D-Link's 802.11g debutant delivers impressive wireless range and performance for an entry-level router.Wi-Fi continues to grow in popularity but for some even the best and most straightforward component seems off-puttingly complicated to buy and set up. As one of the more established names in the networking biz, D-Link tries to differentiate itself with its newbie-friendly AirPlus DI-624 wireless router. Aimed at SOHO users, the new DI-624 is a direct 802.11g upscaled version of its older sibling, the DI-714, and delivers good wireless performance and easy setup at an affordable AU$357.50. It's a bargain-basement deal that's worth considering if you're planning a low-cost wireless upgrade for your home or office network.
Tastefully dressed in flashy shades of silver and green, the DI-624 retains the same boxy design of its 802.11b predecessors. The slimline look presents the router with greater domestic appeal than traditional white or black boxes, but the lightweight plasticky build does give the DI-624 a certain minimalist feel.
The sleek 907g unit sports a detachable dual antennae array, four Ethernet ports, and one WAN port for connecting a cable/DSL modem or an existing wired network. D-Link's complimentary accessories include a 3m Ethernet cable for cable hookups, an AC adapter, and gray, snap-in rubber feet that let you position the router vertically or horizontally.
Unfortunately, the DI-624 lacks wall-mounting hardware, so the unit's stuck either on your desk or on the floor. In addition, the DI-624's stripped-down feature-set omits a few useful extras like an in-built print server or a USB hub, and the lack of an onboard power switch means the quickest way to shut down the device is by pulling the plug.
D-Link's AirPlus ExtremeG interface features a simple Web-based setup to assist networking greenhorns with router configurations. First timers will also find the DI-624's back-to-basics documentation highly-beneficial for express setups--the illustrated Quick Installation Guide clearly explains how to set up the router in seven different languages--including English, German and Chinese--and the supplied CD-ROM contains a thorough, 83-page electronic manual with a step-by-step networking primer. However, the manuals lack depth to be of much aid to wireless veterans or performance tweakers.
Like most 802.11x-based gear on the market today, the DI-624 comes up a bit short on security. It offers the standard 64- and 128-bit flavours of WEP encryption, but lacks the dynamic keying mechanism offered by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and the authentication capabilities of 802.11x. The DI-624 also lacks the bridging capabilities found on the Apple AirPort Extreme, which lets you extend a network without Ethernet wiring or connect two wireless LANs. On the upside, D-Link says the device will support WPA with a future firmware upgrade.
The AirPlus ExtremeG menu offers a host of security options that should please all but the most paranoid network administrators. For example, you can create a virtual server for remote operations; restrict network access using MAC addresses; filter or block specific domains, URLs, or keywords; and set firewall rules for allowing or denying entry to your network.
The DI-624 performed very well in our overall tests. Although the router's throughput and response time scores weren't exactly the best for its class, the D-Link DI-624 still managed to stay close with our other 802.11g performance leaders, the Buffalo Airstation and the Belkin 54g router.
In standard 802.11b mode, the DI-624 peaked at 5Mbps within a 1m radius, matching the scores of both the Buffalo and Belkin routers. In its 54Mbps 802.11g mode, bandwidth jumped to 18MBps. If our overall test results offered any indication, it appears that the DI-724 performs better with 802.11b. The DI-624's signal range, too, was very good in either mode; range tests indicated the router has an effective indoor reach of over 25m, which is excellent for an entry-level router.
D-Link DI-624 High-Speed Wireless Router
Company: D-Link Australia
Price: AU$357.50
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 1300 766 868
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I purchased this model router and two cards and have found it to be very efficient most of the time, however, at times it seems to struggle but I can't figure out why. I have called the help number and am still waiting some 2 weeks later to be called back as I would like to speak to someone about this.
Also I have another question. How can I leave my cable switched on for another laptop to be used without having to turn my PC off? The signal to the laptop is not satisfactory if the PC is switched off. I thought the signal was operational even when the PC is off.
I would appreciate a call to help clear this up for me.
Thank you.
Jill