Netgear Wireless ADSL Modem/Router/4 Port Switch DG824M - Other

Why limit your ADSL connection to just one computer? An ADSL modem gateway is a device that sits between your ADSL enabled phone-line and the various computers in your home. The DG824M from NetGear is a 4-in-1 gateway that combines an ADSL modem, a wireless base station, a wired four-port switch and a basic hardware firewall. This multifunction device can answer almost all of your home or small business connectivity requirements. Technically this single device will allow you to connect up to 253 devices to the Internet using a single ADSL connection, either wirelessly or over your wired network.

Setting up should be complex for such a device but is made incredibly simple thanks to NetGear's standard installation wizard, which is similar across all of its home products. As the installation is Web based you don't even need to install any software and it'll work with any OS, not just Windows. Almost all the settings are detected automatically, meaning you only have to enter your ADSL username and password to get things working.

The wireless base station is 802.11b, as with other base stations you get full 128-bit WEP security plus the ability to assign specific MAC address to limit wireless access to specific network cards. The only real limitation is that only 32 users can connect wirelessly to the gateway.

As for the switch, you get four-wired LAN ports. It offers Internet protection with full NAT and Firewall features. The Firewall is more advanced than previous models with separate inbound and outbound configurations, plus filtering available for WAN and LAN areas using individual or a range of IP addresses. Plus basic Web site blocking and filtering based on content or time of day.

Such an integrated device does pose a problem with positioning as you may have problems with wireless reception. However, the built-in aerial can be removed and replaced with an external one, while NetGear will be offering its own aerial solutions. This is a superb, easy to use, good-looking device but with 802.11 g devices now available you may want to consider one of these faster devices. --Nick Baxter

Manufacturer's Description
Four Products in One - ADSL Modem, Wireless Access Point, Switch, and Firewall - NETGEAR's Wireless ADSL Internet Gateway provides it all. Equipped with a built-in ADSL modem, it gets you connected to the Internet at top speed. You don't need a separate modem because it plugs right into your ADSL line. The built-in 802.11b wireless access point gives you the untethered freedom of wireless roaming connectivity to network resources and the Internet. You can distribute MP3s, digital movies and photos with ultra-fast LAN ports capable of speeds up to 200 Mbps. Play Internet games, send instant messages, host Internet services - built-in port forwarding settings make it a breeze. You'll enjoy these benefits all the more knowing you have a True Firewall on the job, providing business-class security for your computers and your network with protection against Denial of Service attacks and network intruders. NETGEAR's easy, Web browser-based setup gets your system working in minutes.This uncomplicated unit plugs directly into your ADSL line, and an integrated switch makes it simple to directly hook up four computers. Setup is easy with NetGear's unique Install Assistant and on-screen help guiding you through each step. Works with PCs, Macintoshes, and virtually all Ethernet devices. Extends your network to support up to 11 Mbps wireless throughput without the need for any new cabling.The DG824M is always on guard covering all the bases with True Firewall using Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Intrusion Control; Denial of Service protection from hacker attacks; VPN (Virtual Private Network) pass-through; content filtering to control Internet access to inappropriate web sites, based on time of day, URL, or URL keywords; logging and reporting capabilities. With speeds of up to 200 Mbps, the LAN ports allow you to distribute large multimedia files such as audio, video and graphics with ease. Features double the memory and a 50% faster CPU than many popular routers, and allows you to share your broadband Internet connection among up to 253 devices. Furnishes DMZ support for unrestricted access from the Internet to one computer for Web hosting functionality.