| 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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Does the job, June 2, 2005
By user (Los Angeles, CA)
I've recently had the opportunity to set up two wireless networks for my friend's and now my home, all on WinXP systems. For my friend, I picked up a Buffalo Airstation on advice of the head of the tech department (not the floor salesguy) at a computer retailer, and it installed flawlessly in minutes, including a firewall, valuable 128-bit WEP security, plus --what is even more important to me to prevent hacking-- MAC filtering. For my own home, I went with a sale and got the Hawking 54M wireless G, and I couldn't get it to work. Even with tweaking (I've been doing non-networking IT for fifteen years), I couldn't get the router to connect with my ISP through my DSL connection. I went out and bought a D-Link (also 54M wireless G) on heavy discount at a different retailer, and like the Buffalo, it went up and running right away, and I easily set up the firewall, 128 bit WEP, and MAC filtering. [MAC filtering, for those of you who don't know, allows you to specify exactly which machines are allowed to connect to the router, and all other ones are shut out. This keeps the neighbors and others from hacking into your network, since WEP passwords aren't foolproof.] I like the D-Link.
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I like my little router friend, May 26, 2005
By user (Atlanta, Georgia)
I was pleased to find out that this wireless router has some decent range with it's wireless capabilities. My wireless coverage is pretty much throughout my entire house. I say pretty much because there are some spots where the time of day seems to affect the wireless signal. weird, but it's true. But those spots aren't places I frequent, so it doesn't matter.
I've had this thing for a while now and I am pleased with its performance overall. Fast enough for internet and some file transfers, wide enough range to be anywhere* in my home, and hasn't given me any major problems that weren't fixed with a firmware upgrade or slight tweak. This is why I have to give it 5 stars. Recommended for others.
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I agree with the 100Mbps WAN port "issue", May 23, 2005
By user (Dayton, Ohio)
You should definitely, if having problems, change your WAN port to be 10Mbps by default rather than 100Mbps. It helped me as well. I understand why D-Link make the port 100Mbps available since that is the standard now and someday all modems will have 100Mbps ports, but for now there are just some modems that can't handle it. Besides your internet connection isn't any faster than 10Mbps, well most people's aren't.
For me this router has been working great and I am in love with the low price for such good features. 802.11g wireless, good range, advanced firewall, easy to use, 4 LAN ports, Parental Controls, and some other stuff I can't think of right now. Either way, I like this router and would recommend it to others.
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Troublesome, May 20, 2005
By user (Austin, TX USA)
Firmware is troublesome. I have an older D-Link wireless router that is excellent, but this one is sharply worse.
I was trying to use some of the advanced features (filters, for example) and found the firmware very buggy. I decided to stop wasting time fighting through the problems and return the unit.
If you're not going to do anything but run the basic setup and use no advanced features it might work fine for you.
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Keeps in Chuggin' Away for me, May 17, 2005
By user (Richardson, Texas)
I've had this router for about 5 months or so now and it has been working just like the day I bought it and never gives me any problems. I've never even upgraded the firmware on it, or shanged any settings. It just keeps working so I see no need to fool with it. It's actually collected some dust on the case and I don't see a need to move it or brush off the dust.
Everything went smoothly the day I installed it. It's been so long so I don't remember every detail, but I do remember feeling pretty calm after setting it up. I'd recommend others to get one if it is what they are looking for in a router. Small, cheap, works, wireless, stable connection.
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Works like a Charm, May 13, 2005
By user (Southern California)
I've had this router for over 6 months and have not had one single problem. I use it with the DWL-G510 PCI Adapter and both work perfectly together. If you want an affordable and reliable router, this is the one to get. Great job again D-Link!
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Works good ..., May 12, 2005
By user (Seattle, WA)
... and I like the way it is super easy to use. duh. Web based interfaces rule the school and I hope that most D-Link products are the same as this, or better. :)
When installing it I would go for the setup wizard thingy and make sure to set your security settings. Especially if you don't know what you are doing. and if you think you might not know what you are doing, you probably aren't doing it right. :)
I bet most people that are looking for a wireless router that has 802.11g speeds (54Mbps) would enjoy this router. It is easy to use, small in size, and makes little to no dent on your pocketbook. Do people use poketbooks anymore? eh.
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An Easy to Use Basic Wireless Router, May 9, 2005
By user (Wyoming)
I don't have any gripes about the "lack" of features this wireless router has. It has everything a novice wireless user needs. WPA, 802.11g, web interface, 4 wired ports, DHCP, Firewall, easy to edit firewall rules, MAC filtering, and some more.
This wireless router works great in my home and provides good wireless coverage throughout my home. I don't have a massive house, but I do find this router to be well enough to cover what I do have in my 2 bedroom town home.
I would strongly suggest using the installation wizard that you first see when you login to the router via a web browser as this is straight forward and easy to understand.
