RP614-v2 wired router works great
Pros:
Easy setup, compact, flawless operation.
Cons:
None so far. Might need proper power-up sequencing if power fails.
The Bottom Line:
A necessity if you have two or more computers with web access. Easy to set up even for novice PC users.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The addition of a 2nd desktop (Win XP) in the home, plus my occasional use of a company laptop, required the purchase of a router. This replaced the network hub (switch) I was using before, as my Internet Service Provider (Bell Sympatico) will not provide more than two simultaneous accesses. A router presents just one IP address towards the ISP, and also acts as a firewall to help dissuade hackers from penetrating, in theory anyways. Since I had already run Cat 5 cable from the PC-equipped rooms to the basement "modem closet", a "wired" router was all I required. Wireless routers are not only more expensive, but they require wireless cards on each PC as well. Also, security and radio interference can be a problem.
I bought the Netgear RP614 at Future Shop for CDN $70 (less $40 mail-in rebate). Setup was very simple. I did not require the CD-ROM that ships with it. The basic instructions were enough. Plug in the LAN cables, modem (wait for it to sync), power up the router, access the router setup (via PC browser), enter my ISP user ID and password (not always necessary, depending on ISP), and it was ready to go. From then on, the router automatically logs in to the ISP, rather than PCs connecting individually. The router automatically assigns an internal IP address to each device it detects on your local network, allowing you to set up your own "home network". A word of advice - before setting up a home network, disable (or re-configure) any "software firewall (ZoneAlarm, Norton Internet Security, etc) you might be using.
It also allows you to easily open up specific ports, or a range of ports, to support specific services (P2P transfers, for example). I have not needed to delve any deeper into more of its "advanced features".
I occasionally use proprietary VPN software to "tunnel" to the network at my office, and this router allows me to pass through without trouble.
I've had this router for over a month, and so far it has worked flawlessly and transparently, while hidden away in a basement closet along with the DSL modem.
