NetGear WGR614 Wireless Router Review

Hi all, Got this router a few days ago, and just wanted to review it. Got it for $50 Canadian, with tax and everything, as they have a $20 Mail in rebate, from a local small computer shop run by a close relative.

Edit: My second opinion after I got a new one is in italics.



Anyways, here are the Spec's of the router:

NetGear WGR614
Cable/DSL Wireless Router 54 Mbps/2.4 GHz
Model WGR614
# Speeds of 802.11g - up to 5x faster than 802.11b
# 10/100 Mbps on WAN
# Double Firewall - SPI & NAT
# Smart Wizard™ for automatic ISP detection
# Compatible with 802.11b devices
# Shares broadband Internet access
# Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)
# Up to 128-bit WEP encryption
# VPN pass-through support
# MAC address authentication
# Compatible with Xbox Live for online gaming

What I needed this router for
After my old 'b' wireless D-Link router died, and I had many problems with it, especially the frequent connection losses, it must of died after all that 'physical frustration' vented on it. I needed to get internet access to my regular computer, via a port, and the wireless one for the other computer and laptop. So, I was now looking for a cheap, but good wireless b/g router, and this model caught my eye. It looked pretty good, a pure white colour, with a clear plastic 'eyeshield', over the bright LED's behind the icons, and had a 'PC World; Best Buy' sticker, so I thought, Hey, this could be good.



So I bought NetGear Wireless Router WGR614 version5.

But Boy was I wrong. The manual, or actually, the one paged, double sided setup guide just basically said, put router up, put CD in and follow steps. 20 minutes or less to complete. After almost an hour of failed attempts to set up the router VIA the CD method, I turned to good ole' 192.168.1.1 for setting up the modem. And I got in, and everything was going smoothly.

Then when I tried to connect VIA the router's settings, the router just idled. I checked my modem, the Power, DSL and Ethernet light was on. Then the router. Power, Wireless, Internet, Port 1 lights were on. Everythings fine. After another hour of attempted connections, I checked the router status. It was idling, and not connecting. I had forgotten to install the firmware!

I thought, Ok, stupid me. After I installed it, I ran it again, attempting to connect. Nothing. So I reset everything to manufactorer settings, and input all the information again, to everything it said. The router status stated that it was 'idle'. I clicked 'Connect.' Nothing.

That was the 4th try within that 3 hours. One last try. And somehow, it worked. It finally connected. I checked the wireless and it too connected. I changed the router's password and enabled a WEP password, and there. It was working. However, every 10-20 minutes, the router would stop, and my connection was lost, for about 2-5 minutes, then it'd be back. Not this problrm again, I thought. But after a few connection drops, everything was fine. To test it more(I swear!), I ran WarCraft III, and then every 20-30 minutes, I would disconnect from the game. The router again. For about 2 hours, I disconnected 6 times. Then after the 6th time, there was no connection. I checked the router status. Idle. It would not connect anymore. After rebooting the computer, the router, and modem dozens of times, it would not connect again. Then I wanted to put it's 'feet' on to see if it helps, in any way, and holy, that thing was HOT. My modem gets hot too, but not this hot, it wasn't burning hot but near it.

After putting it up on it's 'feet' it's much cooler. Also, after I got the new router, it works fine, automatically connects when its on, and the latest firmware works. I still get freuent disconnects, but I'm testing it out for a bit longer and try to remove it.

edit: No more frequent disconnections here!



So I Googled this router, and found many forums and many users who also had the same problem. Hell, I even found NetGear's forums with user's complaining and reporting about this issue. I believe it is the firmware and perhaps the router, as it has gone through 5 'versions' already, as mines was version 5.

Pros
-Looks very nice
-'Simple' instructions It is actually quite simple, it was just that the 1st one I receoved was probrably faulty
-Double Firewall

Cons
-Gets warm its not that bad
-Vague instructions
-Lack of help (Not the best customer service..)

Conclusion
I would not buy this router, until, perhaps a better firmware has been released, as in every forum I've googled about this router, they have reported this model and a few other NetGear WGR-series as really bad routers, due to firmware. Besides that, it would of fit very well, as it's 'feet' are very useful, and it's range was quite large. Come on NetGear, give us a good firmware soon!

