Entered CNET Catalog: 12/05/2002
SKU: CG814M
Manufacturer: NetGear Inc.
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Manufacturer description
NETGEAR's CG814M Wireless Cable Modem Gateway delivers shared cable access with firewall protection without additional wires. One package equips you with everything you need for a fully outfitted network: a cable modem, an 802.11b wireless access point, a router, a firewall, and a switch. No external modem is required in order to enjoy instant high-speed Web access, file sharing, video streaming, head-to-head Internet game-playing, and MP3 downloading. This highly capable wireless, Ethernet, USB Internet gateway provides state of the art filtering and controls that allow parents and administrators to limit URL access and monitor Internet activities. And this is important it comes with firewall protection to secure your computers and network against hackers. With the animated Installation Assistant, Web browser-based settings, and on-screen help providing guidance through each step, your setup couldn't be easier. The sleekly designed unit complements home and office environments. And since it's made by NETGEAR, you can rest assured that this gateway is engineered for smooth, long-running reliability. The CG814M immediately allows you to enjoy the freedom of wireless capability. The built-in 802.11b wireless access point lets you extend your network to support up to 11 Mbps throughput without the need for any new cabling. Four 10/100 Ethernet ports support up to 253 computers on your network. Auto partitioning on each port protects each installed computer from damaged network connections. The integrated modem is DOCSIS 1.0 compliant and upgradable to DOCSIS 1.1 guaranteed to work with your local cable service provider. URL content filtering and time-of-day usage limits give parents and administrators ultimate control over user access. E-mailed reports of browsing activities and optional real-time e-mail alerts provide further input on user activity. NAT (Network Address Translation) Firewall with VPN (Virtual Private Network) pass-through protects against Internet attacks, and auto-partitioning on each port protects each installed computer from damaged network connections. Simple for anyone, even those without networking experience, to set up and use. A USB port provides simple Plug and Play connectivity, and an animated Install Assistant leads you every step of the way. Lighted status icons make it easy to observe network activity.Product summary
The good: All-in-one device for wired and wireless networking; easy setup; inexpensive; abundant security features; three-year warranty.
The bad: Disappointing performance; lacks some high-end features.
The bottom line: A bona fide networking Swiss Army knife, the CG814M does it all, cheaply and simply.
Average user rating: from 15 users
3.5 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/18/2002
To our surprise, the multitalented CG814M operates with very little fuss and frustration. Based on version 1.0 of CableLabs' Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), the CG814M should work on most of the nation's cable networks. Still, we suggest you check with your cable provider before you plunk down any money. If you're particularly forward-looking, you can upgrade the CG814M to the DOCSIS 1.1 specification, which will streamline Internet radio and video by providing the equivalent of a direct data connection for these purposes. (For more information on DOCSIS, including a list of certified products, check out the CableLabs Web site.)
Try as we might, we couldn't detect any difference between the hardworking, multitalented CG814M and the three devices it replaced on our test network (a Motorola Surfboard cable modem, a Linksys router, and an Intel Wi-Fi access point), except that it helped us reclaim some desktop space and ditch a bunch of unsightly cables. The device can connect with up to 32 wireless computers and 253 wired ones with the right hardware. The package even comes with everything you need to create a complete home network: a Wi-Fi cable box, an AC adapter, network and USB cables, and an installation guide. The included CD-ROM contains electronic versions of the installation guide, as well as a 100-page manual and a nifty animated assistant that helps walk tenderfeet through setting up the device.
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 802.11b radio. |
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You can easily configure the CG814M via its HTML setup screens. In a bid to reduce setup anxiety, the configuration screens feature well-written explanations--which novices should read before clicking--in the right-hand margin. On the Wireless tab, you can enter the Wi-Fi network name or service set identifier (SSID), the WEP encryption settings, and the access-control list. The unit comes with the SSID set to Wireless and the WEP encryption disabled, but we recommend that you change these immediately to safeguard your network from passing hackers. The device supports 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption but not the more secure 152- or 256-bit protection found on the D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+.
 Wireless-settings screen. |
With a built-in firewall, the CG814M performs stateful packet inspection to guard against denial-of-service attacks and to carry out port forwarding, blocking, and triggering to run special applications and programs. In addition, you can grant or deny clients access to your network based on MAC addresses. You can also filter content by blocking Web sites based on keywords or URLs, making this gateway perfect for families concerned about keeping kids away from questionable Web sites. And if you can't get your videoconferencing software or favorite online game to work, you can set up a DMZ to bypass these security precautions.
There are three shortcomings, however, that restrict this device to home use only. The CG814M can't work as a wireless bridge to pass along a Wi-Fi stream to an unconnected access point. It also doesn't show network statistics for tweaking settings, and you can't adjust radio details such as transmission power, beacon interval, RTS threshold, fragmentation length, and DTIM interval. A jack-of-all-trades and master of none, the Netgear CG814M wireless cable modem gateway lagged slightly behind other networking devices in both wired and wireless operation in CNET Labs' tests. With a Wi-Fi throughput of only 3.9Mbps, the CG814M failed to keep up with the Siemens SpeedStream 2624 wireless DSL/cable router, which delivered nearly 30 percent more bandwidth. As a wired router, it stayed ahead of the HP wireless gateway hn200w with a rating of 84.3Mbps. The combo device had perfect compatibility with five different Wi-Fi radios and an average range of about 80 feet.
| Throughput tests Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance)
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| Response time Measured in milliseconds (shorter bars indicate better performance) | ||||||||||
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| Range test Relative performance in typical office setting
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For practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot 4.3 software as its benchmark. For wireless testing, the clients and routers are set up to transmit at short ranges and at maximum signal strength. CNET Labs' response-time tests are also run with Chariot software using the TCP protocol. Response time measures how long it takes to send a request and receive a response over a network connection. Throughput and response time are probably the two most important indicators of user experience over a network. For more details on how we test networking devices, see the CNET Labs site.
