Netgear DG834 ADSL2+ Modem, Wired Router with 4-port 10/100 Mbps Switch

I read all about the Netgear DG 834 on several well known review sites before buying, and it was consistently the most highly rated by users and techies alike. Like most people, the biggest factor was price. To get the 3 separate pieces of hardware offered here in one box here (a modem a router and a firewall) would normally cost hundreds of pounds.

The second thing that attracted me to it was the comments by people on how easy it was to set up. I can now confirm this (as described a few lines below).

I was also very impressed by how it seemed to do EVERYthing and all for what I think is quite a reasonable price. I got my broadband connection quite cheaply on the basis that I would set it up myself, and buy my own hardware. So this litte box has really saved me money.

With this package, you get a modem, AND a firewall (very important if you have broadband so that people can't attack your PC and "leach" off of your connection). What is more, you even get a router, which means that more than one computer can connect to the internet at the same time. It also lets share files and printers etc. between all the computers in your home.

I was concerned about setting up my own ASDL connection because although I am an avid computer "user" I can't really do all that technical twiddling stuff. I was most worried beacuse I have a PC and my girlfriend has an apple ibook, and so I imagined that there would be big trouble ahead.

But it was no problem at all. In fact, the DG 834 did all the settings by itself! I was given a long list of settings and configuration details by my ISP but ... all I had to do was type in my account and password details, and it just worked everything else out by itself! It was even easier than setting up a printer.

Now my PC and my girlfriend's apple are connected to the internet. You can leave them both on all the time without worrying about hackers. Or you can turn them on and off when you like and the connection is just there instantly. Nothing to open, or dial up. Just go to your internet browser and it's done. We can also send and receive files to / from each other, as the DG 834 has given us a proper network.

There is a downside, but it's very minor. You only get one splitter/microflter in the box. We have a second phone extension and so because this was not "filtered" we still had some "noise" on our phone line. Solution? Simply bought a second filter and all problems were solved.

Absolutely outstanding. I haven't been so impressed by a single gadget since ... well ... a very long time indeed.

Just ignore the single-PC modem which your service provider supplied (but make sure you're not voiding your agreement by connecting your own kit). Follow the simple instructions with the DG834 and away you go, with up to four computers (more if you add another switch or hub). It took me about 10 minutes.

I've tried several bits of kit and recommend this as the easiest to set up, smallest (and best looking!).