I personally didn't have any problems setting this up, but if you do it looks like their FAQ on their support site ( support.dlink.com ) has some good answers. I'd also suggest browsing through the "emulator" on this product page on dlink.com.
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Doesn't work with personal firewalls???!, May 2, 2005
By user (Mount Kisco, NY)
I bought this router to replace an SMC router that I love for its built-in print server, but the switch seems to be failing and SMC does not seem to make one with a parallel printer port anymore. I bought this one because of its very low price after rebate. I figured even if it does not work perfectly and I kept it as a backup, it would be fine (the way people yell when the broadband goes down around here, you'd think they're doing mission critical government national security work). At the same time, I bought a Linksys 802.11b router, which I was sure would give me the distance I needed. Unfortunately the dLink router is not even good enough in my circumstance to be a backup and is going back.
The installation was fine and the web management interface was simple and very complete in the information and control it provided. That's why I'm giving this 2 stars and not fewer. Four PCs I tried connected without a hitch and worked great, but that fifth PC....
My fifth PC is the one I have from work. It's a ThinkPad T41 with a built in WiFi adapter and it could not get an IP address from the DHCP server in the router. I called D-Link tech support and got a really nice technician who seemed pretty much resigned to my configuration not working. He said my problem was likely specific to that PC and it could be either the WiFi card (which it can't be, as I further explained to him that the wired Ethernet card in the machine also could not get an IP address) or the Cyber Armor firewall my company loaded on it. He instructed me to disable the firewall and try it, because there is a known issue with certain personal firewalls, but he had no specific information as to known issues with this firewall or with ThinkPad T41s. I asked him why this router would have problems with this firewall when my SMC and Linksys did not. He said that different routers used different chips and left it at that.
With all the focus on security these days, I find it very odd that they would release a product that requires you to disable such a vital piece of software.
I had further problems because even with a static address to avoid the DCHP issue, my Nortel Contivity VPN did not work. THere's a FAQ on this on their web site, but following the instructions did not fix the problem and the odds of me calling my IS department and finding out how authentication is configured (as the FAQ said to do) is nil. And if authetication is configured a certain way, the router won't work anyway.
I've used other D-Link products and have been pretty happy with them. I won't hold a grudge - unless I have trouble returning it!
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Forget all the Rest D-Link Rules!, April 30, 2005
By user (Ecuador)
This router has saved me from my bad router-itus. I've had other brands, and I see no need to mention their names, but lets just say they all had thier own quirks to get working. The last one I tried was this little router guy. Finally something that works!
It was easy to setup, I didn't have to read a 20 page manual to figure it out, I don't have to keep resetting it or upgrading firmware constantly, and the wireless range is pretty good. I was purchasing other inexpensive routers as I don't see my router justifing a $100 of my hard earned money. Everyone should have one and it shouldn't cost a days work to have one.
Basically this router does everything I need, and at a good price, and easy to use interface. I have no complaints about this one.
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A Good First Time Wireless Router, April 26, 2005
By user
If you are new to wireless routers, or never had one of your won that you've had to take care of (not much care). Then this router is for you. It's real easy to use thanks to the wizards that walk you through things and the included documentation seems to be good enough for beginners. You do have to know some things about computers, as this isn't for the absolute newbie.
Overall this router packs a punch for such a low price. There is good wireless performance, good wired performance and the router seems to be stable with constant flows of traffic running through it. I haven't had any trouble with this router since I got it. I expect the same for others.
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Good Wireless and Wired Connections, April 23, 2005
By user (Enormous Peanuts)
I'm not the brightest bulb in the tulip patch, but I was able to figure this thing out with minimal hassle. The instructions and online material really help.
I've had this installed for about 4 months and its always been good to me. I can get a strong wireless signal from anywhere in my apartment even in my bedroom behind walls and closed doors.
The wired portion works just fine, as it should, and the setup was rather simple. Overall this wireless router is a well priced home router.
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DI-524 can't hold a connection, April 22, 2005
By user (Northern Virginia)
I've had the DLink DI-524 for eight months. Although the wired features work well, I have been unable to maintain a wireless connection (at 20 feet). The signal drops every 2-3 minutes. I've upgraded the firmware twice and spent 20+ hours troubleshooting. Tech support solved some issues, but couldn't resolve the signal loss. Forums on the web contain dozens of examples for this same problem. When I finally gave up and bought a Motorola, it performed flawlessly from the same location with the same settings and network systems. Caught red handed, DLink finally agreed to discuss a replacement, but it took them five weeks to respond to my email -- after four follow-ups and an info copy to the better business bureau. They reminded me that they never provide a refund ("No exceptions!") and reminded me that if I'd read the manual, I would have KNOWN that I had to call the 800 number instead of using email. I called, and the recorded message referred me to the RMA.DLINK.COM web site!
