For my first (but definitely not last) review I get the honour of reviewing a newly released
Netgear DG814 ADSL Router with 4 port 10/100
built in switch ... *phew* Long name !!! To date this is not the only broadband router Netgear have released, and there are many people who
have heard or even own the Netgear RP114 cable router, however
it is the first product to include an ADSL modem also.
All sealed up ready to open !! Shiny new toy to play with !!
All opened up - full of stuff for me to play with !!
They certainly don't skimp on what's included in the package either. For around £135 inc vat and delivery (it was £137 for me at
Insight UK / Action) you not only get a very cool and stylish looking bit of kit, you
also get all the cables you will need to get started. The network lead is Cat5e and is the snagless kind so the plastic tab
doesn't get broken off, and you get a microfilter too ! (Note : the manual does say some countries won't have a microfilter included
and I assume that the package contents are subject to change without prior notice, so don't be surprised if you buy one in a different
country and it's a bit different !)
Piccy from the front angle
The box contents spread out on my carpet .. hmm need a hoover
The list of contents !
- The router itself of course, the shiny silver jobby in the top left
- Manual, warranty card, cd with manual on it and probably a couple of other
bits I forgot
- RJ11 type lead for connecting to the ADSL socket of your microfilter /
wallbox
- RJ45 Snagless Cat5e network lead - appears to be about 3metre long
- Microfilter
- AC Adaptor
Rounding off the physical features of the router - the 4 port 10/100 switch on the reverse of the router.
The builtin switch
In the manual it says this is autosensing - so assuming you want to "crossover" another hub or switch onto this for supporting more pcs, you
can use a "normal" cat5 cable and not a "crossover" kind and it will do the hard work. Nice feature for a relatively low cost bit
of kit like this !!
UPDATE: I've been informed that the auto-sensing is just for the 10/100mb network devices, and DOESN'T detect devices that need a crossover. My apologies :)
Onto the second page for information on how to set it up and my "final thoughts" :)
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