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CNET editors' rating:
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Product summary
The good: Multifaceted security; WDS; thorough manual.
The bad: Mediocre throughput; awkward setup; nonremovable antenna; no stand.
The bottom line: The Zyxel Prestige 334W offers a nice array of security features, but its configuration is too complex for those new to networking.
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 08/30/2004
- Released on: 06/01/2004
Whereas some routers come equipped with a start-up wizard that automatically runs from the CD to guide you through the installation step by step, the Zyxel Prestige 334W requires manual changes to your connected computer before you can begin setting up the router. A printed 19-page setup guide walks you through the process, but if you're new to networking, the complexity of the setup may confuse you. Along the way, you'll need to acquaint yourself with terms such as ISP domain name, service type, and encapsulation to successfully navigate the process. The thorough user manual describes these terms and many more, but we recommend the smoother, automated setup of Motorola's WR850G or Netgear's WGT634U for first-time networking.
If you need to set up a wireless network with a large coverage area, you can use the Prestige 334W's WDS feature. WDS, short for
The Zyxel Prestige 334W includes support for up to two simultaneous VPN tunnels, which allows you to establish secure encrypted connections with clients over the Internet. The Prestige 334W protects the Wi-Fi LAN with the latest Wi-Fi Protected Access encryption, too. Unfortunately, you must drill down in the authentication section of the router's browser-based configuration tool to activate WPA security.The Zyxel Prestige 334W router delivers adequate but not scorching throughput. Capable of moving 24.2Mbps at close range, the router is far behind Netgear's WGT624 and D-Link's DI-624, each of which doubles the throughput of the Prestige 334W. The router has an acceptable range of 175 feet, far short of the 200 feet that the others deliver.
CNET Labs maximum throughput tests (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Throughput in Mbps |
CNET Labs throughput tests with mixed b/g clients (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Throughput in Mbps |
For practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot 4.3 software with Chariot 4.4 Endpoints as its benchmark. For wireless testing, the clients and routers are set up to transmit at various distances from the access point and to automatically select the best transmit speed. All tests are run with Chariot software using TCP and are run in our CNET offices over channel 11. Our tests indicate the range you can expect in a typical office environment, but range in your own home or office may differ. You may be able to achieve better performance in situations where you can establish a clear line of sight. For more details on how we test networking devices, see the CNET Labs site.Zyxel backs the Prestige 334W for two years, which is longer than many other vendors, but it's short of Netgear's three-year and Belkin's lifetime coverage. Web resources include online registration, a library of technical documentation, a searchable knowledge base, and a skimpy but helpful troubleshooting section. Unfortunately, there's no forum or chat room for users and technicians to share problems and solutions, and if something goes wrong, Zyxel's toll-free help desk is open only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
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