The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
Entered CNET Catalog: 10/12/2004
SKU: 0790069271427
Manufacturer: D-Link Systems Inc.
Manufacturer description
The D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender functions as a repeater that increases the wireless signal range in large homes and buildings. This device takes an existing 802.11g wireless signal and repeats it to enable wireless connectivity in the basement, patio, garage or any "dead spot" areas where your original wireless signal could not reach. Repeater signals are provided when the DWL-G710 is deployed in conjunction with a wireless router or access point. It can receive signals from router or access point up to 100 meters away, then re-broadcasts the signals to wireless clients beyond the edge of the original network. Range extension of up to 50% of the original network on a 2.4GHz frequency band. The DWL-G710 provides standard WEP 64/128-bit data encryption and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), which includes support for TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), Pre Shared Key (PSK) and 802.1x user authentication (used in conjunction with a RADIUS server). MAC Address Filtering and Disable SSID Broadcast are additionally provided for you to set up a robust network security. A web-based Wizard allows you to set up the device and apply security settings for the device. After a quick configuration, you can place this range extender in close proximity of your wireless router or access point and begin offering a reliable connection to the rest of your home or office.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Surprisingly easy to set up and it worked
Pros: Relatively simple to set up (for network hardware). More powerful than I expected - got the signal through multiple brick and concrete walls over a 100m stretch.
Cons: Set up could be even simpler. For example it's possible to chose the wrong type of encryption (you should use the same type as your existing wireless network). D-Link say the product is discontinued on their web site.
Review: Works better than expected, and well enough to do the job.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Great Product, Don't Hesitate to try! Supberd signal (measured 350ft)
Pros: G710 has a built-in SSID WEBClient, Intuitive Setup Wizard. 128 Encryption Capable. Great Distance Connection(measured 350ft crossing 4 walls) and great WLAN signal(40ft measured crossing 5 walls)
Cons: none.
Review: I was tired of the Linksys WRE54g continually dropping the signal therefore I replaced it with the DWL-G710. I found alot of Positive Reviews compared to the Linksys WRE54G, so I gave the G710 a shot. The G710 does drop the signal but rarely, the actual measured distance between the G710 Range Expander and the Wireless 2WIRE router is 350ft, crossing 4 standard residential walls. The WRE54G does VERY, VERY, VERY poorly for the same distance and location.
Setup with a 2WIRE router requires you to change the G710's ip to 192.168.1.30 instead of the default 192.168.0.30 address. After the device restarts you can access it at the 192.168.1.30 address.
The following are superb products as well!
1. D-Link DWL-G630(802.11g wireless adapter)
2. D-Link DWL-514+(802.11b/g router)
3. D-Link DWL-900AP+(still works great after 6 years)
4. Linksys WRTG-54G(router)
From firsthand experience, I highly discourage you from the following products:
1. Linksys WUSB54G(usb 802.11g adapter)
2. Linksys WRE54G, even after a highly technical setup, it has poor signal to AND from client AND router
Setup with a 2WIRE router requires you to change the G710's ip to 192.168.1.30 instead of the default 192.168.0.30 address. After the device restarts you can access it at the 192.168.1.30 address.
The following are superb products as well!
1. D-Link DWL-G630(802.11g wireless adapter)
2. D-Link DWL-514+(802.11b/g router)
3. D-Link DWL-900AP+(still works great after 6 years)
4. Linksys WRTG-54G(router)
From firsthand experience, I highly discourage you from the following products:
1. Linksys WUSB54G(usb 802.11g adapter)
2. Linksys WRE54G, even after a highly technical setup, it has poor signal to AND from client AND router
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
The right concept, a great product
Pros: Easy setup ... and it works
Cons: The documentation is adequate, but not better
Review: After a lot of research, about a year ago I bought a Netgear WPN824 Wireless G router. That's a good product, but for a variety of reasons (I'm now using the basement as an office, can't run wires) I needed more range. After more research, I tried several "range extender" products, with no success - and a really high level of frustration. This product (the G710) works just as it should - it repeats the signal seamlessly - and it works well. Setting it up was easy, requiring only the temporary set up of a static IP address (using a client laptop in my case). I have only had it up for 24 hours, but we have been using b and g cards as clients simultaneously, and have had no issues.
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Does not work
Pros: There are none
Cons: Tech support
Review: Spent two evenings trying to configure with the "help" of their tech support. Never worked.
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
I should have believed
Pros: Initial Setup
Cons: Does not work
Review: I read several reviews some positive and some very negative. From what I can tell it depends on whether or not your got a "defective" (tech supports word) one or not.
I set up the extender and it seemed easyh as pie. Once I moved it to the correct areaI had a complete malfunction.
