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D-Link DGL-4300 Wireless Router for $49.99

T

TheExodu5

Banned
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127158&Tpk=dgl-4300

This is pretty much for those who don't want to bother with custom firmware. For people willing to install custom firmware, I'd still recommend the WRT54GL.

Anyways, this is a damned good router. It's the only router I've tried that is stable without custom firmware. No problems with high count server refreshing like you'd experience with the stock WRT54G (due to small NAT). Wireless connectivity is fantastic as well, never dropping throughout 3 floors of my house.

If you don't want to bother with CFW, you can't go wrong with this router. Highly recommended.

P.S. Yes, the gaming branded stuff on this router is pure marketting b.s. (basically it's QoS rebranded as GameFuel I think), but the hardware is top notch.
 
Wow, that's a crazy good deal considering it usually retails for 150ish.

My only gripe with it was that it wouldn't let you hook up an external harddrive as a network drive through the USB port on it. The only reason I ended up with AirPort Extreme from Apple.

...on second thought...can that thing be turned into a Wireless Bridge using Draft N?

I'm diving all over this if it can.

Edit: Wait...this doesn't support N? Wtf, I know the Gamerlounge one I had supported N...

Double Edit: I was thinking of the DGL-4500...self owned.
 
RubxQub said:
Wow, that's a crazy good deal considering it usually retails for 150ish.

My only gripe with it was that it wouldn't let you hook up an external harddrive as a network drive through the USB port on it. The only reason I ended up with AirPort Extreme from Apple.

...on second thought...can that thing be turned into a Wireless Bridge using Draft N?

I'm diving all over this if it can.

Edit: Wait...this doesn't support N? Wtf, I know the Gamerlounge one I had supported N...

Double Edit: I was thinking of the DGL-4500...self owned.
Click to expand...

Yeah, DGL-4500 is the newer revision. Totally not worth the price difference if you don't have a need for N. This is the best G router you can get without going into enterprise solutions.
 
I have a D-link WBR-2310 that constantly drops the connection and won't let me connect a Vista Ultimate laptop through wireless (and drops another XP laptop all the time). I've had nothing but bad experiences with D-link routers... the one I had before this one just died all of a sudden.

Is this one really that good? I really need a new router, especially because I get disconnected from PSN all the time with my current one.
 
nataku said:
I have a D-link WBR-2310 that constantly drops the connection and won't let me connect a Vista Ultimate laptop through wireless (and drops another XP laptop all the time). I've had nothing but bad experiences with D-link routers... the one I had before this one just died all of a sudden.

Is this one really that good? I really need a new router, especially because I get disconnected from PSN all the time with my current one.
Click to expand...

Yes it's really good. Make sure you update the new firmware on it though, as always.

I had a D-Link DI-624, which was the biggest p.o.s. router ever. Manufacturers can make good and bad routers (just like the new WRT54G2 sucks).

edit: it would appear that the D-Link WBR-2310 is actually a reskinned DI-624 Rev. D, so yeah, your router really sucks. :lol
 
nataku said:
I have a D-link WBR-2310 that constantly drops the connection and won't let me connect a Vista Ultimate laptop through wireless (and drops another XP laptop all the time). I've had nothing but bad experiences with D-link routers... the one I had before this one just died all of a sudden.

Is this one really that good? I really need a new router, especially because I get disconnected from PSN all the time with my current one.
Click to expand...
Have had nothing but great experiences with D-Link.

Setup my parents home network with some random D-Link they got which introduced me to the company. Their connection has been up 100% of the time for like...over 2 years now :lol

Got a DGL-4100 and upgraded to a DGL-4500 and they were both stellar as well. I'm assuming the DGL-4300 is an equally quality product.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Yes it's really good. Make sure you update the new firmware on it though, as always.

I had a D-Link DI-624, which was the biggest p.o.s. router ever. Manufacturers can make good and bad routers (just like the new WRT54G2 sucks).
Click to expand...
I was worried for a minute until i realised that I bought a D-Link DI-524 for £16 on Saturday.

Not a bad router by the looks of things, I am using it to serve my PC and 360 via Ethernet and my PS3 and PSP wirelessly, all seem to like it so far so I'm happy.
 
