| D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54 Mbps High Speed Router (802.11g) |
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Model: DI-524
Brand: D-Link
Manufacturer: D-Link
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 263
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Share your Internet connection with built-in 4-Port switch
Compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b networks
Advanced Firewall and Security Controls
Built-in 4-Port SwitchOperating range of up to 328 feet indoors, up to 1,312 feet outdoors
Quick and easy set-up |
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| Description: |
| D-Link AirPlus G 802.11g Wireless Router - The DI-524 from D-Link can handle all of your networking needs. Utilizing the built-in 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch, you can wire your computers together in the standard fashion, or you can go wireless with 802.11g technology. Transferring data through the air at up to 54Mbps! The router and built-in firewall portion of the DI-524 allows for easy & safe broadband Internet sharing. Advanced Firewall Features - NAT with VPN Pass-through (Network Address Translation) MAC Filtering IP Filtering URL Filtering Domain Blocking Scheduling Dimensions - 5.6 (l) x 4.3 (w) x 1.2 (h) Weight - 7.8 oz. |
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| User Reviews (263 total): |
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In Defense of the DI-524, December 7, 2006
By user (Spring, TX USA)
I cannot believe I am seeing so many bad reviews here of this router. I have had this router for a few years now and it is the only one that has consistently worked for me. I have tried other routers (including other D-Link routers) mainly to get a wireless speed faster than 54 Mbps, but they all have had some problem like the VPN didn't work or I couldn't get all of my mixed wireless adapters to work with them on the same WEP security setting. The DI-524 has been the only router that never needs rebooting and works with all of my wireless adapters. And I especially like being able to turn the kids Internet access on or off by filtering their MAC address. I even had that problem with the other routers I have tried. I will not give any stars for D-Link support because the support really is poor. I also think that more recent models of DLink routers may indeed be frocked with problems - including this model - which is why I probably would not buy this D-Link again unless I could find a used one of the same series (C1). My router is also refurbished. So that is why I am giving it four stars (-1 star because it doesn't do 108 Mbps). So if you can find this one for around $20 just give it a try. You may even be happy with it.
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I have all kinds of problems with everything D-Link!!!!, December 4, 2006
By user (chicago, il)
Wow, I can't begin to tell you how absolutely terrible D-Link products are! Bad, Bad, Bad! I purchased a D-Link DWL-G650 Wireless Cardbus Adaptor for my Dell notebook running XP professional. I also purchased a D-Link DI-524 wireless router. I can tell you the "D" in D-link stands for "Don't work"!!!
First, the router has terrible transmission problems. I barely get a signal one room away, and it will flip from "excellent" to "poor" reception constantly. I also get kicked off about every 30 minutes. It doesn't work at all more than 25 feet away.
Second, the wireless card has a lot of difficulty connecting to the router. It takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 4 minutes to acquire the signal. I also had huge problems trying to use other networks while on the road. I developed a problem where I would try to connect to a network and my computer would completely crash! I would get a message saying something like: "A problem has been detected and windows has shut down" my computer would then go into DOS and I'd need to power down. This happened almost every time I tried to use the cardbus adaptor.
I've tried to call D-Link support but just wait on hold for more than 30 minutes. I gave up and bought a 3-com cardbus adaptor and have never had any crashes. The router still works like crap though.
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Works fine for a year then dies without warning, November 25, 2006
By user (Ann Arbor, MI)
I've had this router for a little over a year and it's worked perfectly during that time. However, recently the internet (WAN) port seems to have stopped working, and I can no longer access the internet either through wireless or through a wired connection. The WAN indicator light is on and blinking, and the PC light on my cable modem is also on, showing that they recognize each other, but there is no internet traffic going through. I tried resetting the router, reverting back to factory settings, and upgrading the firmware, but no luck. I had to finally resort to hooking up my cable modem directly to my computer to use the internet. I haven't tried contacting tech support, but after calling them a couple years ago for another Dlink router I had and spending close to two hours on the phone with them, I'll pass. Time to toss this piece of junk in the trash.
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It works, and then it doesn't..., November 19, 2006
By user (Grand Rapids, MI)
I purchased this router based on...SIGH...the price. They never sent me my rebate, so that was always a bit of a sore spot, but even worse was the performance. Now it DID work. Sometimes. But I'd have to come home and reset it all of the time, and it was especially temperamental in the mornings... I do believe it was tied to power fluctuations (lightning, power outages, etc.) as written below, but it doesn't matter. After less than one year, the unit simply doesn't work now, can't be hard reset, and really can't be used. The moral of this story, is of course: 'you get what you pay for'.
