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"Short range and low power issues addressed with DD WRT" on by MrHali
Pros: Inexpensive, Minimal Sleek Design, Great Bang for the Buck
Cons: Only one external antenna connection
Summary: While searching for an inexpensive WIFI router with the ability to run 3rd-party, feature-rich firmware such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT, a shop owner pointed me towards the Motorola WR850G who he, himself, was using in the shop with DD-WRT. Having no prior knowledge of this particular product and going solely on his advice, I went ahead and purchased the router for a cheap $30. I promptly came home where I followed the installation instructions at dd-wrt.com, removing the basic-builtin Motorola firmware with something far more advanced. After 2 simple firmware flashes, I was ready to go. Paging through config screen after config screen, I now had complete control over the router, with the ability of boosting the radio transmission power, to overclocking the processor, configuring the linux environment like setting up cron processes, samba mounts, ssh, and so much more. I could create unique security policies with differing encryption methods for each connected wireless client. The possibilities were endless. The mods that were most important to me was the encryption and transmission power. I'm currently running my router at 80mW which is over 3 times the factory default levels and it now extends throughout all 3 floors of my entire house and surrounding property. All told, I am absolutely and completely satisfied with my purchase. For $30, this is by far, the best computer-related purchase I've ever made. I'm sure that if DD-WRT was loaded, the CNET editor's rating would match mine.
Currently, I'm now investigating setting-up a homemade biquad satellite dish antenna to extend a point-to-point WIFI connection over 10 miles using this router. Wish me luck. -
"Junk do not buy unless you like pulling your hair out" on by btalley
Pros: Only paid 29.99 so not as big a loss
Cons: Wireless does not work
Summary: As soon as I got this junk it would drop connection being only 6ft away. Now 2 months later it will not connect at all.
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"Great Little Router!" on
Pros: Compact, stands vertically, easy to install and great range. Excellent penetration through walls. Great coverage throughout house, upstairs, downstairs, inside and out. Customer service is 24/7 - very good!
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"Great router but has a limitation" on by coverlands
Pros: I always liked this router very much. I have about 10 mac addressed entered and use WPA encryption.
Cons: Motorola after sales support sucks pretty bad. Enough reason not to buy Motorola anymore for me. Also, for some of the new MAC numbers (or non-conventional :-) that begin with anything but a 00, this router may give you problems.
Summary: Have enjoyed good performance with this router for a number of years but it won't take newer entries such as MACs beginning with a 90. I have a new laptop that begins with a 90 on the wireless NIC and some javascript in this router won't allow it. Kind of frustrating and Motorola tech support doesn't seem too interested in helping.
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"Keeps chugging" on by mejensen1
Pros: still alive after more than 3 years
Cons: still alive?
Summary: I have really subjected this to quite a bit of stressful use and even though I have shattered the antena and lost a foot, it functions fairly well. Most of the limitations I have ascribed to it may actually been due to client inadequacy, not the router.
Also, with rebates, I may have paid $10, brand new, when it was still current. This is a price below current eBay prices.
Motorola WR850G wireless broadband router user reviews