Stop It said:
I was worried for a minute until i realised that I bought a D-Link DI-524 for £16 on Saturday.

Not a bad router by the looks of things, I am using it to serve my PC and 360 via Ethernet and my PS3 and PSP wirelessly, all seem to like it so far so I'm happy.
Click to expand...

The DI-524 is similar to the DI-624, and I believe is actually a bit superior. It can be flashed into a DI-624 (which means it's at least equivalent or better in terms of hardware). Also, the DI-524 allows you to install DD-WRT firmware on it.

The DI-624 is a mess. They released it as a "rangebooster" router, but it turns out the way they were rangeboosting was illegal, since it required signal bursts on all 11 channels and greatly impedes neighbors' connections. The newer firmware removed that functionality. The firmware on it was really messy...some versions work well, while others cause frequent reboots. I'd say if it's currently working, don't touch the firmware, as you could break it.
 
Stop It said:
I was worried for a minute until i realised that I bought a D-Link DI-524 for £16 on Saturday.

Not a bad router by the looks of things, I am using it to serve my PC and 360 via Ethernet and my PS3 and PSP wirelessly, all seem to like it so far so I'm happy.
Click to expand...

I have a DI-524 right now and it was working fine for many years until recently it randomly resets. Other than the shitty UI, it's been a quality router for the price I picked it up at ($20 after MIR at some CompUSA sale).

On topic, this may be the new router I need. Using my roommate's linksys currently but I like having my own.
 
TheExodu5 said:
The DI-524 is similar to the DI-624, and I believe is actually a bit superior. It can be flashed into a DI-624 (which means it's at least equivalent or better in terms of hardware). Also, the DI-524 allows you to install DD-WRT firmware on it.

The DI-624 is a mess. They released it as a "rangebooster" router, but it turns out the way they were rangeboosting was illegal, since it required signal bursts on all 11 channels and greatly impedes neighbors' connections. The newer firmware removed that functionality. The firmware on it was really messy...some versions work well, while others cause frequent reboots. I'd say if it's currently working, don't touch the firmware, as you could break it.
Click to expand...
Why did you have to tell me that my router could use a fancy CFW, My router is working fine but now I have the urge to install this DD-WRT thingy anyway.

I hate you (And myself!).
 
I've had nothing but a bad experience with D-Link. Avoid.

garath said:
I have a DI-524 right now and it was working fine for many years until recently it randomly resets. Other than the shitty UI, it's been a quality router for the price I picked it up at ($20 after MIR at some CompUSA sale).
Click to expand...
Did you not play games or do any kind of port forwarding on your DI-524? That's what I had. For general use, it's okay. Beyond that... it's a buggy router. You'll note that the "Default Deny" rule automatically causes the router to drop packets in the middle of things such as online games and torrents. You cannot create any rule to offset this even if it makes sense. Awful, awful router.

Get a Linksys or Buffalo, dudes.
 
I've wanted one of those ever since it came out, but I got a Dlink DIR-655 last week since I've heard great things about the ammount of connections it can handle. Very happy so far, much snappier than the old broadcom chip and DDWRT or Tomato I was using before, auto QoS seems to be working great too since using bittorrent has no effect on my browsing speed.
 
Can this be used as a bridge? May have to pick up a second one to help strengthen wireless signal to 3rd floor.

(I should know since I own one, but I'm lazy and at work.)
 
Diablos said:
I've had nothing but a bad experience with D-Link. Avoid.


Get a Linksys or Buffalo, dudes.
Click to expand...

Ive gone through 3 different D link Routers. Absolutely terrible.
Linksys however works perfectly for me.
 
BruceLeeRoy said:
Ive gone through 3 different D link Routers. Absolutely terrible.
Linksys however works perfectly for me.
Click to expand...
Anecdotal evidence ftw!

My experience has been the exact opposite.
 
BruceLeeRoy said:
Ive gone through 3 different D link Routers. Absolutely terrible.
Linksys however works perfectly for me.
Click to expand...

Exact opposite for me. I am switching back to D-Link, thanks OP.
 