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Problems....Problems......., November 6, 2006
By user (Amherst, NY)
I bought this product, and had problems with it from beginning. I contacted technical support to get me a new one. They do not issue an RMA number. They asked me to trouble shoot before they issue the RMA number. I was asked to troubleshoot the product for 40 minutes, and after that......do you know what happens? The phone gets disconnected. I called again, repeated the process ...another 40 min of troubleshooting...again phone disconnects. Third time, fortunately the phone got disconnected within 10 min......I guess the support person is going to issue the RMA number, as I almost completed their troubleshooting process.
Their phone lines are too bad. Their phone lines disconnect after 20-40 min (there might be an algorithm...??? who knows). This was one of the WORST customer support I have ever seen. Want to help yourself? Do no buy this D-Link product.
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Rather poor, October 12, 2006
By user
Really cheap router... saved me a lot of money. However, I had to reset the router very often because it just quit working. I had a few times where the power to my house would flicker in bad weather, and every single time the router just quit and wouldn't accept any new connections until it was reset. All my other hardware, including my Vonage Linksys router, that was plugged into the same circuit protector didn't have a problem with the power flicker. After having this router for three months, it went completely dead and wouldn't power on again when plugged in. After my problems and what I've read other customers saying who have used this router, I'm not even worrying about sending it back.
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*Pulls out handfuls of hair in frustration*, September 26, 2006
By user (Dallas, TX, USA)
This has to be one of the dumber routers that I have worked with. First, the default IP address is 192.168.0.1, an address that conflicts with many DSL modems. Several times, my internet connection would go down, and I could not access my DSL modem through the router, even though all was properly connected. I would have to plug my computer directly into the modem, and then into the router to get the connection working again. Many times when this happened, I could not even access the router by typing in the IP address! Sometimes I would be able to access the "home page" but not any other pages. Just recently, the router has been randomly disconnecting for a few seconds, messing up Skype calls and cancelling uploads in process. There are only two possible user names: admin and user, a potential security flaw. Why is this labeled a "high speed" router? There are many gigabit routers around, and 108mbps+ routers exist, so this is "average speed" at best. The "firewall" is just an afterthougt so dlink could put something else on the box; it does not compare to say, that of a linksys BESFR51.
So with this router down (I am currently plugged directly into the DSL modem), my search goes on for a router that will simply work without complaining.
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Last D-Link, September 23, 2006
By user (Minneapolis)
Had the 514 B router that worked great. Tried the 524 and had nothing but trouble. Had to send the first one back. They said they had a bunch of bad chips. The second 524 worked for a couple months and then refused to keep a connection. Finally bought a cheap Belkin and no more problems. The 524 goes in the junk heap. Not recommended.
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If you like headaches and hassles, buy this router, September 18, 2006
By user (Houston, TX USA)
This may be one of the cheapest routers out there, but it's cheap in every way. I spent hours either on hold or talking with poorly trained overseas "tech support" whose expertise consisted of (barely) reading a script. Eventually these computer whizzes determined that my D-Link router didn't work. They told me to send it back (on my nickel, of course), and they sent me another one, which also did not work, at least not with my computer system. After more wasted hours, I was referred to the one guy at D-Link who--supposedly--has mastered this router's bugs. The problem? He never answered the phone. And despite all my calls to him and all my voicemails asking him either to call me at work or to set a time for us to talk, he repeatedly returned my calls at 3:00 in the afternoon, the time when most people who can afford routers are working. Finally I had an epiphany: Life was too short to %*&#@ with D-Link. I packed up the router and sent it back to the CEO, Stephen Joe, with a letter. Then I went out and bought a Netgear router, and I was up and running in minutes. Mr. Joe never responded to my letter, but what else do you expect from a company that so clearly doesn't value its customers?
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Going to get a LinkSys router..., September 16, 2006
By user (APO, AE United States)
My biggest qualm is that since I upgraded the firmware to my DI-524 at the D-Link website, I have experienced random restarts from this router. Additionally, it requires a reset everytime you make a change to its configuration. This is extremely annoying, especially having had a router that never had to do that (LinkSys WRT54G.) I normally used this DI-524 in case I needed wireless from the LAN in a hotel. I had to pull this router out since I hosed my LinkSys from being too inquisitive with third party firmwares. D-Link has truly shown me how much I'm missing from my LinkSys WRT54G and so with that, I'm going to grab another LinkSys router. Some of you may not even care about the firmware factor, but if you do like to keep your routers up to date, and you're an advanced user, please don't buy this. Save your money and get a LinkSys.
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Not a reliable router, do not upgrade firmware!, September 6, 2006
By user (NYC)
Have had this router for over a year. During this time the router constantly lost the internet connection, even when it's wired directly to my desktop PC. The disconnect can last anywhere from a couple of seconds to minutes. A new firmware (1.23) was released a few days ago for revision A (the version of the router I have). D-Link's website said the firmware "improved reliability" so I decided to upgrade. After flashing to the new firmware, the router will not let me into the control panel or respond to pings. The lights blink, that's all. I've reset the router, but this does nothing to restore the old firmware. D-link's firmware upgrade appears to have put this router out of its misery--which is perhaps for the best as it now forces me to finally go back to a reliable router company.
