The DG834G has shown incredible staying power over the years, enduring for the best part of a decade with only minor product revisions. It's currently on version 5, which convincingly maintains the device's reputation for reliability and simplicity. If you believe NetGear's website, it's the most popular router in the UK. Looking at this model, it's not hard to see why.
The popularity of the DG834G is, no doubt, its straightforward nature. It combines an ADSL modem, a router and a switch into a single device, giving you all you need to get multiple devices onto the internet in a single purchase. Although there are variants available (such as the DG834, which has no built-in wireless) the G is the most popular of those, partly due to its features and price, although it also has the advantage of looking simple and stylish, and is discreet enough to fit in any room.
Feature-wise, there's not a huge amount to go on, but it is reliably consistent if not impressive in any more overt ways. It doesn't noticeably struggle if there are multiple heavy connections, and it's unlikely to hang or spontaneously reboot like most cheap models will if you put them under stress. Although it runs wireless G, which has a shorter range and slower speeds than the latest wireless specifications, the quality of its connections make up for that performance is strong anywhere within the ten-metre range.
There are signs that it's not quite keeping up with the times, of course. Not only is the wireless slow, the Ethernet ports aren't even gigabit. It struggles to stream data fast enough for high-definition video without stuttering or buffering, and network transfers of large files will leave you wondering why you don't just burn it to DVD and walk into the next room, while gamers are unlikely to be satisfied with the fairly high ping.
Still, it's accessible and simple to use, with easy-to-configure settings, good security features and a comprehensive set of networking abilities. Whether you're a newcomer to routers or someone with more advanced needs, it should fit the bill. You can get better, but not at this price.
If you've never owned a router and don't know where to begin, this is where
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Sku Code | BIGW_6527686 |
| Boxed Contents | Wireless-G Router with built-in DSL modem (DG834Gv5), power adapter, Ethernet cable, phone cable, ADSL phone line filter, vertical stand, setup CD and warranty/support information card. |
| Brand Name | NetGear |
| Delivery Type | Standard Item |
| Network Protocols | TCP/IP, PPPoE, PPPoA, DNS, DHCP (Client & Server), RFC 1483 Static IP, Classic IP, WMM, and WPS |
| Operating System | Microsoft® Windows® Vista", XP, 2000, Me, 98 SP2 or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network and Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0 or higher |
| Dimension Information | 175.3 x 27.94 x 119.4 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Wireless | Wireless: WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WEP, WPA-802.1x, WPA2-802.1x |
| Wireless LAN Ready | No |
| Wireless | Yes |
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