The Bottom Line: Its the easiest and simplest router I've ever installed! I was up and running, able to use the wireles signal in 15 minutes. No problems!
shopaholic_man's Full Review: NetGear WGR614 Wireless Router
All I needed was a wireless zone in my office. I have comcast cable at my office for my internet connection, and on many occasions my son comes with me to do his homework. He has a MacBook with an airport express wireless connection.
My mission?, to find a cheap affordable way to share my internet connection for WiFI users at my office. The answer? A simple NetGear WGR614NA Wireless Router. I am aware that N is the new standard, but G was fast enough for us at 54 MBPS. In non tech speak, that means my son can log online and surf as fast as he could even if he was directly wired to my cable modem.
SetUp
I was amazed that this wireless router really was a snap to set up. I loaded the enclosed software with the CD. It guided me through all the next steps. Unplug modem, plug in netgear router, connect cables so that router is between computer and modem, turn modem on, plug router in. The router cable is bright yellow as is the ethernet slot that it connects to. Even if I wasn't overly computer savvy, I think I could have managed this.
Security
It was a snap to set up a secure password so that only those who I chose would be able to log onto the network. The software literally did all the rest, I didn't have to set protocols, ports or any internal ICP/TCP settings or anything of that nature. Encryption is 128 WEP, or wPA PSK and WPA2 PSK. All that means to me is that I set a password.
The whole process of set up and setting security took about 15 minutes.
How does it Work?
The test was simple enough. My son came in with his MacBook and I gave him the password. After a few minutes, I asked him if he was able to log in. He yelled back, Don't bother me right now, I'm playing Runescape! Runescape is an online MMORPG. In other words, my son had already logged in, logged on and started to play his favorite role playing game. Having played the game myself on occasion*, I know that the game requires a fairly fast stable connection for it to run smoothly, however my son had no problems and contentedly played the game, while I wrapped up some files.
* yeah right
But Will Steve Jobs and Bill Gates like it?
The router is designed for Windows Installationon a machine with Vista, XP, 2000, NT, 98 and ME. You also need a TCP/IP netowrk with a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter or ethernet adapter. My computer is an older HP computer running Windows XP with Service Pack 2. You do need DSL or a cable connection, I have a cable connection. The router is not designed to be INSTALLED on a Mac, but the wireless signal that the NetGear Router sends out can be utilized by a Mac with no problems.
Other info
The Router has ethernet connections for four computers. It uses one internal and one external connection. The signal worked well in my office, but I would note that I have a small office. The Router came with software disc, adapter plug and an ethernet cable to connect to your modem. Any computer utilizing the wireless connection must have a wireless adapter. Comparisons
In the past, I've had Belkin Routers and Linksys routers. I had a linksys router that I finally completely gave up on, because I just couldn't get the thing to work with my computers. That wasn't even a wireless router! My first wireless router was (and still is) a Belkin. It works ... most of the time, but it does lose signal on occasion, and it seems to take forever to get it back. Thus far I haven't had problems like this with Netgear.
Price / Value
The Wireless G router was only $39.95, thus it was about the cheapest wireless router at my local Staples office supply store. I really had visions of bringing it back, because often trying to save money has bad results. I was very pleased when I got bang for my buck with this router.
Summary
This was the simplest wireless router to set up and use that I've owned! I give it five stars!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39.95 Driver Availability: Windows only
NETGEAR's WGR614 Cable DSL Wireless Router lets you experience blazing-fast network wireless speeds of up to 54 Mbps making it a snap to surf the Web,...More at eBay
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