I like other called tech support and was amazed little help they were. One (Level 2)actually told the extender did not support WPA-2 only WEP. After adout one irriataing hour they said the unit must be defective and I should return it.
Just in case D-link reads this and cares my case # was ALR397957771.
Bottom line do not waste your time.
I set up the extender and it seemed easyh as pie. Once I moved it to the correct areaI had a complete malfunction.
I like other called tech support and was amazed little help they were. One (Level 2)actually told the extender did not support WPA-2 only WEP. After adout one irriataing hour they said the unit must be defective and I should return it.
Just in case D-link reads this and cares my case # was ALR397957771.
Bottom line do not waste your time.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Easy setup, works great
Pros: Low effort setup, excellent extension of network, WPA support, works with different brand routers, modems, switches and computers
Cons: User manual "minimalist"
Review: In some areas of my house, my signal from a combined DSL modem/router was weak. I first tried using a Netgear powerline range extender; this was very difficult to set up and when I eventually got it to work I was very disappointed with the speed. So I tried the dlink unit -- very happy with it. The "quick start" is very minimalist but I followed it to the letter and the unit began working immediately, including the WPA security. I'm very pleased with the range...I've even plugged it in outdoors when I'm on my porch and get great signal with what seems to be the same speed.
My only reason for not giving this a "10" is that if you had some trouble setting this up, the manual is very "brief" and you'd probably need to call support. Even so, the support is 24/7 wih dlink so that would help.
My only reason for not giving this a "10" is that if you had some trouble setting this up, the manual is very "brief" and you'd probably need to call support. Even so, the support is 24/7 wih dlink so that would help.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Happy user
Pros: cheap, works, tech support worked well for me,
Cons: needed tech support, manuals are worthless, a bit slowler but that expected
Review: In reading reviews they are right need to just call tech support after first failure. I had a short time waiting only like 2 min and they helped me through it. I did loose some speed but now am able to use network in house. I got a good deal from office depot of 59.99 so could not pass it up.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Finally! Something worked.
Pros: Works perfectly.
Cons: No manual for Apple computers.
Review: The setup was fairly easy, but I did have to wait on hold for D-Link tech support for help. Once I got to their level two technician, things were up and running very smoothly. After going through several antennas, this has FINALLY given me full range on my computer. My connection speed went from about 100kpbs to 600kpbs! Definitely worth the $80 I spent at CompUsa.
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
This is Best repeater i ever seen.... setup took me 5 min
Pros: Crazy signal .. even works with 802.11b
Cons: Basically nuthing ...
Review: Seriously man.. i don’t y ppl gave stupid reviews.. The setup took me 5 mins trust me.. If u want to setup the connection in 5 mins follow the following steps and then rate this product
A: Make sure ur router is configured with modem and its working properly
B: Make sure u don’t connected to the internet
C: On ur pc navigate to Control panel -> Network connection and right click on the ethernet adapter (it will say "disconnected" but don’t worry) -> properties
D: Double click on TCP/IP properties and choose "use the following IP address” enter the following info
IP Address: 192.168.0.29
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Also choose "user the following DNS server addresses"
Preferred DNS Server: 192.168.0.1
Click OK.
E. Now plug the repeater and connect the RJ45 Cable between Repeater and Ethernet Card on ur pc
F. Now open internet explorer and type http://192.168.0.30 and follow the instructions on the quick install guide.
G. Once the setup is completed unplug the Ethernet cable and open the site survey of ur wireless card.
H. You will see a connection with a signal strength of 80 – 90. Connect to that and ur good to go…
A: Make sure ur router is configured with modem and its working properly
B: Make sure u don’t connected to the internet
C: On ur pc navigate to Control panel -> Network connection and right click on the ethernet adapter (it will say "disconnected" but don’t worry) -> properties
D: Double click on TCP/IP properties and choose "use the following IP address” enter the following info
IP Address: 192.168.0.29
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Also choose "user the following DNS server addresses"
Preferred DNS Server: 192.168.0.1
Click OK.
E. Now plug the repeater and connect the RJ45 Cable between Repeater and Ethernet Card on ur pc
F. Now open internet explorer and type http://192.168.0.30 and follow the instructions on the quick install guide.
G. Once the setup is completed unplug the Ethernet cable and open the site survey of ur wireless card.
H. You will see a connection with a signal strength of 80 – 90. Connect to that and ur good to go…
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Does what it says!