Wow! I am looking for a router and this one does seem good. The only problem is figuring out how to route a good connection from my upstairs loft to the downstairs area.

What is the range on this?
 
I've been using the DGL-4300 since it came out a few years ago. Rock solid router. It's not completely proof against weird techy network solution shit - some of the port opening procedures still don't make sense to me - but I gather that short of Apple making a router that's just the way things are going to be.

The only thing I guess is missing is dual mode; unless there's something I'm missing I can't run WEP and WPA simultaneously for DS/rest of device purposes.

The thing with most routers is you get what you pay for, and this was a gold standard $150 router, not some cheap $50 piece of crap. Just happens to be at a good discount.
 
Diablos said:
I've had nothing but a bad experience with D-Link. Avoid.


Did you not play games or do any kind of port forwarding on your DI-524? That's what I had. For general use, it's okay. Beyond that... it's a buggy router. You'll note that the "Default Deny" rule automatically causes the router to drop packets in the middle of things such as online games and torrents. You cannot create any rule to offset this even if it makes sense. Awful, awful router.

Get a Linksys or Buffalo, dudes.
Click to expand...

Its UI is simply dreadful. Also what I found with it was that some settings override others effectively canceling out port forwarding and other custom setups. But with some patience and research, I had it running great for many many years. Plenty of port forwarding and yeah, I game quite a bit.
 
Stop with the generalizations! Yes, D-Link makes shitty routers, but they also make good ones. The DGL series is fantastic. As you can see from the ones in this thread that have owned a DGL, we've all been really happy with it. I have no preference for D-Link, as the WRT54G/L is the best router in the $50 range, but this is not a $50 router, it's a $150 router. You get what you pay for. In this case, it's just a really, really nice sale.

Oh, and don't say it's cheap because it's old, because new routers often have worse hardware than old router (case in point, WRT54G2). Look at the DD-WRT page, and notice how further revisions and newer routers all have less memory...it's a travesty.

Also, the firmware and UI is an absolutely massive step up from the DI-624, which was even a step up from the DI-524.
 
LunaticPuma said:
Can this be used as a bridge? May have to pick up a second one to help strengthen wireless signal to 3rd floor.

(I should know since I own one, but I'm lazy and at work.)
Click to expand...
According to the pdf manual, yes it can. I am now seriously considering picking a second one up to use in my living room as a bridge. I've had my 4300 for a few years now and it has been great.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Stop with the generalizations! Yes, D-Link makes shitty routers, but they also make good ones. The DGL series is fantastic.
Click to expand...

Definitely. I've had my 4300 going non stop for over a year, hosting servers, etc. Fantastic line of routers.
 
I've been using the DIR-655 since early this spring. Best consumer level router I've ever used. D-Link has come a long way from just 5-6 years ago.
 
TheKurgan said:
I have the DGL-4300 and would recommend it to anyone. At $50 it is a steal.
Click to expand...
Yep. I picked up the DGL-4300 when it was first released and I paid about four times what it is going for here, and it was worth it.
 
I picked this router up after having multiple Linksys WRT54Gs kill over on me. It has been freaking excellent. Haven't had a single problem with it.


$50 is an insane deal... I paid waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more =(
 
PLAY B3YOND said:
I picked this router up after having multiple Linksys WRT54Gs kill over on me. It has been freaking excellent. Haven't had a single problem with it.


$50 is an insane deal... I paid waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more =(
Click to expand...

Yeah I payed around $180 Canadian. :lol Still very well worth it. Went from a DI-624, to a WRT54G (non-CFW, since this revision didn't support it), to the DGL-4300. Haven't regreted it a bit.
 
Slayer-33 said:
look at this thing, dunno if anyone would be interested.


TRENDnet TEW-432BRP 54Mbps Wireless Firewall Router $24.99, $9.99 after rebate :lol
Click to expand...
Nice and cheap, but I fear you get what you pay for. I didn't realise until recently, but routers have some decent chips inside of them, as well as onboard ram etc.
I can't imagine this router is that well equipped due to its price, which will hurt in the long run.

Edit: I know anecdotal evidence sucks and all, but such a quick response damning the device isn't a good sign.
 
