NETGEAR DGB111G Wireless Starter Kit - wireless router

...As I have been using Netgear products for a while without any real difficulties I didn’t hesitate when asked if a wanted to use the Netgear DGB111G to connect to the web.
So after a few months of using it I feel I can now give my honest opinion about it.

==** WHAT COMES IN THE BOX…==

* The router (white)
* A yellow Ethernet cable
* A grey line cable
* A mains lead
* Three filters for ...
...it easier to distinguish you Netgear from all the others that may be around you, This is easily done in the Wireless setting section. Give it a nice funky name if you wish, (many wireless routers computers which my PC picks up have router names and are quite boring, like Bthub or Sky… how dull is that)

'''* Then your security station access list needs securing…'''
Either use WEP (although not too safe) or for more security use ... more

There are a vast amount of Routers on the market, all offering the best speeds and connections for wireless networking than any others, but most come with a hefty price tag attached.
As I have been using Netgear products for a while without any real difficulties I didn’t hesitate when asked if a wanted to use the Netgear DGB111G to connect to the web.
So after a few months of using it I feel I can now give my honest opinion about it.

** WHAT COMES IN THE BOX…

• The router (white)
• A yellow Ethernet cable
• A grey line cable
• A mains lead
• Three filters for the phone line
• A wireless 54Mbps USB 2.0 Adapter. (for those Pcs without built in wireless adapters)

** THE ROUTER ITSELF…

This good sized unit, being 17 ½ cm long by 12 cm wide by 3cm thick and weighing in at just under 300 grams, sits quietly on any small shelf without any trouble at all.
It has a transfer rate of 54 Mbps with a 2.4 Ghz frequency band and a Data link using Ethernet IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g.
Even with its attached external antenna protruding from the rear it is still a pretty looking white unit.
On the rear of the router are…

• 4 LAN ports
• 1 Ethernet port
• 1 mains port
• An external antenna
  
  The front has seven symbols which light up and they are…

* Power (illuminated when on)

• Test (flashes red when testing, green when tested and goes off when ready)
• Internet (lights up when on)
• Wireless (lights up when wireless setting are on)
• LAN (lights up when Ethernet lines are in ports, up to four can be added for non wireless devices).

Note:
Internet and wireless lights flash when downloading/uploading or simply browsing the web.

** FEATURES:

Firewall protection, auto device sensing, DHCP/NAT support, content filter.

** SYSTEM REQUIRMENTS…

Apple Mac, Linux, Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista

** Well, that’s the technical bits out of the way with, (some of which can be read from the actual box when it arrives).

** SETTING IT UP…

Once you have followed the simple instructions, like plugging it into the mains and your phone line, then you simply put in the details provided on the base to access the router information/setting themselves.
Then it is a matter of checking and changing the settings to your requirements, which is easier than it sounds as most settings are already done.

**SECURING YOUR ROUTER…

The first thing I did was change the factory setting password, (but I was not allowed to change the username, although this was not a problem at all, as long as the actual password is changed so no one else can access your router and change your settings)
Also change the name (SSID) of the router as it makes it easier to distinguish you Netgear from all the others that may be around you, This is easily done in the Wireless setting section. Give it a nice funky name if you wish, (many wireless routers computers which my PC picks up have router names and are quite boring, like Bthub or Sky… how dull is that)

* Then your security station access list needs securing…
Either use WEP (although not too safe) or for more security use WPA (either PSK or 802.1) both using a network key which you can make as difficult as you want. Using 8-63 characters, (this is where Latin phrase come in handy)

* Finally, set up an access list for all the wireless device you know and trust, which is easily achieved by going to wireless station access/access list, then scan for wireless devices and add the ones you want and trust.

You can check at anytime which devices are actually running on your router by clicking on the ‘attached router’ option, then clicking on the refresh button, which will give you a list of the devices which are on, giving you the opportunity to see and block any ‘piggy backers’.

Then once your happy with your selections I do advise backing up your setting using the ‘Backup setting’ option in the left list. (just in case your router messes up)

** Setting your wireless PC to the router….

Once your router is secure you can safely add your PC’s, either wireless or connected with Ethernet to the rear of the router.Then…

• Turn on the router
• Turn on your wireless PC and search for wireless routers
• Once your PC has found your routers name then you will need to put in the network key which is on your router.
  Your PC and router should now be able to use together enabling you to enjoy surfing the web.

** IN CONCLUSION…

Once set up this router is quite a powerful little device, allowing several Pcs, either wireless or wired, to connect to it and easily connect to the World wide web.
At present I have three computers attached, two wireless and one wired, plus it can take two other wireless laptops when I have ’company’ with any troubles.

The ideal position to get the best performance from your router is generally in the centre of your house/office, mine is sat on a small shelf half way up my hallway and I have full bars in every room, (apart from the bathroom, but I don’t tend to use my PC in the bathroom anyway, I mean, who wants to read their E-mails whilst sitting on the toilet?).
It is very similar looking to many of the Netgear range and very similar in use as well, having the same style of set up and security devices. ( I have recently used a DG8343G which was just as good, although not quite having as much oomph).

I have never lost connection in all the time I have been using it, although the bars do tend to drop one or two depending on the time of day, I’m guessing that’s down to interference when the wife has switched the washing machine on or is hovering the house… only joking there now).

Anyway, I am using the DGB111G as we speak, also connected, apart from this Laptop, is a desk top in my eldest daughter bedroom as she is researching some Egyptian homework on pyramids and stuff, also, my brother in law is in the living room downloading some of his heavy metal 80’s music from itunes or something, (no wonder he’s mad)… anyway, I know that is only three systems running at the moment but there is absolutely no loss of surfing experience from any of the computers, and no loss of connection at all, (although the little lights on the router are flashing that fast I am waiting for a plane to land in my hallway).

In all, this is a nice looking little white unit which sits easily on a small shelf, safety protecting your PC’s from outside harm, (although I do recommend using other security programs as extra precaution).
If you do want to invest in this lovely little piece of technology then you can get one from www.amazon.co.uk for around £65.00, and for this you do get the full kit, including the wireless USB adaptor, as this is included in the ’starter kit’. (which I did not get in the box as I think my mate nicked it before he gave the router to me… typical). But do shop around for deals as there are always offers about.

Would I have spent £65.00 on this..?
Yes I think I would have as I feel it is well worth the money, considering it does the same as many more expensive routers, and once set up you can simply forget it’s there.
 

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