NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem Review
This 802.11g wireless router adds considerable power and flexibility to your network. It gives you untethered continuous connectivity to your network resources and the Internet, and allows you to share your broadband access with all of your networked computers wireless or with wires using Ethernet cables. The contemporary, sleek design of this unit suits your home or office. This 802.11g wireless router is five products in one: it combines an ADSL modem, router, 10/100 LAN switch, 802.11g access point, and SPI Double Firewall. Featuring high-speed 802.11g wireless capability - up to five times faster than 802.11b - it allows you to download large files, videoconference, and distribute and play high-quality digital movies, photos, and MP3s in the blink of an eye. Simple to use, it plugs directly into your ADSL line. An integrated switch lets you directly connect four computers or any combination of four computers, access points or printers. Setup couldn't be easier - NETGEAR's Smart Wizard install assistant and on-screen help guide you through each step. The Smart Wizard automatically detects and makes the best connection to your ISP. Double Firewall protects your network with business-class security against intruders, while VPN pass-through makes it safe to connect to your business network from home or office.
Description
- Wireless-G Modem Router includes ADSL modem, wireless access point, and switch in one small box
- Built-in ADSL modem supports downstream speeds of up to 24 Mbps
- 802.11g wireless networking offers speeds up to 5 times that of 802.11b for seamless movie streaming
- 4-port switch has 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing Ethernet ports
- Measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD); 1-year warranty
Technical Details
Amazon.com Product Description The NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem is an all-in-one solution for anyone with a DSL internet connection who wants a Wireless-G router. By combining a high-performing router and modem into a single device, you save space, the hassle of extra cords, and the costs of leasing a router from your DSL service provider.
 | The NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem:- Creates 802.11-g wireless networks.
- Has a built-in ADSL2+ modem.
- Provides wired connections with four 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports.
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The DG834G combines an ADSL modem, router, switch, and wireless access point in one. View larger. |
With four ethernet ports, you can connect with and without wires. View larger. |
Replace Your Old DSL Modem This modem and router replaces existing equipment provided by DSL service providers. It is fully compatible with Verizon, AT&T, Qwest, Earthlink, and other DSL Internet service providers. With the NETGEAR DG834G, you have the freedom to switch DSL providers without having to change equipment, and you don't have to waste money by paying a monthly leasing fee.
Elegant Design and Easy Setup
The DG834G is an attractive unit, about the size of a small paperback, with a silver exterior and rounded edges. An included plastic stand lets you stand the router on its edge to take up less space.
The DG834G makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network. Just connect the DSL line, run the Smart Wizard with step-by-step instructions, and you're all set. Once your network is set up, the router's "Push 'N' Connect" feature takes over.
To connect a new device on your network, you simply push a button on the router, and your device is automatically and securely configured and connected to your wireless network. This means that the days of having to remember complicated security keys and passwords are over. (This feature is for use with other Push 'N' Connect or WPS enabled devices.)
Fast and Secure Performance
Wireless G offers data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband Internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without delays. If you still run computers that use the 802.11b standard, don't fret: the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard.
In addition to providing wireless access, the device also includes four 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a faster, wired connection.
The DG834G offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks. To ensure the security of your wireless data, both 40/64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit (802.11g only) WEP encryption is available, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.
Smart and Green Design
The router has an elegant and clean design with several environmentally sensitive features. An on/off switch lets you turn off the router when it's not in use. Energy Star compliant, the DG834G is stingy in its power use, and with packaging that's made of 80-percent recycled materials, it's as green as it gets.
The NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD) and is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Wireless-G router with DSL modem, power adapter, Ethernet cable, phone cable, ADSL phone line filter, vertical stand, setup CD, warranty/support information.
NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem Customer Review
Installation was not difficult at all - much more difficult than the software installation was getting AT&T on the line to provide a dummy account, addresses, etc. If you can install software like MS Office, for instance, you can definitely do this. It will take about 15 minutes and you are guided through every step of the way.
Reliability is excellent. In nearly a year of constant use, left on almost constantly, this modem has never crashed. DSL router modems are essentially little computers, and this one is built well both in terms of physical and software architecture. My connection is a low cost one, about a month through ATT, and it is capped at 75kbps. I am consistently getting download rates of between 56-76kbps. I am confident that if I had a faster connection it would perform correspondingly better.
Heat distribution is also excellent. I am not sure why some claim that this modem overheats easily, but I am in Los Angeles where the temperature indoors often reaches into the 90s. Remember that I leave this on almost constantly... and bear in mind that I didn't use the little brackets that let it stand upright (improves heat dissipation) for about 10 months (I put the brackets in when I decided it would save space). It has never overheated.
Signal strength is great. I run two laptops off of this wirelessly. Not a problem. Laptops auto detect and handshake almost immediately. On the few occasions I turn it on after turning it off, it reassumes a connection and begins broadcasting almost right away.
Cost to Efficacy is extremely high because this is a device that saves a lot of money over a piecemeal solution (modem, router, wireless point, etc) that works extremely well. Quality product.
Security measures and internal software are also excellent. I can easily tell who's logged onto my router and there are a variety of security methods to choose from. This is much better than my fiance's linksys, for instance, which aside from frequently losing signal also has very limited security measures.
My only complaint is that it says there is an on/off switch but there isn't. if there is, i can't find it. Not necessary anyway, though, because I simply hit the button on the power strip in order to turn it off if I'm not going to be home for a while.
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