Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router by Netgear
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Digital camera reviews of Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router
Digital camera Review: Absolutely the best 54Mbps wireless router
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned 2 Linksys wireless routers before this one. Both failed with same issue, intermittent internet connection loss. I have configured every router for all members of my family, my wife's family, extended family, neighbors, friends, etc. I have to say the easiest brand to configure is the NetGear. It has all the features the other brands have, but the web based configuration makes it better. There is also the fact that it works without failing.
I own other NetGear equipment and I have had no issues with the quality of any of the devices. This router looks great and it stacks right on top of my NetGear 1Gb 8 port switch. I have another computer in the basement also connected to another NetGear 1Gb 8 port switch with a NetGear NV+ NAS. All have great prices, look great, and work great.
Digital camera Review: Affordable, easy, and aesthetically pleasing
Summary: 5 Stars
(originally posted January, 2006)
Amazon sometimes groups reviews of multiple products together, so just for clarity I'll mention that this is a review of Netgear's WGR614 v6 4-port wireless router.
I needed a wireless router with ethernet ports on it so my desktop could stay connected while maintaining a home wireless network, so this was the logical choice for me. I wasn't impressed by Linksys' price and reviews, so I opted to go for Netgear's product instead. I'm glad I did. I didn't have any problems setting up this device whatsoever, despite my lack of control over the modem I connect through (an ethernet connection through my apartment complex). One of my roommates had tried to set up a similar Linksys modem to no avail, even with the help of a computer engineering friend.
The router looks great standing vertically on the hutch of my desk next to my speakers. I wasn't impressed by its appearance in the stock photos on Amazon, but seeing it in person really surprised me. I think it's a slick, elegant little design, and certainly one of the nicest-looking gadgets I own.
My advice would be to do plenty of research before purchasing computer hardware of any kind. My laptop has Centrino built in, so I don't have to worry about getting a modem card. Check your laptop. See what other equipment you would have to get to enable wireless internet on your current equipment before buying this.
edit: I looked through some of the other reviews and found some people saying their router had overheating problems. I've had mine continuously on since I got it over two weeks ago with no problems whatsoever.
edit: (December, 2006) The router was replaced for free by Netgear after it was fried in an electrical storm several months ago. The replacement router is still going strong in my apartment eight months later, rarely needing to be unplugged and reset.
Digital camera Review: After upgrading, everything works great
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading about some of the issues with this product on Amazon, I upgraded the firmware immediately before even going online (I downloaded the upgrade before installing the router). The problems I had were all related to WAN connectivity (the router wouldn't get its setup via DHCP) and were resolved after following another postings advice to power off my cable modem, router, and computer. Once everything was off power up the cable modem and wait until it fully syncs and is online. Then power up the router and wait until it has time to fully come online. Then power up the computer. I did have a few issues with the wireless connectivity going away periodically. However, I resolved that after upgrading the driver for the Netgear WG511 that I purchased as well. All problems disappeared and the router works great. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is the annoying WAN issue I ran into. Wireless signal strength was excellent when I was on the same floor with the router. Upstairs (I have a 2700 sq ft, 2 story house) I had a decent signal anywhere I went.Digital camera Review: Almost gave up on a great router
Summary: 4 Stars
Like many other reviewers here, I also had problems with the router (WGR614v4) dropping the connection to the internet while the status indicator on the taskbar showed that it was 'Connected' at 54Mbps with 'Excellent' signal strength. This would happen 3-4 times a day. After a year of putting up with it (no help from NetGear support), I was ready to throw it away and purchase another (not NetGear) router. Before I made the final decision, I went back to the NetGear website and discovered that my router was two firmware updates behind.
So I downloaded the latest, updated the router, and changed the security from WEP to WPA-PSK. In addition, while I was in the updating mode I discovered that the wireless adapter (LAN-Express AS IEEE 802.11g miniPCI) in my laptop also had a newer driver available. The new driver was supposed to "improve connectivity with a Wireless Access Point", so I updated the laptop as well. Since these changes, the router has not dropped the connection--not even once! True, it has only been a couple of weeks since the changes were made, but prior to the changes the connection would be lost after only minutes of use. Therefore, based on my experience with the router I am inclined to believe that the hardware is OK. Whether the problem was fixed by the router firmware update, or the
adapter driver update is unknown--maybe a combination of both.
Digital camera Review: Always dropping us
Summary: 1 Stars
We've owned this for too long. We're finally fed up!
Pro:
+Inexpensive... two-in-one
+Relatively normal set up
+Handled Apple and PC at the same time
Con:
-Drops us constantly
-Runs hot
Bottom line: Not recommended. Avoid.