Do NOT cheap out on a router! Saving $25 is not worth having an unstable connection if you game at all (minorly acceptable for browsing, but I still wouldn't have it).

Routers are not simple pieces of tech. You pay for hardware reliability, firmware stability, and firmware functionality. You're not going to get away scott free by cheaping out.
 
I have a DSL-2640B. It's shit.

Is there a consensus on the best router to use for gaming? One that's available in the UK and has a high range, preferably.
 
Nexus Zero said:
I have a DSL-2640B. It's shit.

Is there a consensus on the best router to use for gaming? One that's available in the UK and has a high range, preferably.
Click to expand...

If you're looking for high-range, then you probably need to go N. How high of a range though? I have no problem going through 2 floors...signal stays at around 60% (which is enough to get 3mbit or so on my iPhone).

If you want N, then I'm guessing the DGL-4500 is a perfect fit. The consumer reviews on NewEgg are all pretty astounding. It's pricey though ($160).

I'm not sure what other N routers are good. Linksys seems to have really gone downhill after the WRT54G, so I'd probably avoid, unless a new router of theirs comes highly recommended.
 
TheExodu5 said:
If you're looking for high-range, then you probably need to go N. How high of a range though? I have no problem going through 2 floors...signal stays at around 60% (which is enough to get 3mbit or so on my iPhone).
Click to expand...

I'm looking at about £80. Does N make a difference with non-N devices then? Looking at dabs.com and it doesn't look like we get DGLs over here.
 
Nexus Zero said:
I'm looking at about £80. Does N make a difference with non-N devices then? Looking at dabs.com and it doesn't look like we get DGLs over here.
Click to expand...

No N will not make a difference with non-N devices. In that case, go with G.

If you don't have DGL over there, then your best bet would be the Linksys WRT54GL. Make sure it's the WRT54GL, and not the WRT54G, since the L has more onboard memory and can support more functional custom firmware. Get the WRT54GL and put DD-WRT firmware on it (don't keep the stock firmware, it's very unstable).

http://www.dabs.com/productview.asp...&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0
 
I've been running the DGL-4500 which is basically the same thing with a few added things and I'm here to tell you, this router kicks all kinds of ass. So much better than my old linksys it's not even funny. amazing amazing router. no disconnects, everything does what it's supposed to do and works exactly like it should. i have my PC connected by a cat 5 cable, ps3 and wii and 360 connect wirelessly. all work to perfection.

the only thing i would add would be to make sure you limit your upload link speed (or whatever it's called, it's in the Gamefuel section) to 85% of your max. Which means you need to leave it on automatic (default) and after it tests your connection, multiply the number it lists in automatic by .85 and then switch it to manual and use that number. very very important if you want to host games online or do media streaming. don't forget it.
 
DenogginizerOS said:
Fixed for me. :D
Click to expand...

Me too. Love D-Link immensely. I have this router and it has been great. Use it for 2 computers, a DS, a Wii, PS3, and X360 and have had no problems with any of them. A+ would do business with again.
 
I've been using this router for maybe 2 years now? It's the first router that has lasted me this long without a hiccup. Highly recommended, hell, I'm tempted to buy another one in case mine ever dies.
 
I found some more info.

Apparently the DGL-4300 can support up to 180 simultaneous connections. The DIR-655 can currently support around 120, but that number can be expected to go up as firmware matures.

The WRT54G, on the other hand, caps in between 64 and 128, as seen here:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/26843/51/1/4/

edit: sorry, that 120/180 info was null (or was it?). The DGL-4300 actually handles 1000 open "sessions":

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/24726/96

That's why it's so good. :D
 
Some good info in this post. I might look into this for my next router.

Just recently was given a Belkin wireless N router which turned out to be useless for xbox live as it regularly disconnects from the internet for just long enough to get dropped from a game. Very annoying to be in the middle of a left 4 dead campaign or a halo 3 match and have this happen (in any given hour of gameplay it happens probably 50% of the time). I went back to my old wired linksys router and turned the belkin into an access point for my laptop, so problem solved, although I would like to eventually get to a solution that only requires one piece of hardware.
 
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