Inexpensive and reliable
Pros:
Strong connection, easy set-up, reliable service
Cons:
None that I can find
The Bottom Line:
This is a very good unit that is made well and it performs well. Very simple to use and maintain.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
I bought a laptop in 2007 that had built-in wireless, so I thought it was time to upgrade my home network. I purchased a refurbished NetGear WGT624 wireless router in March of 2007. I only paid $19.50 for it, so I didn't expect too much from it, but I have been pleasantly surprised.
Specifications & Features
108 mpbs Wireless Firewall
Works with most Internet gaming and instant messaging applications and applications that support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic Internet acces. Automatically detects your ISP, exposed host (DMZ), MAC address authentication, time-based usage controls, “Trusted User” controls, URL content filtering, logs and e-mail alerts of Internet activity, Wireless Access Control, Wi-Fi Protected access (WPA) Pre-shared Key remote management. Internet/WAN: 10/100 Mbps (auto-sensing) Ethernet, RJ-45 LAN: 4 ports 10/100 Mbps (auto-sensing) Ethernet, RJ-45 40-bit (also called 64-bit), 128-bit, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, WPA PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-shared Key)
Routing Protocols
Static & Dynamic Routing with TCP/IP, VPN pass-through (IPSec, L2TP), NAT, PPTP, PPPoE, DHCP (client & server)
Out of the Box
This was a refurbished unit, but it did come in the original box with all the hardware, software, and manuals. I had experience with hard-wired routers, but no experience with wireless products. The NetGear router did not look much different than my D-Link router, except it had a small, black antenna to attach to the back of the unit. I followed the directions and removed my existing router, plugged the NetGear router in it's place, and reconnected my home base computer and rebooted. I was running Windows XP, so there was not much to do, expect let Windows connect to the Internet. I did not even have to install the software.
I connected the Playstation to the router and was able to connect without any problems. I then looked at the manual about how to access the router's setup and was connected to the router set-up within seconds. I booted up my laptop and it found the wireless router right away.
Security
I had read many articles about wireless routers and wireless security. I first renamed my router, then I changed the login settings. I found the wireless settings and created a 128-bit WEP key and then entered that key into my laptop's connection settings. Under the router's “Advanced” settings was an option for more “Wireless Settings”. I chose this option found a spot to turn on “Access Control”. Under this menu is a list of wireless devices currently allowed to be attached to your router. You first have to have your wireless device on and then you can authorize and add them to the access list. This works by using the device's name and unique MAC address. When this is turned on no other wireless devices can attach to your router, only the ones on the list. I like this added bit of security.
This router has the ability to block specific sites that you add to a list, or you can add specific keywords to the blocked list to help protect young and sensitive eyes. There are many more configurations available to the user and each includes extensive help built right into the router. I really like this feature, considering my inexperience.
I like the Internet-style web-page interface for the router. It is very intuitive and easy to maneuver. There is even an option to save your settings to a file so you can later retrieve them in case of system failure.
Everyday Use
I have been using this router everyday for over a year and a half with absolutely no issues whatsoever. We have our base computer and Play Station II hard-wired to the Ethernet connection, my laptop, my kids two computers with wireless cards, and my son's PSP connected through the wireless connection. All of these devices have been connected at the same time and this unit has never even hiccuped. The NetGear router shares our Internet connection all through our DSL router and we can all be on line at the same time with no issues. This has been one of those set-and-forget experiences for me. We have a tri-level home with the router in out basement level. The kids computers are on the 3rd level and I typically use my laptop on the main level of the house. The signal is strong in all areas of the house.
Bottom Line
I could not be any happier with this router, especially considering the small amount of money that I paid for it. This unit has more than lived up to my expectations.