I won't quite refund it yet, going to play around and tinker around for it for a few more days before my return policy expires

It works fine now, And I think I will probrably keep it, I'm going to try to fix the frequent disconnection problem as soon as possible. Overall, now it's a great router, I have no real complaints but the frquent disconnects

edit: 3rd opinion. It works great and FLAWLESS now, I guess I wasn't tech savvy enough to have the guts to modify the ports and setting around. Great router I must say, way better then my old 514 DLink, and it's pretty nice looking too. Too bad I don't have an iPod to match it's white colour

 

Good review. I haven't had any problems with the firmware, but I haven't updated in awhile either . I'm going with the philosophy don't fix it until it is broke. One thing I don't like about it is that it resets itself during power outages sometimes, or least it did that to me. At the same time, its alot easier to config than Linksys.

 

you rock coriolis, thanks for the great and helpful review

 

After a few more hours of tinkering around, I really do think it's the firmware.

v1.07 is really faulty, and so far v1.03 seems the most stable, but the router seems to ALWAYS idle. In the forums, I've heard of a guy who was creating his own firmware for this router, I may keep this router after all.

And the heat is much better now, since it's 'standing' up.

 

Hmmm, I am currently using that router. When we first got it, we hook it up without even reading the directions. And the cables were all correct, but you have to follow the CD's directions exactly right down to which cable you plug in first even before you power it up or it won't work. It is also best not to run a second router out of it or it will change your settings. I dunno if people just were cocky like me and didn't follow the directions as well as they should for they thought they could easily handle a router, but my problem was from user error, not the router itself. I would recommend it, as long as you do what it says and don't get cocky with your expertise.

 

Hmmm, I have a second opinion of it, I got it returned and got a new one, and now it works fine.

I added ports now, and my BT works fine.

But I still get frequent 'idles' where it stops working then resumes after a minute or so. When I'm uploading something, it disconnects and it gets a tad annoying.

Also, when I try to game, I freqently disconnect...

edit: Ok, this router is now FLAWLESS!!

Works great, I just needed to play around with the ports, and firewall!

 

Coriolis, I have the same router as you and you're the first person I've seen browsing through the forums to have the same problem as I have, which is disconnections after 10 minutes with playing warcraft iii.

I would really appreciate it if you could let me in on more specific info on what you did with the ports/firewall so that I can get mine to work flawlessly.

Yes this post is rather old, but I'm so happy to find someone with my problem!

Thanks!!

 

Hey!

WarCraft works flawlessly now.

If you haven't already, try removing the starcraft port triggering in your manager.

 

Haha I know warcraft works for you! So I'm asking what you did to get it working for you cause its not working for me .

I ported forward already for warcraft (6112-6119) and starcraft isn't on my port forward list.

Oh and I reread youre post and I guess you bought a new one Gaa this is too much effort over wireless I don't know if its worth it to go return because other than gaming (only disconects when playing warcraft iii) its perfect.

 

Sorry for double post, but basically I see that you played around with ports and firewall so I want to know what EXACTLY did you do when you played around with ports and firewall.

Sorry for caps but I hope that gets through what I'm asking.

Btw good review, my impressions on it (heat, crappy cust service) were the same as yours.

 

Hmmmm, lemme recheck my settings

Ok, it looks like I disabled my router's SPL firewall and enabled my Default DMZ Server under WAN setup. UPnP is also enabled.

Also I had these under port triggering:

Hope this helps in any way

edit: By the way, I still have not figured out how to host, it just never works...

 

Thanks a lot bro, I'll try that out as soon as I get a chance. Thanks again!

 

Glad I could help, and I hope it works.

Disabling the router firewall isn't that harmful from what I've heard, XP SP2 already has one, although not as good, and I'm running another firewall anyways.

As for DMZ Server, I've heard that disabling it masks your router and hides your IP or something, I'm not sure though.

 

Okay I tried it and I got a good 30 minutes of DOTA out of it. Still disconnected but its improving. Was 5-10 minutes before.

BTW I disabled SPI, I think thats what you meant by SPL.

When my connection is lost I noticed that my cable modem's PC LINK light goes off. But a couple seconds after it begins flashing again so its like a 20 second disconnection. And I never get this when I'm using BT or AIM. Really weird.

But it is getting better so thats a good sign. I'll fool around with it some more. Its a shame I have no idea what these settings mean but I'll see what I can do.

