Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)What does the "Open Source" in the name mean? Do you need to be a "techie"? Nope. It means the firmware is "open source" instead of proprietary code normally used in devices like this. There is no perceivable difference from a normal user's point of view. If you ARE a techie, it could open a lot of doors for customization.
Assuming you have just a bit of experience, installation is a snap. The manufacturer recommends first hooking it up via a cable to a standard Ethernet port in order to configure it then go wireless. I didn't with no problems (I went wireless from the get go). The only time for the cable is if you upgrade the firmware. This is standard on all routers I have ever used. If you are a bit unfamiliar with this type of device, they include very simple-to-use software to both install and configure. The included CD also has the user manual on it.
Configuration:
I have to say that the web interface is the nicest I have seen. The help for each page is printed right on the page next to the options and is very intuitive. The only thing I felt was out of the ordinary was the rather disjointed approach to filtering. All of the filtering was done on one page except access (I.E, MAC filters) is on another.
Performance:
Performance is also good. Moving a 50mb file was about 10% faster than on a similar D-Link device I own. The antenna is excellent. I was surprised at how good the signal strength was. I own two other routers and neither has the same reception quality.
Security:
Like every other device that I have worked with it, it's "open" (read NOT secure) out of the box. It can't be accessed from the Internet but every Tom, Dick and Harry within wireless range can access it, can attempt to access other computers using it and can intercept traffic. It has the usual suite of encryption and access security features. Be sure to take time to both learn about them and set them up.
Summary:
I give this device a 4 stars. For normal support you have Netgears website. For the techies, go to http://www.myopenrouter.com where you can download both updates and the source code (and the tools to compile them with). If you're up to it, you can make your own custom firmware. Try doing that with any other competing product.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router (Compatible with Linux)
The NETGEAR WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router is an 802.11g wireless router that includes open-source code for Linux developers and open-source experts. The WGR614L is designed to let you customize it to your own specifications and create firmware for specialized applications.
High-Performance Wired and Wireless Connectivity The WGR614L functions as a 802.11g wireless access point, supports speeds up to 54 Mbps, is backwards compatible with 802.11b networks, and is auto-rate capable. The router has both an external antenna and an internal diversity antenna for maximum wireless range and performance. The router also boasts wired connectivity with four 10/100 Mbps (auto-sensing) Ethernet ports.
Both static and dynamic routing with TCP/IP is supported, as is VPN pass-through (IPsec, L2TP), NAT, PPTP, PPPoE, DHCP (client and server).
Security You Can Depend On A Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall protects your network against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and the wireless access point supports WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK encryption, as well as 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption.
Open Source for Customization Just because it's Linux doesn't mean it's difficult. The router works with most Internet gaming and instant messaging applications, and automatically detects ISP type, has exposed host (DMZ), MAC address authentication, URL content filtering, and logs and email alerts of internet activity. ADD MORE
The WGR614L features a 240 MHz CPU, 4 MB flash and 16 MB RAM, and runs the Linux operating system. Users can customize and modify the router to achieve special functionality and optimizations, as well as create custom software applications.
The router comes with a comprehensive open-source user guide, and for additional development support you, the router has its own active open source Web community (myopenrouter.com), featuring user forums, downloads, and blogs.
Windows Compatibility Sometimes you have to boot into Windows, and the WGR614L has you covered there as well. The router features both WPA and WPA2 standards, and is "Works with Windows Vista" certified.
The router measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD) and weighs a little more than half a pound. It is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router, setup CD, power adapter, ethernet cable, vertical stand, warranty/support information card.
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