Breaking News: Telstra to launch first 4G Windows phone

ZDNet / Router / Review

D-Link DSL-2740B

By on September 24th, 2010 
Submit

Overview

The 2740B amounts to a middle of the road effort from D-Link. It's not missing any features, but it doesn't do much above the norm either. New users will appreciate the helpful hints given throughout the interface, although power users will need to look elsewhere for raw wireless performance.

Editors' rating:

7.0/10

RRP:

AU$149.00

The good

  • Helpful UI hints
  • Hardware switch to turn off wireless

The bad

  • Wireless performance isn't great

We've looked at D-Link's DSL-2740B before, although under a different testing regime. Since then the product has since been revised, not just in firmware, but now lacks external antennas, or indeed the ability to even add external antennas.

It's still boxy, black and silver, and has useful default device settings printed on the bottom to ease your initial set-up process.

Straight out of the box, D-Link has placed a fluoro orange sticker across the Ethernet ports, claiming you should insert the included CD first and follow the set-up. This in itself is fine, but the sticker is a pain to get off, and leaves an annoying residue behind that will have you attempting to scratch it off for the next five minutes.

Specs at a glance

Firmware tested AUS_4.15
ADSL2+ modem Yes
Annex M Yes
3G modem No
Wireless protocols 802.11b/g/n
Highest wireless security WPA2
WDS No
Ethernet ports 4x 100Mb
USB print sharing/storage No
Accessories Ethernet cable, phone cable, CD containing quick-start guide and manual

Connections

D-Link DSL-2740B rear

ADSL line, four 100Mb Ethernet ports, a hardware wireless on/off switch, reset button, power jack, power button. You can still see the remains of D-Link's "insert CD first" sticker it slaps over the Ethernet ports. (Credit: Alexandra Savvides/CBS Interactive)

UI and features

If you use the quick start guide provided on the CD, you might initially be a little confused. Apparently D-Link hasn't seen fit to update it to match the most recent hardware revision, as it still instructs the user to attach the three antennas to the back — something they might find difficult since they're no longer supplied.

Despite this you're then walked through a step-by-step guide in setting up the router, which is easy enough to follow. Those who've done all of this before can of course plug straight into the router with an Ethernet cable and configure as normal.

D-Link's interface is at first a little chaotic and daunting. Eventually you figure out the horizontal menus are sections, the vertical menus sub-sections, and you can mouse over different subsections to pop up yet more menus — although there's no indication of what can be expanded, it's all try-and-see. A site map link in the top right does help, but we can't help but wonder if a menu similar to the one offered by QNAP on its devices might be a little more friendly and thorough.

Unlike most router manufacturers, D-Link provides hints down the right-hand side of the interface to help the neophyte networker along the way. If what you want isn't there, you can click on a "More" link which explains the options more thoroughly, although vexingly you can't then go back to where you came from by pressing the back button on your browser — you have to navigate using the menu.

D-Link DSL-2740B UI

D-Link's interface is overwhelming at first. It does attempt to give limited help down the right-hand side though, but you'll have to click through for more detailed explanations, and the back button in the browser doesn't work in this instance. (Screenshot by CBS Interactive)

Performance

After analysing the spectrum with InSSIDer, an empty channel of either 1, 6 or 11 is chosen for 2.4GHz wireless testing. The router is restricted to the 20MHz band and will only allow 802.11n clients. If possible, the MCS is set to 15.

We use iperf to determine throughput, running eight streams, with a TCP window size of 1MB, and an interval of one second. The test is run for five minutes in three different locations, on two separate occasions. The locations are in the same room as the router, one floor down around spiral stairs and with concrete walls and floors, and two floors down under the same conditions.

The wireless throughput is tested using three chipsets, the Atheros AR5008X, Ralink RT2870 and Intel 5100AGN, then all results are averaged.

2.4GHz throughput (in Mbps)

  • Billion BiPAC 7800N
  • Linksys WAG320N (2.4GHz)
  • Asus DSL-N13
  • D-Link DSL-2740B
  • Location one (same room, no obstructions) 69.2065.9765.1750.43
  • Location two (one floor down, some obstructions) 64.6354.3753.4349.00
  • Location three (two floors down, some obstructions) 38.2335.2729.7327.47

(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Performance isn't necessarily bad, but as you can see from the graphs it's not the highest throughput wireless router we've tested.

ADSL performance is simply measured by the sync speed on an Internode ADSL2+ connection to the St Leonards exchange, on Internode's very high speed profile. If the connection remains stable over a period of time, the sync speed is recorded.

ADSL2+ sync speed (in Kbps)

  • Billion BiPAC 7800N
  • Linksys WAG320N (2.4GHz)
  • Asus DSL-N13
  • D-Link DSL-2740B
  • Uplink 1349134213461338
  • Downlink 22,30622,57921,92122,173

(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Power consumption

We measured power consumption using a Jaycar mains digital power meter. It's important to note here that due to limitations of the meter, measurements are limited to values 1W and greater, and are reported in 1W increments.