Are you using the latest firmware? I upgraded mine a couple days back hoping that it would help but it didnt.

 

Yea, its upgraded to the latest.

Hmmmm, AllStars 6.12b?

Yea SPL. Hmmmmm I think if its the modem reseting it seems, because you mentioned the modem's 'link'? Or the ethernet cable.

 

Ya allstars 6.12b

I don't think its modem resetting because I know what that looks like. Its just that the router loses its connection with the modem. Thats why the "PC Link" light goes off.

Possibly the router suspending as I read in your review. I'll lookinto that.

 

Allright.

I know what you mean for the router losing its connection.

Also, is Use Router as DHCP Server enabled under LAN IP settings?

 

Yes it is.

And I reread your review and I understand what you mean by suspending. Not the case. My bad. I'm a horrible reader I guess.

 

Eh, suspending?



I think I'm lost for your second line...

Hmm, the router settings should be almost the exactly same, and it's still disconnecting...

oye...

 

I'm using WPA-PSK, but I believe youre using WEP. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I havent tried switching those because I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be the issue. If it comes to it I'll try.

 

For wireless settings? I'm using WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) which is the same I think.

 

I have this router, bought it a few days ago. It works very well. No problems so far. My inspiron 9300 picks up the wireless signal perfectly from 40ft away. So far so good.
the only problem I had was setting up the security feature. It is not explained too well. I had to call netgear, and they walked me through it and were very helpful in getting me a fully secured connection. I hope I'd be able to do it myself next time!

 

Nice nice good to hear.

If I ever need help, I guess I'll give them a call!

 

Great router, I have v4 myself, not much difference though. Worked great from day one.

 

I just bought the router today, and i got v6. For some reason it is always idling. How do i get it to stop idling?

 

That happened to me in the begining as well.

If you haven't already, update your firmware. Then try and connect it.

If it still idles, turn off modem + router for a few minutes, plug it back in and see if it connects. If it still doesn't, connect manually through the router control panel.

 

Okay, I might be stupid- but this is very important to me. I'm reallllly basic when it comes to computers, and I read coriolis' article, but my router does still not work. Here's what happens: I use Yahoo DSL, and I have a 2Wire Gateway that I has to install to use DSL. Anyways, when I'm installing the router, when I get to the step that says "Resetting your network... this may take 2 minutes yadayada" when it gets to about 75%, the window goes white. PLEASE HELP!

 

Hmmm.....

The windows going white meaning your screen going white?

Or the browser?

If possible can you get screenshots?

Thanks

 

Okay I will as soon as I can.

 

coriolis:

I have the same problem you originally reported (in fact, I found this post through a Google search for "netgear wgr614 disconnect," and immediately clicked on it because, wow, I was noticing the problem because of my failed attempts to play Warcraft III, too!)

the disconnect issue I have is exactly as you describe, and I'm wondering whether the issues you were having seemed to be resolved when you set up port forwarding, or whether it was only getting a new router that fixed it for you? I'm past my refund expiration, so I can't exactly return this, but I only paid about $20 after rebates, and it's mostly worked for me, so I can't complain too much. I don't seem to have disconnects when using ftp, http, or Bittorrent (for example); only while gaming. and the router has never overheated for me (I have it on its feet).

the thing that confuses me the most is that the machine on which I play online games is plugged directly into the router (there are three wireless laptops in my household, but my desktop machine doesn't have a wireless card) so it seems as though this disconnect couldn't reasonably be related to wireless authentification or anything...

anyway, if you have any advice, I'd love to hear it; otherwise, I might just have to suck it up and buy a different wireless router.

 

It's gone now, It plays fine.

I think the main reason is to take out the starcraft port triggering, but if its not add the ports, I believe I added three:

1 WarcraftIII 6112 6119
3 WCIII2 3723 3726
4 wcIII3 6881 6889

 

My router is a WGR614 V6. I'm not sure whether your version is the same, but the differences between the two shouldn't matter much.

Anyway, I have solved most of my problems with this router. Only thing that remains is the dreaded Warcraft 3 issue. I have opened all the ports you mentioned in your review topic aswell as tried doing everything manually, instead of letting the DMZ handle it. Unfortunately, I get dropped in each game. Sometimes even when in LAN, prior to launching the actual game.

