Amazon.co.uk Review
Get all your PCs online using a single ADSL connection and your very own Internet gateway, all from the NetGear DG814.
When NetGear introduced its new line of network routers and modems it took the chance to overhaul the design of its products. Aimed more at home users the new, sleek silver design won't look out of place whether it's on your desk, tucked away in a corner or even mounted on a wall. Just as changes took place on the outside, this router also gained a new design inside.
The DG814 is a combined ADSL modem and a four-port network router. This means it sits between your ADSL enabled phone-line and technically allows you to connect up to 253 Internet aware computers or devices through a single ADSL connection. This is possible as it runs a DCHP server so any DCHP aware device, such as a Mac or Windows PC, connected to the router will be automatically allocated an Internet address and so be able to connect to the Internet.
Even though this may sound complex the DG814 makes setting everything up amazingly easy. To compliment the outside styling NetGear introduced a simple Web based wizard that steps you through and automates most of the installation process, requiring you to just enter the ADSL account username and password. As the installation is Web based you don't even need to install any software and it'll work with any OS, not just Windows.
For connecting devices there are four-wired LAN ports. Using these, the router offers a full Internet Gateway and a DCHP server for automatic Internet address allocation. Once connected all your devices get additional protection thanks to full NAT and basic hardware Firewall features. Plus there's basic Web site blocking and filtering based on content or time of day. As a router the DG814 is great, importantly it offers an easy installation process, as well as good controls over routing. --Nick Baxter
Manufacturer's Description
NETGEAR's DG814 DSL Modem Internet Gateway paves the way to shared DSL access. By combining a modem and a switch it gives you the ultimate in Internet gateway capability. It needs no external modem to enable everyone at the office or at home to instantly benefit from high-speed Web access, file sharing, video streaming, head-to-head Internet game-playing, and MP3 downloading. This highly capable 4-port Internet gateway provides state of the art filtering and controls that allow administrators and parents to limit URL access and monitor Internet activities, while firewall protection secures the computers and network against hackers. Setup couldn't be easier – an animated Installation Assistant, Web browser-based settings, and on-screen help guide you through each step. The DG814 is sleekly designed to complement your home or office environment and is compatible with all ADSL Internet service providers.
DG814’s built-in modem means you can enjoy ultra-fast Web-surfing from the get-go! Instantly distribute MP3s, digital movies and photos, and share your broadband Internet connection, files, and printers with up to 253 computers – no external modem needed. Port Forwarding controls make it simple to communicate via multimedia applications (such as NetMeeting), host Web services, and play Internet games.
Establish URL content filtering and time-of-day usage limits. You can also choose to receive e-mailed reports of browsing activities and optional real-time e-mail alerts. NAT (Network Address Translation) Firewall with VPN (Virtual Private Network) pass-through protects against Internet attacks, but allows you secure access. Auto-partitioning on each port protects each computer from damaged network connections.
Ultra-fast 10/100 Mbps LAN ports automatically detect computer speed to optimize network performance (up to 200 Mbps with full-duplex) at a distance of 100 m (328 ft). With double the memory and a 50&#-37; faster CPU than many popular routers, the DG814 is well-equipped to distribute large-file multimedia presentations in no time.
Even without networking experience, this gateway is simple for anyone to set up and use because the animated Install Assistant guides you through each step. Lighted status icons make it easy to observe network activity.