I've had bad products before, but the key issue here was DLINK's repeated denials that anything serious was wrong, and their attempt to ignore me, then blame me for the problem. I have 20+ years of IT experience. Evidently SOME of these routers work as advertised ... DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?
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Easy to use and Recommeded for First Timers, April 21, 2005
By user
I installed this for my parents so that they could also roam wirelessly throughout their home with their laptop. Even though their laptop is usually in the same spot everytime I come over. :p
I have a mostly wired network at home and have my own access point seperate from my router. But this little device actually performs quite well for it's price and size.
The setup was easy, the confugurations were simple and straight forward, and I haven't had any trouble from it in the past 3 months my parents have been using it.
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The Darn Thing Just keeps on Going!, April 21, 2005
By user (Unified Carcass Burners)
I've had this router with me for about 3 living arrangement changes and each time I change my location this comes with me. Each and everytime this is the device that powers my Internet conenction sharing and firewall, AND wireless access. I love it.
Whether it sits on the dirty cement floor, or high up on a shelf, it seems to work great.
Setup is always simple thanks to the setup wizard, and if need be I can set it back to factory settings with a paperclip and some patience. I really do appreciate the low cost of this router and the over abundance of use I get out of this. I once had all four wired ports full of computers and 3 wireless connections connected to this router and we were all playing some online web games and everything worked fine.
I can't get over the price per performance this thing outputs. Big ups to D-Link!
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Perfect Little Wireless Router, April 19, 2005
By user
I brought this home from Best Buy as a replacement to my old router as for some reason it stopped working. When I got home I was able to setup and get this router working in a matter of minutes. Setup and installation weren't hard at all thanks to the quick install guide and easy to use wizard.
After installation everything has been working fine since the second I plugged it in. I did have to upgrade the firmware, which made me re-configure the firewall and router settings, but after that everything worked great.
My wireless connections are stable, my wired connections are stable (as expected), and my wireless range is surprisingly further than my old wireless router. This was almost too easy.
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Not a helpful company!, April 19, 2005
By user (Cleveland, Ohio)
I bought this unit for a small retail store. It's primary purpose was to act as the router for the three computers in the store, and to access the DSL.
I spent more than four hours on the phone with tech support trying to get it to communicate with the DSL unit. The tech support from my ISP was more helpful than D-Link. My ISP even tried to help me fix the settings on the D-Link unit. End result is that I have replaced the unit with one from US Robotics and it hooked right up without a hitch!
D-Link's tech support tried for a while then gave up pointing the finger at my ISP, saying that the name and password had to be wrong since all of their other settings were correct. I could have accepted this, except that when we logged on without the D-Link in between the password worked fine.
D-Link's tech support finally (after two days and more than four hours on the phone) admitted that the unit may not be working properly. Worst tech support I have ever experienced!
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I wish foresight was 20/20, April 14, 2005
By user (Just west of the Big Dig)
I bought the DI-524 to replace my LinkSys BEFSR41 and to be able to use my laptop wirelessly.
The wireless connection was horrible. It kept dropping. The speed would go from 1.1 MBps to 11 MBps & back. I figured, "well, it's wireless, it's bound to happen."
However, even my workstation that's wired DIRECTLY to the DI-524 would disconnect every 10-15 minutes. I play MMORPGs & getting disconnected even for a second is a very bad thing indeed.
I updated the firmware, replaced the cable, replaced my NIC. All the same. I reinstalled my NIC & reconnected the LinkSys & all is good again.
I'm returning this unit & I'm going to get a LinkSys WRT54GS instead.
Moral: I should have stuck with what I had to begin with.
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I Love the 802.11g Speeds!, April 12, 2005
By user (Seattle)
I just upgraded from 802.11b to 802.11g (I know I'm late, but whatever) and the speed increase is amazing! I can transfer files over the network so much quicker now.
I have been using 802.11b for a while now, and didn't feel like upgrading because of money and the fear of getting my router/AP working the way I want. Most router/APs are difficult to get working properly.
Well this router was not one of those older router/APs. This one was easy to install, and I get blazing speeds anywhere in my apartment. OK so it's not amazing that I get wireless coverage in my one bedroom apartment, but believe it or not I'd get dropped sometimes with my older 802.11b router/AP. Now I don't get dropped and I have faster speeds. Weeeeeeeeeee!!!
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Fits my Simple Needs at Home, April 11, 2005
By user (Austin, TX)
I have this wireless capable router in my home, and have for about a month now. I am pleased with it's performance as I've never had to curse it out for being a bad router. :)
From what I remember the installation of this router was very easy and I had zero problems. I can always check and see how the router is doing by going to it's web interface via my web browser and checking out the status page. Or the Logs. I don't always knwo what they mean, but if nothing looks out of the ordinary then I feel ok.
The wireless portion of this router works pretty good to. Nice and secure, which keeps out my neighbors, the range is good in my home, I can even go outside. Overall I like this router and would recommend it to other casual computer/internet users out there. It's priced right too!
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