I can hear a weak "scream" from the router, and I know I'm dropped. This causes me to get disconnected from the net entirely, and not just from the WC3 LAN room. I can even see my cordless link light (on my laptop) blink, which means the laptop no longer has a cordless connection to the router. The actual gaming is done wired (on my stationary), so the problem has nothing to do with the wireless functions of the router.

Can you share with me how you solved this issue. And if possible, perhaps send me your config file?

I'm sorry for bothering you with all these things. Beeing a total stranger and what not But I'm so in luv with this router, its looks, ease of use, and there really doesn't seem to be any better options.

One more thing. Can you describe your problem with warcraft 3. Did you encounter them through Battlenet gaming, or did you use KALI ?

Kindest Regards
//matrlx
http://snesorama.us

 

I just hope I didn't give away any information about my ip LOL but here we go:

Note: everything I don't mention hasn't been touched....I think

 

Some more:

 

That uPNP thing, is that something I need to use? My list there is empty.

Also, port triggering, you never messed with that did you? Cause I don't even know how triggering works.

//matrlx

 

I removed starcraft in port triggering, it was defaulted in the router's settings...

I found after removing that, it worked better.

I think I turned uPNP on...

 

Oh ya, dang, that could very well be it. It uses the exact same port I've set for Warcraft 3.

Did your problems go away entirely when doing this? Deleting the triggering for starcraft that is.

Do you understand how this triggering thing works ?

 

I honestly don't but after reading some help forums on this issue(Spent weeks trying to figure whats wrong..), people suggested that and some said it worked...

 

I played a full game today, although it was with a Israel host, so it was darn laggy. But at least I could play through the whole game BUT, I have managed to get through a whole game before, so it doesn't mean it's 100% fixed. But still, that triggering with starcraft seems to be a much working trick, then to mess with MTU size and what not (which was basically the only thing netgear suggested I could do....))

Anyways, thanks a bunch. Beeing able to play warcraft 3 cordlessly was the main reason I got cordless, so it would sux if it failed on that area

Regards

 

Heh, hope it works fine again...

Good luck!

 

I just got this router to replace my linksys wireless B router, but it's not as great as I'd like. I'm afraid I know what the answer will be... but I have a question.

Whenever the phone rings, I lose connection on all of my wirelessly connected computers. What can I do to fix this? I don't have much option in the placement of my router, it's basically stuck in that room. I never had problems with my wireless B router, and if I'm not mistaken both B and G operate at 2.4 GHz.

 

Hmmm, nothing like that here, the router is actually sitting beside a Panasonic 2.4ghz phone....

Sorry, Can't help you there

 

I've seen posts about this in Netgear forum. I think what they did was went into the settings and changed the connect channel. Mine defaults to channel 6 but I have no problems. Might want to try changing the channel and then have somebody give you a call to see if it works. If that doesn't work might just run a search for Netgear forum and go in there and search around. It can be fixed.

 

i have this same router and i was wondering if anyone can tell me which ports i need to open or what exactly i would need to do in order to have two DMZ hosts?

 

I wouldn't think you could have two DMZ hosts...

 

Hi Guys, I have the same router and recently have started facing 2 peculiar issues.

1. My I-net link used to flicker green but now since sometime I get an amber LED flicker.

2. Just yday I lost the wireless LED . I power cycled the router it gives the green chk mark with the wireless LED but then both go away....

Has anyone faced these issues? Pleeeeeeez HELP!!!

 

Hi Guys, I have the same router and recently have started facing 2 peculiar issues.

1. My I-net link used to flicker green but now since sometime I get an amber LED flicker.

2. Just yday I lost the wireless LED . I power cycled the router it gives the green chk mark with the wireless LED but then both go away....

Has anyone faced these issues? Pleeeeeeez HELP!!!

Vik

 

The Wired LED's will be Amber for a 10mbps connection (flashing amber when data is actually transfering) and will be green for a 100 Mbps connection (flashing green when data is actually transfering)

The Wireless LED is supposed to be Amber for an 802.11b connection (flashing amber when data is actually transfering) and will be green for an 802.11g connection (flashing green when data is actually transfering)

If the wireless LED turns off, it means that its not working. Perhaps check your control panel and make sure that the wireless is enabled, in case it was turned off

 

Thanks coriolis...I'll chk these things and get back on Thursday

 

No problem, glad I could be of help.