D-Link DI-714 broadband router and wireless access point review

D-Link DI-714 cable/dsl router and access point Link

D-Link link

Score: 3 out of 3

Review Type: Hands On

Reviewer: Chris Kaminski 

Date: Aug 3, 2001

Part 1 of 2

Summary

D-Link has added a new cable/dsl router to their lineup and it appears to be a winner. The DI-714 is a cable/dsl broadband router with statefull packet inspection and a 4 port switch built in. In addition it features a dual-antenna 802.11b wireless Ethernet access point with 64 or 128 bit encryption. A snazzy web based user interface rounds out this nearly flawless offering from D-Link. The D-Link DI-714 is a GREAT bargain with a street price of around $220!

 

What it does

Like all broadband routers, the DI-714 will allow multiple computers on your LAN to share a single cable or DSL modem Internet connection using a technology called NAT. The DI-714 also incorporates ‘statefull packet inspection’, ad advanced form of NAT firewall protection not found in many routers. In addition to the 4 port 10/100 ethernet switch, this router also has an 802.11b wireless Ethernet access point built in. The router will allow unrestricted traffic between your wired and wireless computers (for file sharing, games, etc) and will then route all Internet traffic through your cable or dsl modem. Lastly, if your broadband Internet connection fails, a standard serial modem can be connected to the router as a backup Internet connection

 

The Install

D-Link has greatly improved their focus on home user installation. The DI-714 eases users through the setup process with an easy to follow set of videos on CD and a web based setup wizard that rocks. The videos on CD are a must for first timers. They take you through the steps of collecting the necessary information from your current config, plugging in the hardware, and finally setting up the router’s software. The videos are very short and to the point – perfect for home users wanting to get their router running as quickly as possible.

The Firewall

How can you not be impressed with a router in this price range that includes stateful packet inspection (SPI)? SPI allows the router to detect advanced forms of malicious attacks that might get directed at your computers while on-line.

Firmware upgrades

You can expect regular upgrades to the firmware on any router that has stateful packet inspection as the manufacturer combats new forms of attacks. The firmware upgrade process of the 714 is a java application that runs from the administration screens. That means any computer platform that can run java in a browser can upgrade the firmware.

Wireless Side

The DI-714 packs a wireless access point that supports both 40/64 and 128 bit encryption. The administration screen only allows hex entry of WEP keys instead of choosing between hex and passcode (ASCII). A big plus is the detachable dual antennas. Since they are detachable, it would be very easy to connect a long range omni-directional antenna.

714 Review Continued --->

D-Link DI-714 broadband router and wireless access point review