Pros: Easy setup for Mac. Small size
Cons: None I could find
Review: I needed to strengthen my wi-fi signal to reach the room farthest from my home office. I have a Dlink router hooked up to my Mac. 2 PC's and another Mac share that signal. Well I took it out of the box plugged it in and hid it in a corner halfway from my office to the place I needed and the signal was 4-5 times stronger than before. This really solved my problem.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Does what it's supposed to do
Pros: Very simple to set up
Cons: Requires some basic knowledge of networking
Review: After setting up this product, my wireless connection quality improved drastically. The folks who gave this product bad reviews probably did not set it up correctly. First it must be connected to your router for configuration, but then you can disconnect it from your router and move it elsewhere.
User Rating:
1.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
CUSTOMER SUPPORT TOO BAD!
Pros: Price of the unit is inexpensive, boost my signal for a little
Cons: Customer support not helpful. Signal drops often and cannot read my other wireless card
Review: First of all, the customer support is very hard to get. You have to wait for appox. 15-25 mins waiting time and after the long wait their customer support is very rude and lazy (email me if you want to get the name of the customer support I spoke with) He should not be working there as customer support... Upto now the repeater has still some problems. Maybe, somebody can assist me on setting up this thing again. I NEED GOOD CUSTOMER SUPPORT!!!
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Doesn't work, pure and simple
Pros: none what so ever
Cons: to many to list
Review: Where to begin....
The "quick start guide" gives you no options if there is a problem with the set up. Instructions tell you what IP address to enter, but not what to do if that doesn't work.
The "manual" is a pdf (I HATE not having a paper manual) that gives only slightly more information than the quick start guide.
I followed the instructions meticuliously, and I could not configure the dang thing. After 3 hours of trying on my own, I called D-Link Tech (lack of) support. They had not idea how to get the config. program to run either.
The CD that comes with the disk has NO DRIVERS, NO SETUP SOFTWARE, NOTHING other than the afformentioned manuals and trial versions of 3rd party software that did nothing to help me set the thing up.
STEER CLEAR OF THIS DEVICE!!!!!!!!!
The "quick start guide" gives you no options if there is a problem with the set up. Instructions tell you what IP address to enter, but not what to do if that doesn't work.
The "manual" is a pdf (I HATE not having a paper manual) that gives only slightly more information than the quick start guide.
I followed the instructions meticuliously, and I could not configure the dang thing. After 3 hours of trying on my own, I called D-Link Tech (lack of) support. They had not idea how to get the config. program to run either.
The CD that comes with the disk has NO DRIVERS, NO SETUP SOFTWARE, NOTHING other than the afformentioned manuals and trial versions of 3rd party software that did nothing to help me set the thing up.
STEER CLEAR OF THIS DEVICE!!!!!!!!!
User Rating:
1.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
would not work, abysmal tech support
Pros: good concept, not too cumbersome
Cons: does not work, pathetic manual, useless tech support
Review: did not work, i set up the device and followed the 3 pages of instructions that came with it, i tried for many hours and tried every possible combination of ip adresses and gateways. after waiting for a while to connect with tech support they did not make me try much, the guy just decided that there was maybee a problem with the device, so take it ack to the store. i knew that was bull i had called a week earlier in regards to installing a PCI wireless adaptator on aa old windows 98 computer, after failing twice the guy said that the device must be faulty, i continued trying and many hours later got it to work. i am taking the range extender back to best buy tomorow and never buying d-link again.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
The one that Worked!!
Pros: Signal Sensitivity VERY GOOD, range is good, tech-support good, and it works!
Cons: Horrible user manual, tricky login sequence to port into config page...
Review: Okay, I thought I'd clear up a few things
seeing as how I went through several kinds
of wifi repeaters. First was the LinkSys.
Heard so many good things, but you really
had to be very very knowledgeable on the
finer points of network protocols and tcp
ip expertise. And yet, I still had problems!
Then I went back to dlink. This model uses
a superior DSP chipset which makes it
perform better right off the bat.
Of course, there were a few problems right
off the bat too! The user manual is user-
useless!! You can't port into the config
page with the default settings stated on
the manual. A 20 min call to dlink sorted
everthing and after that all was good.
Signal outreach is good and overall
performance is very good. There is a few
other small details. Using any repeater,
one can expect to have a 20 to 30% hit
on your throughput (more so if WEP is
enabled) Since I'm sharing my neighbors
hi-speed, thier bandwidth was high enough
to offset this. and BTW, this model works
with ANY brand wireless router.
seeing as how I went through several kinds
of wifi repeaters. First was the LinkSys.
Heard so many good things, but you really
had to be very very knowledgeable on the
finer points of network protocols and tcp
ip expertise. And yet, I still had problems!
Then I went back to dlink. This model uses
a superior DSP chipset which makes it
perform better right off the bat.
Of course, there were a few problems right
off the bat too! The user manual is user-
useless!! You can't port into the config
page with the default settings stated on
the manual. A 20 min call to dlink sorted
everthing and after that all was good.
