Wireless Broadband Router The best deals on wireless broadband routers

4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Router for a Wired Access Point
I bought this router to use as a wired access point for a Tivo HD. The price was reasonable ($59) and I didn’t have to worry about 47 different versions of firmware and…

4.0 out of 5 stars
Works great with DD-WRT (linux firmware)
This router is very good out of the box with DD-WRT. Just be aware you’ll need to download an alternate version. See the download section of http://www.myopenrouter.

This wireless -g router appears to be adequate for basic wireless connectivity. If the planned installation is limited to less demanding transmissions in a modest broadcast range, the WGR614L appears to deliver. I got this unit since I have some interest in exploring Linux but it was immediately evident I would have to make some unpalatable major compromises in order to use it in my present setup. Since I already operate under `N’ standards, I had hoped to use this unit as a repeater for a specific laptop with Linux operating system, however, that would require a reduction in overall network security to WEP and I am not willing to make that adjustment since there are a number of other wireless installations visible to me in my local area. While I do not broadcast my SSID now, I do not believe reverting to a lesser security standard is worth it. As a standalone, it will support WPA2 encryption and WPS connectivity. Up to four devices and be connected via Ethernet.

It should be noted the model designation for the unit I received is somewhat confusing. The box is labeled as WGR614l which apparently is version 9 of a Netgear router that has been available for a few years. This model is marketed as “Open Source,” meaning the code is not proprietary as is normally the case and the firmware is customizable by the user if he or she is so inclined and capable. Installation is reasonably straightforward for anyone familiar with creation of a wireless network although a first-timer might have some configuration issues and encounter questions that are not clearly addressed in the documentation or clearly delineated during the wizard setup procedure. Presently, my networked computers operate under Vista Ultimate, XPPro, and XPhome. I did not incur any connectivity issues with any CPU, and each has an “g” adapter from different manufacturers.

Two difficulties I encountered were the inability to access the Netgear RND2150 ReadyNAS Duo 500 GB Desktop Network Attached Storage connected to a Netgear access point,NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111). It was not visible anywhere on the network and I could not connect via the webpage, so streaming of my music files was not possible. According to the documentation, streaming video is not a recommended activity. Additionally, this unit operates within the 2.4GHz range so interference from other devices is a distinct possibility. I did not attempt to test since my videos are also stored on the NAS and streaming from another networked computer is no longer a consideration for me. Speed is a major factor with video transmission and this router is rated to 54Mbps only.

The range of this unit is underwhelming as independently, I could not maintain a signal from more than 50 feet away although with utilization of the bridge/access points, I could connect from anywhere in the house.

My overall impression is this router is exactly what it is touted to be and would serve admirably so long as the user stays within the design focus parameters. While it is relatively economical, routers under “N” standards with greater functionality may be a better direction to go.

What does the “Open Source” in the name mean? Do you need to be a “techie”? Nope. It means the firmware is “open source” instead of proprietary code normally used in devices like this. There is no perceivable difference from a normal user’s point of view. If you ARE a techie, it could open a lot of doors for customization.

Assuming you have just a bit of experience, installation is a snap. The manufacturer recommends first hooking it up via a cable to a standard Ethernet port in order to configure it then go wireless. I didn’t with no problems (I went wireless from the get go). The only time for the cable is if you upgrade the firmware. This is standard on all routers I have ever used. If you are a bit unfamiliar with this type of device, they include very simple-to-use software to both install and configure. The included CD also has the user manual on it.

Configuration:
I have to say that the web interface is the nicest I have seen. The help for each page is printed right on the page next to the options and is very intuitive. The only thing I felt was out of the ordinary was the rather disjointed approach to filtering. All of the filtering was done on one page except access (I.E, MAC filters) is on another.

Performance:
Performance is also good. Moving a 50mb file was about 10% faster than on a similar D-Link device I own. The antenna is excellent. I was surprised at how good the signal strength was. I own two other routers and neither has the same reception quality.

Security:
Like every other device that I have worked with it, it’s “open” (read NOT secure) out of the box. It can’t be accessed from the Internet but every Tom, Dick and Harry within wireless range can access it, can attempt to access other computers using it and can intercept traffic. It has the usual suite of encryption and access security features. Be sure to take time to both learn about them and set them up.

Summary:
I give this device a 4 stars. For normal support you have Netgears website. For the techies, go to http://www.myopenrouter.com where you can download both updates and the source code (and the tools to compile them with). If you’re up to it, you can make your own custom firmware. Try doing that with any other competing product.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great router
I bought this router in order to run custom firmware because I was sick of dealing with featureless and for the most part unstable firmware that is provided by router…

5.0 out of 5 stars
Decent Router, Love the speed, Setup was Quick and EasyI have been using B for way too long now, so I was looking forward to upgrading to G. The instructions and setup were straight forward and clear so set up went very well…

3.0 out of 5 stars
Decent HW option for true Linux usage
Because of the oftentimes finicky nature of getting Windows designed routers to work properly with Linux systems, Netgear’s WGR614L G-Band wireless router is a terrific (and well…