had this happen with Linksys G-routers, though not as frequently. And it seemed with the Linksys it was always predictable as it happened late at night, around 1 or 2 AM. The Netgear will drop out whenever it wants to, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.
So even though the performance is not perfect, it's a nice little unit, doesn't look gaudy or cheap, and the design is simple and sleek. I would rate it a 3.5. The price is decent and if you're like me you can pick it up used for a little cheaper.
I would recommend this over the Belkin routers in an instant. I've heard nothing but problems about those guys.
Digital camera Review: A definite improvement
Summary: 5 Stars
Replaced a Linksys 11.b router, after experiencing lots of little issues. I have to explain that for over an year I have been using an VOIP for all our phone communications, so the stability of the router is essential. Oftentimes, we would have issues like no dial tone and it was necessary to reset the router. Spoken with Vonage, and they said they do not recommend Linksys routers. So, a little because our wireless network has grown (my company gave me an IBM T40), a little because of these issues decided to upgrade. Sweet. The installation is very easy, for once I did not need to read anything (I still do no know the meaning of the different lights on the front for instance, and frankly I don't care). Popped in the CD, installed the software, everything went extremely well from the very beginning. The router is very fast and stable, and it has also eliminated a recurring echo on some phone calls we experienced before. It looks good, the range is also better, but I understand this is a function of using 11.g over 11.b
Recommend it, and would not do the same for Linksys, despite their very good customer care service. I don't want to talk to customer care, and I had to call them more than once.
Digital camera Review: A minor disaster
Summary: 1 Stars
Last time I purchased a Netgear product it was a solid and competent wireline router in a blue metal box. That purchase influenced me to go for WGR614.
Boy times change! What I got for my money was a soapbox made from cheap plastic. The setup was a slow and on-going battle. To illustrate the point - the out-of-the-box DHCP served addresses but a client could not ping the router back!
Finally I was through all this only to discover that this pile of garbage cannot hold wireless connection. It was a total disaster for me considering that I had a naive hope to use it with VPN tunnel to my office network. All prior notes from other customers on instability of wireless connection are very true (overheating seems to be very likely the cause).
Therefore, I cannot recommend this equipment, however, if you are stuck with it, you can generally make it a useable product by either
a) leveraging a vaunted by manufacturer small footprint in your fridge, thus preventing overheating
b) sparely use wireless only for occasional surfing, do all work which counts using wireline.
What I can recommend is a Cisco product called Linksys WRT54GS. Bought it instead of WGR614. The speed booster seems a marketing trick, however, for few extra $$ you get the last dinosaur of deservedly praised v4 platform of WRT54 series. It is fully free of all malaises attributed to WRT54G, which is currently retailed in v5.
Finally, if you go for broadband router product - go for brick and mortar. Amazon.com restocking charges are hefty.