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This is a junk, August 28, 2006
By user (San Jose, CA)
I'm a cable subscriber and bought this a year ago. Once the speed picks up, it starts dropping connection. I connect the modem to my PC, bypassing this router, and gets much much faster download speed than with the router.
TAC support is absolutely useless..their suggestion is to reset the modem, reset the router, upgrade the router firmware, downgrade the router firmware.... I would've returned it had I not lost the receipt.
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Buy anything but this!, August 26, 2006
By user (Spring, TX United States)
I had a Linksys WRT54G (ver 1) router that served me perfectly for many years, but like anything electrical, one day it just died completely. I had read unfavorable reviews about the later versions of the WRT54G (different OS, half the memory), so I bought the D-Link DI-524. Unlike a lot of other reviewers here, I didn't have too much trouble with the wireless dropouts; my problem was with the desktop PC that was hard-wired to the router. Streaming audio and video was choppy at best, and at many times nonexistent. I flashed the router to the latest firmware, replaced all CAT5 cables, and still the problem persisted. Any internet speed test that I ran showed great throughput, but the problem with streaming media persisted. I exchanged the week-old DI-524 for a Belkin F5D9230 and all those issues disappeared. I'm not saying that the Belkin is the only solution, but I do know that I was extremely disappointed with the D-Link router. Maybe I got a lemon and your mileage may vary, but this was my first and most likely last experience with a D-Link product.
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Don't Buy This Router!, August 24, 2006
By user (Sanbornville, NH United States)
I bought this router after a friend reccomended it to me. I followed the instructions exactly yet the connections kept resetting continously. I contacted the manufacturer three times and they were unable to solve the problem. I also called my Internet Service Provider and they were no help. I replaced the item and the problems continued.
Save yourself the trouble and do not buy this router.
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Effective & Reliable, August 22, 2006
By user
I've used my DI-524 for several years and have no meaningful complaints. I am fairly computer literate, and so did not have any difficulty setting up a small home network and sharing internet connectivity (thank you, Windows XP, for making it easier). The 524 is not a perfect solution for anyone who unfamiliar with basic networking concepts such as IPs, ports, WEP, and VPNP.
That aside, this is a solid piece of hardware. I understand that some folks who use the 524 find themselves performing a hard reset several times a day. I have not. Four stars- knocking one star off for the UI, which is not designed for the computer illiterate.
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Cheap, effective router. But buggy., August 14, 2006
By user
This router has a great price, especially when on sale. The firewall (built in) is pretty good as well. But the problem with D-link, with their 500 series is that it disconnects you from the internet occassionally.
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This can be solved by unpluging/plugging,
through command prompt (start>run and type CMD) (type ipconfig/release and then ipconfig/renew).
You can also run through the wizard (type 192.168.0.1 in the address bar, put in username/password, press wizard. go through steps.)
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But its still annoying. I suggest paying a little extra to buy a less buggy router.
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D-Link Router: Grade-A Material!, August 13, 2006
By user
Upgrading from a Microsoft router to this name-brand fine piece of quality was wonderful. Not only was it easy to set up/use and reliable, but the specific configuration options for the router are awesome. Perfect for a family's basic needs, perfect for a pro's customization.
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Its good, easy to install and fast., August 10, 2006
By user
The Router is small, occupies little space, easy to install and good looking. It works well and I can see no trouble until now.
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Disappointed, Poor D-Link, not recommended, August 10, 2006
By user
I decided to buy this set of wireless Router and Adapt totally because of their brand, D-link. Actually many local computer stores have cheaper sets but with other brands, Netgear, Linksys, etc. However, I am now a little disappointed for them. The signal is not good even the desktop is less than 15 feet away from the router. Unstable - disconnected for several times in the first week.
Moreover, to set the router up is absolutely a hard task - almost mission impossible for those who are not familiar to computer. I just could not set it up with the cd enclosed, always told me that unable to configure the router. Then I tried to call the custom support of D-Link but waited for 40 mins without an available technician, poor service. Finally I found that the driver on the provided CD is wrong!! After I downloaded a new driver, I did it. But it took me a whole night!
From now, I won't trust D-Link. Disappointing products for the well known brand and price!
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Never buy D Link, August 9, 2006
By user (West Hartford, CT)
I bought this unit about a month ago, it worked well for the first fifteen days. Now it crashes every few hours or more and looses wireless signal every half hour. It locks up and needs to be reset at least 2 to 3 times in a day. Its frustrating when you constantly loose signal.
In short: Don't spend money on this, its not worth it.
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