Netgear WGR614L Open Source Wireless-G Router (Compatible with Linux)

Other products by Netgear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 2 x 8.9 inches ; 1.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0013F6HK8
• Item model number: WGR614L-100NAS
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 1, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description 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.

The NETGEAR WGR614L Router offers: 802.11g wireless router compatible with both Linux and Windows Switch with four 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports. 240 MHz CPU and 4 MB Flash, 16 MB RAM running Linux. Open-source code for developing custom firmware.

A Gigabit Ethernet connection means fast speeds when the ReadyNAS is connected to your home network. View larger.

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.

Product Description

Open-source router for Linux developers and open-source experts, Comprehensive Open-source User Guide available for developers, Second internal diversity antenna improves performance. High-performance with 240 MHz CPU, 4 MB flash and 16 MB RAM, "Works with Windows Vista" certified, Supports Wi-Fi Protected SetupTM (WPS).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Performing Device & Installation is a Snap, May 22, 2008

By	Mystery Maven (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

(What's this?)

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to install, works well, May 31, 2008

By	Paul Moskowitz (Yorktown, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

(What's this?)

I popped the CD into my PC and followed the instructions. It took a while, perhaps 1/2 hour to complete the installation, but in the end it did work. The only problem was indicating the type of wireless card in my PC. I guessed wrong the first time, but got it right the second time. Better software might have found the answer for itself.

The router works well. I have a Thinkpad T41p running Windows XP and am using the router with a cable modem. The wireless signal is "excellent" everywhere inside my house, and even "good" on my outside porch. The signal goes to "poor" about 75 feet down my driveway. The router has a 12 watt power supply, so does not use a lot of energy. I am happy with the system. This review is being written on the couch with the TP and two cats sitting on my lap. The cats appreciate the wireless communication mode.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "g" rated, May 29, 2008

By	mateo52 "invisible man" (State College, Pa.) - See all my reviews

(What's this?)

This wireless -g router appears to be adequate for basic wireless connectivity. If the planned installation is limited to less demanding transmissions in a modest broadcast range, the WGR614L appears to deliver. I got this unit since I have some interest in exploring Linux but it was immediately evident I would have to make some unpalatable major compromises in order to use it in my present setup. Since I already operate under `N' standards, I had hoped to use this unit as a repeater for a specific laptop with Linux operating system, however, that would require a reduction in overall network security to WEP and I am not willing to make that adjustment since there are a number of other wireless installations visible to me in my local area. While I do not broadcast my SSID now, I do not believe reverting to a lesser security standard is worth it. As a standalone, it will support WPA2 encryption and WPS connectivity. Up to four devices and be connected via Ethernet.

It should be noted the model designation for the unit I received is somewhat confusing. The box is labeled as WGR614l which apparently is version 9 of a Netgear router that has been available for a few years. This model is marketed as "Open Source," meaning the code is not proprietary as is normally the case and the firmware is customizable by the user if he or she is so inclined and capable. Installation is reasonably straightforward for anyone familiar with creation of a wireless network although a first-timer might have some configuration issues and encounter questions that are not clearly addressed in the documentation or clearly delineated during the wizard setup procedure. Presently, my networked computers operate under Vista Ultimate, XPPro, and XPhome. I did not incur any connectivity issues with any CPU, and each has an "g" adapter from different manufacturers.

Two difficulties I encountered were the inability to access the Netgear RND2150 ReadyNAS Duo 500 GB Desktop Network Attached Storage connected to a Netgear access point,NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111). It was not visible anywhere on the network and I could not connect via the webpage, so streaming of my music files was not possible. According to the documentation, streaming video is not a recommended activity. Additionally, this unit operates within the 2.4GHz range so interference from other devices is a distinct possibility. I did not attempt to test since my videos are also stored on the NAS and streaming from another networked computer is no longer a consideration for me. Speed is a major factor with video transmission and this router is rated to 54Mbps only.

The range of this unit is underwhelming as independently, I could not maintain a signal from more than 50 feet away although with utilization of the bridge/access points, I could connect from anywhere in the house.

My overall impression is this router is exactly what it is touted to be and would serve admirably so long as the user stays within the design focus parameters. While it is relatively economical, routers under "N" standards with greater functionality may be a better direction to go.