The Netgear CG814M wireless cable modem gateway comes with a three-year warranty--much longer than most of the competition, with the exception of Intel and Belkin. The company's Web site hosts a well-thought-out, interactive configuration guide, which can help home networkers choose the right equipment. You can also find how-to videos and simply worded guides that show you exactly what to do to set up a home network. Although the company's Web site often loads slowly, it contains a good variety of support services, including software downloads, tips, and FAQs. You can also make a toll-free call to Netgear 24 hours a day or e-mail one of the company's technicians from the Web site.
 Netgear's customer-support Web site. |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Constantly dropping.
Pros: Relatively easy setup.
Cons: Constantly dropping the signal. We eventually just got fed up and bought a different router.
Review:
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 15 user reviews
DHCP and wireless subpar in security and performance
Pros: all in one, cheap
Cons: uses old technology and frequently has connection problems
Review: The DHCP issue I was having was ultimately solved by using another wireless router, and i am currently using the netgear as a glorified modem. I suggest buying a modem, and a quality wireless router instead of using this POS.
User Rating:
3.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
It died and yours might be next
Pros: This thing was great everything worked the first time and the speed rocks Wireless range 2 floors away
Cons: But it died and then nothing worked and now what do i have? a broken flying saucer
Review:
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Wow what a good deal
Pros: Got it running with comcast in a few minutes. Use wired and wireless ports. The firewall, NAT and Wireless security features are just great. Works all over the 3500 sq feet building. Replaced my three boxes with just one ... so don't need my firewall, rou
Cons: None
Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
great product @ greatprice
Pros: Easy to configure and use. Great uptime. Not very expensive. Great brand. Nice looking.
Cons: Have not found any so far.
Review:
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Operator Error
Pros: Wonderful to have all products in one location. Netgear is a great manufacturer and knows what consumers want.
Cons: A bit larger than I wanted but not a big enough con to even complain about. I have problems with the consumers who have operator errors and complain that its the products fault.
Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Plugged it in and started surfing
Pros: I found the router to be very easy to install. I replaced my wired router with this one, and all I had to do was plug it in to my modem and the wall. I am up and running downstairs now.
Cons:
Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
great product - don't blame the isp
Pros: This is a great product, with a full featured router, perfectly performing cable modem, and more than adequate wireless access point all-in-one. If your ISP doesn't "support" the modem, that's the ISP's fault, not Netgear's. More than likely it is because
Cons: No telnet access, only http.
Review:
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Fantasitc! Flawless networking, dump your modem!
Pros:
Cons:
Review: I installed this without a problem, got rid of my old cable modem and router and added wireless capability at the same time. I couldn't be happier. My network now has a combination of wired and wireless computers on it and everything is running smoothly. Set up was simple, and the network is easy to adjust, even for novices like me. If you are looking for simplicity and want to clean up the PC cord mess, this is perfect!
User Rating:
3.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Great All-in-one
Pros: The device was very easy to set up, even for a novice who knows nothing about networking. Price is great - you get a wireless router and cable modem for the price of a "normal" wireless router.
Cons:
Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Seriously, this is a good product.
Pros:
Cons:
Review: Installed, configured, and set up WEP w/ MAC restrictions in under 10 minutes. No joke. Only wish I could use NAT with this router, but for the money, this one can't be beat. I live in a one bedroom apt. and get signal everywhere, plus I get signal down at my pool, too. And this comes with Freedom's firewall too, so it's a good package all the way around.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 15 user reviews
All-in-one is All-in-none
Pros:
Cons:
Review: RCN two-way broadband user in NYC. Netgear cable modem is "not supported" by RCN, as a result the 814M will not work as either a modem or a gateway with RCN in NYC. Returned the 814M and got the MR814 (w/o the modem) and got the system up and running in no time.
User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Poor distance on 802.11b.... no antenna (humm)
Pros:
Cons:
Review: Poor performance on wireless. The distances were bad. You must place the device in a high area away from your monitor or any large device that can block it.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Solid Choice
Pros:
Cons:
Review: Extremely pleased with this router. Set up was straight forward and there is excellent "on line" documentation to explain what the routers options are capable of doing. I was up and running in less then 20 minutes. Was especially pleased that this unit had 4 hardwired ports along with the wireless capability. I would say the wireless signal coverage is above average. I receive a strong signal through out my house (1500 square feet) but found the signal quickly dropped when going outside of the house or if there were several walls between my device and the router (to be expected). The unit does have an option to detach the antenna and mount it in a more "central" position. You will need a special wire to do this (not included). Radio Shack would be a good place to look if you are interested in that option. Once connected, the speed is very fast and there is no noticeable delay when accessing the internet. Good software, nice design, easy set up, and the bottom line is that it works without a lot of hassle. Solid choice for any small or medium house dwelling.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 15 user reviews
Fast, easy, reliable, cheap
Pros:
Cons:
Review: This is a great router for wired or wireless, it was a breeze to setup and is now working flawlessly
