Netgear DG834 ADSL Modem & 4-port Router

This Netgear DG834 ADSL Modem & 4-port Routerrouter is pretty easy to set up (my technical skills as moderate) and run.Design wise its OK too (although Id recommend switching off the very annoying blue flashing light that is on as standard!)Ultimately though its about the performance. We get pretty good coverage, although when we are trying to get wireless access from 3 floors away in the house it can be a bit variable. Overall like a slightly stronger signal and/or some more advice from the manufacturer about how to configure it to get optimal performance for our particularly circumstances.Its not bad though - and for the price its pretty reasonable

The Netgear DG834 ADSL Modem & 4-port Router enables a small home network to access the internet via ASDL (i.e. a telephone line). It's good value at under £50.

The box contains the router, power supply, DSL filter (to plug into the phone socket), cable from the filter to the router, 1 CAT5 network cable, a support CD-ROM and warranty.

The DG834 is smaller than the DG814, and it is white rather than silver and lacks an on/off switch. Otherwise it's very similar.

Setup is a breeze - plug it all in and then load up your browser (any browser). Enter http://192.168.0.1 in the address field, click OK and you're asked for the (default) admin password.

Run the setup wizard, enter your ISP login details, click apply and you're surfing!

There's a CD supplied containing a user guide and some trial software, but I just left it in the box. There's no need for any software, drivers or plug'n'play or anything.

The security is good - test your vulnerability with Shields Up! from Gibson Research (http://www.grc.com/intro.htm)

Visitors with a laptop can plug into one of the spare ports for instant 'Net access, and can also print to my network printer.

Netgear offer a device (WG602) to add wireless networking if desired.