D link dgl 4500 xtreme gaming router

This is a step in the installation process that we will be overlooking but for novices out there, running the included utility is a great idea as it assists in setting up wireless networks, securing them and helping the user get out to the Internet if needed. With the plastic removed, we see the in all its glossy goodness. While the plastic cover initially helps keep the router scratch free, like any iPod owner can relate to, once this covering is removed, the surface scratches easily. In this shot we can see the raised OLED screen, a pair of buttons just underneath it and on the right hand side of the router, there is a small WPS button to aid in easily connecting your wireless client to the router with minimal work involved.

WPS has been something of a problematic setup for us in the past and sadly, we were unable to get it to work in our testing of the too. Moving around to the back of the router, we can see that the uses three antennas to broadcast and receive its wireless signals and all three connect using RP-SMA connectors , giving the end user the ability to upgrade their antennas if they see fit to do so.

One error made in our DIR review was that we commented on the ability to use the USB port on the back of the router as a print server. This was false and in our forums we corrected the mistake. This is a process that we should see move to the way side as WPS has been showing up more and more in routers everywhere. In future routers from D-Link, I think it would add a great deal of functionality to their products if the USB port found on the back of their routers could be used to add network storage or even something as simple as adding a USB based printer.

When powered on, the front of the has a small power logo that glows a brilliant blue. Using the two display navigation buttons, you can access various WAN, LAN, and wireless information via this little blue screen. While most of the information is just general information--current throughput, number of connected clients--it is a bit more useful than the typical status LEDs found on other routers.

While somewhat convenient, we found it this display frustrating because it turns on only when you press one of the navigation buttons, it turns itself off after about a minute, and there's no option to change the length of time it stays on. Why not just keep the display lit at all times by default, showing you your network connection status? It's not so bright as to be a distraction, even in a darkened room. The DGL supports Microsoft's Windows Connect Now technology, which lets you add new wireless devices to the network without having to type in the encryption key.

As a router designed specifically for gaming, the DGL features D-Link's proprietary GameFuel technology that identifies network traffic created by games and prioritizes Internet bandwidth to accommodate it.

The router comes preset with settings optimized for popular games such as World of Warcraft, Quake , and Unreal Tournament , along with special services including virtual servers and remote desktop. These presets basically specify the port required to be open for each application and make sure it's open when required.

The DGL is a dual-band draft Unfortunately, it can only operate in one frequency at a time, which means you're forced to use one or the other. If you are a power user who also loves to tweak with settings, this is for you! Cons: only 4 wired ports on back, but not an issue unless you need more ports.

Overall Review: make sure you set it to Pros: Gigabit Ethernet and wireless N. I looks nice. Their Online setting page has a nice layout to it, very easy to navigate through. Cons: I have had 2 of these, first one was replaced because a faulty firmware they released causing many serious problems. The second had its numerous problems also. Be prepared to spend tons of time trying to tweak the settings of this router to get it to work at a moderate level. Any Firmware past 1. Like random wireless disconnects, unreliable internet speeds sometimes that are just as fast as a 56k modem, and every couple of days you have to restart the router because it will simply stop giving you internet access.

These are just some of the problems. And a nice touch from D-Link, you can't install firmware before 1. Shareport Software to attach a printer to the router is just as bad as the router. It has its good days and it has its bad days. Very unprofessional. The LCD screen on the router is pointless, besides making the router look nice.

Well I guess it will be another 7 years before I give D-Link another try. I wouldn't buy this router till D-Link can actually release a working firmware update, but don't hold your breath. But if you enjoy reading forums for days on end to get this router to an operational level then by all means purchase the router. If you don't want to do that, look at a different router. Overall Review: I replaced my old failing netgear router that i've had for over 4 years with this router.

Gigabit Ethernet RJ LAN ports:. LAN ports type:. USB port s :. USB port type:. Parallel port:. NAT routing:. Port forwarding:. Port forwarding of ranges:. DHCP server:. DHCP client:. DHCP relay:. DNS proxy:. Dynamic DNS client:.

MAC Address clone:. Routing Protocols:. PPPoE client:.