The wireless radio was turned on, and an iperf test begun for measurement, using one wireless client and one wired.

Juice Box
Transmitting 7W
Idle 7W

The D-Link was determined to pull 7W regardless of whether we were transmitting wireless or not — either way, it's not a huge power draw.

Warranty

D-Link covers the DSL-2740B for three years. Faulty units need to be returned with proof of purchase to North Ryde, near Sydney.

Conclusion

The 2740B amounts to a middle of the road effort from D-Link. It's not missing any features, but it doesn't do much out of the norm either. New users will appreciate the helpful hints given throughout the interface, although power users will need to look elsewhere for raw wireless performance.

(Back to top)

Talkback

Add your opinion

In order to post a comment, you need to be registered. (Sign In or register below)

Post your comment

Terms of Service - As a ZDNet registrant, and by using this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understand our Privacy Policy.

Resource Centre Useful content from our premier sponsors

ZDNet Australia Live

BYOD: What the people think http://t.co/syY7RSyR via @zite

Twitter to track users through widgets: Twitter has given details about tracking users across the internet, and ... http://t.co/Er6izMDp

@superjon_11 just be weary that's what causes them to explode http://t.co/6XSePS0j

SAP eyes cloud super network with Ariba buy
http://t.co/F7NtV2Ju

SA Health's journey to e-health http://t.co/tHAhRy9c

Govt CIO praises budget's $1bn IT investment: Despite a tighter 2012-13 Federal Budget, the government's chief i... http://t.co/sRO5U7C0

Bit more meat to this Global SI #salesforce announcement than earlier ones, still don't think they get it though! http://t.co/Eb386WFF

NSW Govt appoints Silicon Valley office head to represent Aussie tech. Is this useful or a good direction? http://t.co/icIl6GOq

#ABC #Bitcoin Miner tackled in minutes #ITSecurity #law http://t.co/ptOPKpOI

#NSW Govt announces shopfront in Silicon Valley http://t.co/oUEMM9zY #gov2au”. MT: @allisonhornery @johnW3LLS #gov2au

SA Health's journey to #ehealth – structural reform, workforce restructure & infrastructure
http://t.co/TTno9Td9 /via @zdnetaustralia

Goods Shopping Location Discount Of Japan's Largest Abroad Train Brands. Coach Escape Shelter 89% Off.We Entertain Jammed Items Such As A...

5 hours ago by befeffofs on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

1963年ナイキの創業者フィル・ナイトが訪日、オニツカ（現アシックス）の経営陣を訪問。 最新の機能性や斬新なデザインによって、常に新しいもの求める若者たちの心を掴んできたナイキスニーカー。今回はエアジョーダンやエアマックスなど、ナイキスニーカーの歴史に欠かせない名品から今...

5 hours ago by Speerbprayexy on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

5 hours ago by Ideoforie on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

Ferragamo Shoes Is Distinguished Brand.Ferragamo Is So Baby Valuation Broaden, It Is Secure To Shopping Outlet Online Stores.Ferragamo Ba...

5 hours ago by axollaCrake on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

We Are Specialty Fit out Miu Miu Handbags, Miu Miu Purse, Miu Miu Sunglasses And So On. Miu Miu Sale Online Big Reduction With No Trade O...

5 hours ago by MoxboowsVix on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

Pay off Trainer Wallet&Coach Pocket In Our Coach Store With Sad Sacrifice And Finish Quality, Save 80% Off. Cheap Carriage Overnight bag ...

5 hours ago by Fefinfani on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

クリスチャン ルブタンは靴職人としてのスピリットが強いことで有名で、インタヴューでは下記のように語っています。Christian Louboutin「私は女性に、私の作る靴をファッションとは別の領域のにある、美の対象としてみてほしい。靴というものはアクセサリーではなく、その...

5 hours ago by ganitaickexia on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

Celine luggage,Celine carrier bag,pocketbook Celine,CELINE Celine is synonymous with trait and fastidiousness prevalent since founding in...

5 hours ago by unulseDralola on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

From moi @zdnetaustralia: where are all the ICT jobs: http://t.co/p3e1Y26r via

SAP buys its way into the cloud party: Will it work?: Will SAP and Oracle's rollup strategy for cloud players wo... http://t.co/nPjHXHtH

6 hours ago by Elundaninulge on Reservoir blogs: Fan fakes Tarantino diary

RT @dataPlumbers: Combining @Ariba's network & @SAP's applications - "SAP eyes cloud super network with Ariba buy" http://t.co/jeMWEKpB

Gee zdnet gets this wrong, not often either. Heard of html5 @zdnetaustralia? http://t.co/TksSIP31 read comment 1

BYOD: What the people think http://t.co/iqfwr2R5 via @zite

Medicare Locals get $50m for e-health http://t.co/0Prqy7Q3 via @zdnetaustralia #fb #in

Normally would expect better from zdnet. I call BS. It appears that if you look at their decision it is about using HTML5 to develop thei...

