Netgear WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router
- Open source 802.11G router allows Linux users and developers create custom firmware for special applications
- Switch with four 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing ports; external antenna and internal diversity antenna for maximum range
- Features 240 MHz CPU, 4 MB flash and 16MB RAM and runs the Linux operating system
- Supported by open source community website with forums, blogs and downloads
- Measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD); 1-year warranty
Product Description
Open-source router for Linux developers and open-source experts, Comprehensive Open-source User Guide available for developers, Second internal diversity antenna improves performance. High-performance with 240 MHz CPU, 4 MB flash and 16 MB RAM, “Works with Windows Vista” certified, Supports Wi-Fi Protected SetupTM (WPS).Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description The NETGEAR WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router is an 802.11g wireless rou… More >>
Netgear WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router
If you know nothing about wireless routers, I have a lot to tell you. I bought a condo a few years back and there was NO phone jack in the second bedroom/office (stupid, huh?). Because the floor was concrete and I shared the ceiling with a neighbor, no electrician would come out to install a phone jack or run a line into the room through the walls. So I bought a router. It was a LINKSYS, but it only lasted a year. So I bought this Netgear on some advice. The manual setup is easy. Open your desktop and install the card/antennae into any slot and close up the desktop. Find a phone jack in another room that is closest to your desktop (remember to avoid as many obstacles as possible, like walls and especially washer/dryers or any metal objects). Then plug your phone cord into the router. My closest connection was in the kitchen with one wall between the router and desktop antennae.
That was easy, but I had a lot of trouble setting up the software and spent hours on the phone with support from the Philippines (Have you dealt with support from the Philippines or India???). Then I had to talk to my phone company to get the codes correct (POP, STMP, etc.). It was a real headache. When it was finally working, the connectivity would vary and sometimes it was slow. I finally trashed it and ripped up the rug and now run my phone line under the carpet on the concrete along the walls. It’s a direct connection.
If you are one of the lucky ones who can figure things out, this system is great for one reason, in that it can connect up to four separate computers, but I found with only one computer it was not worth the hassle. As I have mentioned in other reviews, although I enjoy electronics, I am not that technologically savvy. But that was just MY experience.
Rating: 3 / 5
Because of the oftentimes finicky nature of getting Windows designed routers to work properly with Linux systems, Netgear’s WGR614L G-Band wireless router is a terrific (and well priced) hardware option that will get you up and running smoothly with minimal fuss.
Although this product also works with Windows (including Vista) my recommendation is to seek different options if Windows is your OS of choice. For one thing, the fact that this router operates on the G-band is somewhat limiting for current and future functionality not to mention the fact that there are much better options for Windows users at the moment.
For true Linux usage, however, the WGR614L provides terrific and capable functionality. The one nitpick that i do have has to do with this router’s somewhat weak range. I’ve seen better but then again at this price its hard to argue against.
Rating: 3 / 5
The product is labeled as Model: WGR614L-100NAS, but the box contains Model: WGR614v9 which is NOT the WGR614L. It is the latest version of the Model: WGR614NA.
Don’t know what Netgear is trying to do by mislabeling the product.
Rating: 1 / 5
I ordered the WGR614L router because the description stated that it supports Linux and port forwarding. We were able to get the wired connection setup but my laptop was unable to pick up the wireless signal for the router. A couple of times I got a message that I had no wireless adapter connected, even though I was able to see other wireless networks. We called Netgear and spent an hour on the phone with the rep and were still unable to get the wireless connection to work. After deciding to give up on the wireless connection, we asked the rep where to find the firewall so we could setup port forwarding. His response was ‘what firewall that is on your computer’. By that time we had spent a good 4 hrs trying to get this router to work. It was also at this point that we looked at the bottom of the router and realized it had WGR614v8. Needless to say I sent this router back to Amazon. I bought a DYNEX Enhanced Wireless G Router and we were able to setup the wireless connection and port forwarding in about 20 minutes. It also works fine with Linux.
Rating: 1 / 5
This router is great for what it’s advertised for: Simple connectivity with Linux computers, with excellent hackability for expanded use. Some linux systems have trouble with some routers, and the WGR614L will help prevent that, allowing all the operating systems in your home to connect without a lot of hassle.
The setup for this router is pretty standard:
1)Install the software on your computer(s), following the onscreen instructions.
2)Connect the router to your computer via the included ethernet cable or via wireless
3)Connect your dsl or cable modem to the router
4)Do any final tweaking, cross your fingers, and hope to be connected!
I didn’t experience any significant issues with the setup, but I am also a very advanced user. If you are a newbie or a casual “point and click” computer user, you may want to think twice. While this router is fairly easy to use out of the box, no setup is guaranteed to be without hassle. If you’re using Linux, you probably have at least intermediate computer knowledge, but if you’re not comfortable accessing the software interface for the router, you may want to rethink this purchase, or find someone to set it up for you.
Additionally, this should be made more clear: If you’re not using linux, you don’t need this router. There are better routers out there if you just use Macs or PCs. If you have N capability on your computers or intend to in the future, you should definitely check out a more future-proof “N” router.
Overall I would recommend this router if you are an experienced Linux user who has had issues with other routers and doesn’t need the latest “N” speeds. If you don’t use Linux, don’t know much about computers, or have to have the latest and best, look elsewhere.
Rating: 4 / 5