NETGEAR's DG814 DSL Modem Internet Gateway paves the way to shared DSL access. By combining a modem and a switch it gives you the ultimate in Internet gateway capability. It needs no external modem to enable everyone at the office or at home to instantly benefit from high-speed Web access, file sharing, video streaming, head-to-head Internet game-playing, and MP3 downloading. This highly capable 4-port Internet gateway provides state-of-the-art filtering and controls that allow administrators and parents to limit URL access and monitor Internet activities, while firewall protection secures the computers and network against hackers. Setup couldn't be easier - an animated Installation Assistant, Web browser-based settings, and on-screen help guide you through each step. The DG814 is sleekly designed to complement your home or office environment and is compatible with all ADSL Internet service providers.
1 Don't listen to An electronic fan
I bought the system, it is fine worked perfectly. An electronic fan seem to have got all the modem that was ever on sale at amazon.com which is very suspicious to me because why would anyone need 18 routers and 37 modem??? I've been doing research on what modem i should get and his review are on almost every single modem giving it a good review then a bad review
2 Easy to use, if you have all your ISP's information...
I had no problem setting up this device. I only use it for home use, but it is so powerful that many SOHO office could use it. The ability to configure each port and do detailed reports that are emailed to you are very valuable. Make sure that you get the latest config file from Netgear and install it upon getting the device setup. Definitely recommend purchasing this device even though it is a little more than some of there other products.
3 Great product terrible support
I am compelled to express my total frustration at the support offered with this product. I have taken 4 hours at National phone rates to get through to technical support, who tell me their stats say there is a max 6 mins waiting time. I told them that this stat has just taken 4 hours to get through!! If you need support, go elsewhere until this company can sort its phonelines out - even if you have to pay for it, at least you can get it. I have voiced my opinions directly to David Soares, vice president of the European arm of the company (my apologies if this is not entirely correct,) my guess is that little will change,
4 GREAT ROUTER, BUT YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD ISP!
If you could not get yours to work...its not supports fault.
You probably had trouble with your ISP...or you can't tell one end of a network card from another! This is a great piece of hardware...but you need to know basic networking to install it.
It's not a damn game box ya know! I am sure you wre very polite to the support person that was trying to get your dumb ass to do something correctly. Dont blame the technology...blame yourself.
5 If you want support try somewhere else
If you enjoy talking to a support person for 2 hours or more with a script that says "Reboot your PC" and "Reboot the router" then the Netgear DG814 is just the piece of kit for you. The box it comes in says 24/7 support I think this means 24 minutes in any 7 day period. Try ringing the UK support number out of office hours and you get a machine that won't even take a message.
Email support is just as good, a promise of getting back to you within one business day is just a promise. I'm not sure what planet they base their day on, but it certainly isn't Earth. If and when I get an answer from them I may amend this, but currently well over one business day and counting.
When it works the Netgear DG814 works well, but if it goes wrong, then unless your supplier provides support, try buying something other than the Netgear DG814.