6 hours ago by butterflyeffecs on Android fragmentation steers Vic Health

oBoDwZrOrsjUq //www.2012chanelbagsforsale.com]chanel handbags gWbyPIERM niLqoOE //www.2012chanelbagsforsale.com]chanel outlet hBaJhfpEu...

6 hours ago by khngmspwbzm on Deakin Uni opts for Cisco Unified Computing

RT @zdnetaustralia: South Australia's e-health journey is a tough one, but it first required a good foundation. http://t.co/ha4HV3y3 ^ML

RT @zdnetaustralia: Google has joined in on the chorus of organisations warning users about DNSChanger infections http://t.co/ysaIHiuG ^ML

SA Health's journey to e-health http://t.co/tsbfDYHd

“@jufemaiz : Ausgrid is trialling tech that allows the grid to report back on what might be wrong. http://t.co/ezB8ksXa ^ML” is this you?

RT @maverickwoman: Yammer gets into gamification with Badgeville: http://t.co/faPDDVYr #gamification RT @mobilelearning #yam

Chrome beats Internet Explorer in global Web browser race http://t.co/E2YsEvbO

SA Health's journey to e-health: Implementing e-health services for an entire state is a daunting task, but, as ... http://t.co/93FJNlE6

SA Health's journey to e-health http://t.co/3iMSd3nN

SA Health's journey to e-health: Implementing e-health services for an entire state is a daunting task, but, as ... http://t.co/Zl9T7kQL

SA Health's journey to e-health - ZDNet Australia http://t.co/lI1N44kB #ehealth

RT @zdnetaustralia: Google has joined in on the chorus of organisations warning users about DNSChanger infections http://t.co/ysaIHiuG ^ML

South Australia's e-health journey is a tough one, but it first required a good foundation. http://t.co/ha4HV3y3 ^ML

Hotel Wi-Fi investigation - http://t.co/luJqmD1T

Listened to a guy from SA Health chat about how to consolidate IT from 70 hospitals today. Snazzy stuff. http://t.co/IZxhpu5X

Govt CIO praises budget's $1bn IT investment http://t.co/HXx2LFDf via @zdnetaustralia

by http://t.co/vmlLt4bh: SA Health's journey to e-health: Implementing e-health services for an entire state is a... http://t.co/NVrBd9c5

Facebook investor to sue Nasdaq over alleged bungled orders: http://t.co/XGRsNzA4 ^LH

Combining @Ariba's network & @SAP's applications - "SAP eyes cloud super network with Ariba buy" http://t.co/jeMWEKpB

Akku Asus A32-K72 Original,Kompatibler Ersatz akku für Li-ion Asus A32-K72 Original Laptop Akkus Asus A32-K72 Original，A32-K72 Original...

8 hours ago by akkuakku on HP Compaq 6730b

It is great to see the NSW government taking this step, however there's plenty of home-grown talent loeaving or being rediverted due to l...

8 hours ago by Aceyducey on NSW Govt appoints Silicon Valley champion

But this is the thing. There are still plenty of good-quality graduates whose skills can raise seasoned professional eyebrows... if they ...

10 hours ago by techkid on Skills shortage: companies being too picky?

I wouldn't have called Vista cheesy. Its GUI was pretty slick (and indeed handed on to Windows 7). It was, however, poorly implemented, h...

10 hours ago by techkid on Microsoft admits Vista was 'cheesy'

Thanks Nelson, it should be right now.

-Michael.

10 hours ago by Mukimu on Ausgrid network to talk back to operators

I guess the mouse was a necessary evil at the time. I mean, yes, keyboard shortcuts in the right hands are faster than any mouse action (...

11 hours ago by techkid on Microsoft admits Vista was 'cheesy'

fyi google may always lie

11 hours ago by rt luvs youh on Google shows we're killing our language

they probaly always lie about in4mation bout people

11 hours ago by rt luvs youh on Google shows we're killing our language

$6.7million, now we know the price to the tax payer of a government IT project clean up. You've got to ask the question don't you: why o...

12 hours ago by Takenforgranted on Vic scraps HealthSMART system

This story has been voted 10 times in the last 24 hours!

1 day ago, CeBIT 2012 opens: photos

This story has been voted 15 times in the last 24 hours!

1 day ago, Lenovo ThinkPad 3G tablet (32GB)

Facebook Activity

Keep up with ZDNet Australia

LinkedinLinkedin Join our network

RSS FeedsRSS Feeds Subscribe now

NewslettersNewsletters Subscribe today

AlertAlertsSubscribe now

ZDNet Events Calendar

ZDNet Events Calendar

Plan Comparison

Prev Next
Loading...
Deals powered by WhistleOut

Sponsored resources