D-Link Extreme 802.11 G: A review

[chuckerants]

Ok, I've had this Router/Card Combo for a couple of weeks now and the following are my observations.

First, I've had Linksys, D-Link, Belkin and Siemens wired routers with my primary wired router being the BEFSR41 4 port. A month or so ago I borrowed my neighbors Linksys "B" router and Card to use on my laptop. While surfing speed was fine, file transfer, downloads and distance was very poor.

Two weeks ago I bought the Router/Card combo.

The initial set up was too easy. The D-Link's "Wizard" set-up as well as the color poster/manual made it idiot proof.

I've yet to fiddle with the WEP/WAP, encrytption or any other areas of security except to limit the number DHCP IPs. My primary concern was, could I surf the net while sitting in bed?

The answer? Yes. Although, I am having to type this now with the laptop at an awkward 10~15 degree tilt to the right as it sits on my lap. If I straighten out the laptop, the signal disapprears. As it is now, I have "Excellent" signal strength.

File transfer and download speed is DEFINIETLY faster and the range is now extended to my bedroom which is about 20 feet further than it was with the "B" router/Card.

Overall, I'd say this was a great deal and I'm very happy with this.

 

[SniperXX]

Cool thanks for the info. I think I may go ahead and upgrade, but hows the file transfew compared to wired? I will probably get it since its definately faster than my 22Mpbs Dlink B version. But I want to know how it stacks up to wired since I read its supposed to be just as fast or even a bit faster than wired due to some stuff they did.

 

[chuckerants]

I'd have to guess that the file transfer speed is almost as fast as wired, but I doubt it is faster than wired. Damn close though.

If you know of a way to measure the file transfer speed, I'll try it and let you know.

 

[Albuquerque]

Best way to find a "real" transfer rate is to simply transfer a 'real" large file from two points in your network.

I have a server DMZ machine that runs 24/7 that plugs into my Cisco 100mbit switch. My DLINK 614+ connects into that switch as well, so I figure the connection between those two is pretty good. Thus, to test my own transfer speed, I zipped an entire program directory (chose the original Unreal Tournament, zipped it was about 500mb) and then copy it to a wired destination machine plugged into your Dlink router.

I don't recall what my speeds were, but in 22mbit connection mode, throughput was about 8.5mbit. About the same as a wired 10mbit connection, so I wasn't unhappy.

To figure exact bandwidth in megabits per second, remember that:
8 bits = 1 byte
1024 bytes = 1kb
1024kb = 1mb
1024mb = 1gb

Thus, if a file that's precisely 630mb takes exactly 20 minutes to transfer, you have moved 5,284,823,040 bits in 1200 seconds; you hit 4,404,019.2 bits per second, or 4mbit.

 

[SniperXX]

SiSoft Sandra 2004 has a network bandwith tool that measures speeds for you. Go to http://download.com.com/3000-2086-10229189.html?tag=lst-0-1 to download the free trial.

 

[Namagomi]

Good to hear, I just got one for home, and one for my dad's office after seeing the glowing review in Maximum PC magazine. Since I'll be running all D-Link hardware, I expect to get the full 108mbit speed. If it really works out, it'll be replacing all the longer exposed wire runs, as it should be just as fast as the wired 100mbit network I have.

 

[chuckerants]

FYI - I'm dowloading a 7.59 MB file at 149 KB/Sec.

 

[chuckerants]

According to SiSoft Sandra 2004's LAN Bandwidth analyzer, my WiFi G is at ~ 3000 kB/s.

My wired PC is rated by SiSoft 2004 at 3300 kB/s.

So, my impressions were pretty dead on according to SiSoft. That the WiFi bandwidth was pretty damned close to wired.

Cool!

 

[chuckerants]

HOLY COW!

I just upgraded the driver for the PCMCIA card and the bandwidth has increased to 8mb/s!!!

 

[SniperXX]

WOW! So that 8mb/s is what Sisoft now says for the speed? If soo thats awesome.

Namagomi- could you bechmark yours too so I and others have two scores to look @?

 

[chuckerants]

Yup, that's the result from SiSoft 2004 Pro.

I know I updated the Firmware on the router, but I just remembered to update the driver on the PC card.

Too Cool!

 

[SniperXX]

Yup, that's the result from SiSoft 2004 Pro.

I know I updated the Firmware on the router, but I just remembered to update the driver on the PC card.

Too Cool!

Lol, cool. Im dying to get one, lol.

 

[chuckerants]

One thing I can't figure out is how to activate WAP. I e-mailed Tech Support yesterday.

Also, there are 2 green lights on top of the PC card that blinks in unison when everything is working ok that is kinda annoying. When the 2 LEDs blink one then the other, that tells you it has not found a good signal.