Signal outreach is good and overall
performance is very good. There is a few
other small details. Using any repeater,
one can expect to have a 20 to 30% hit
on your throughput (more so if WEP is
enabled) Since I'm sharing my neighbors
hi-speed, thier bandwidth was high enough
to offset this. and BTW, this model works
with ANY brand wireless router.
Updated
I just wanted to add another comment
as some readers were asking me the same
questions. I see no reason why this
would only work with Dlink products, as
I was able to 'repeat' multiple signals
from multiple brands (Linksys/smc/gateway?)
etc. The scan function is the key to
getting this to work. When the scan finishes
polling, it will present you with a list
of local and non local
connections.
The trick is to make sure you place the
repeater elevated and centrally. Actually,
take an average of three scans with the
repeater in three different locations
and then keep it at that location when
you see the highest signal. You can then
refine the throughput by adjusting the
antenna's direction using a speed test
page. If I upgrade the dlink antenna to
a 10dB or higher gain attenna, I would
imagine more remote connection possibilities.
I just wanted to add another comment
as some readers were asking me the same
questions. I see no reason why this
would only work with Dlink products, as
I was able to 'repeat' multiple signals
from multiple brands (Linksys/smc/gateway?)
etc. The scan function is the key to
getting this to work. When the scan finishes
polling, it will present you with a list
of local and non local
connections.The trick is to make sure you place the
repeater elevated and centrally. Actually,
take an average of three scans with the
repeater in three different locations
and then keep it at that location when
you see the highest signal. You can then
refine the throughput by adjusting the
antenna's direction using a speed test
page. If I upgrade the dlink antenna to
a 10dB or higher gain attenna, I would
imagine more remote connection possibilities.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
No Hype; Works Great!
Pros: Worked out-of-the-box (but worked better after being setup).
Cons: .. Would be nice if it Bridged ethernet networks at the same time.
Review: I really cannot complain about this device At All. I didn't really expect it to do what it says (I'm always skeptical about whiz-bank solutions), but I simply plugged in the device, used my laptop to connect to the device via CAT5 to set it up (tell it to connect to the existing AP), and I have access where I had no access before. If this thing would also let me connect to the wireless network via the RJ45 connector on the back I'd by 50 of 'em just because.
Works Great ... $70
Works Great ... $70
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Not able to configurate to Dynamic Address mode
Pros: strong signal
Cons: difficult to set up address other than only a static range address 192.168.0.xxx
Review: Do not buy this prouduct. It would let you set to Dynamic Address Mode even though the packed mannual and help section of firmware v.1.0 said "yes"???????
Updated
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
Updated
Do not buy this prouduct. It would not let you set to Dynamic Address Mode even though the packed mannual and help section of firmware v.1.0 said "yes"???????
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
Do not buy this prouduct. It would not let you set to Dynamic Address Mode even though the packed mannual and help section of firmware v.1.0 said "yes"???????
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
Updated
Do not buy this prouduct. It would not let you set to Dynamic Address Mode even though the packed mannual and help section of firmware v.1.0 said it is OK to do it.
I personally do not like this prouduct which cannot being set to Dynamic Address Mode (can use under static mode only). It did mention that we can set it either Dynamic or Static IP Address Mode. We should able to use either one address mode. It does not only mentioned inside the mannual but it shown up at the configuration web address 192.168.0.30 the "help" section of the firmware 1.0 but finally no chice of any Dynamic Mode IP Address and have to stick with Static Address Mode even download the old version 1.0 firmware.
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
Do not buy this prouduct. It would not let you set to Dynamic Address Mode even though the packed mannual and help section of firmware v.1.0 said it is OK to do it.
I personally do not like this prouduct which cannot being set to Dynamic Address Mode (can use under static mode only). It did mention that we can set it either Dynamic or Static IP Address Mode. We should able to use either one address mode. It does not only mentioned inside the mannual but it shown up at the configuration web address 192.168.0.30 the "help" section of the firmware 1.0 but finally no chice of any Dynamic Mode IP Address and have to stick with Static Address Mode even download the old version 1.0 firmware.
Extreme difficult to set it to Static Mode IP Address. It is good only able to set to 192.168.0.XXX range.
We cannot find the host log-in webpage if we change away from 192.168.0.XXX to something else even we set the whole network to follow through in order (i.e. 192.192.192.XXX range group) to come back to make change of anything later on.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 18 user reviews
Does what it is supposed to
Pros: Very simple config
Cons: Too simple. Wish it had a few more controls.
Review: Overall the unit does what it was advertized to do. It took me a while to figure out that the reason it was not connecting to my DLINK router is becaused I had mac filtering on and I had a typo in the mac address. Does increase coverage, but bandwidth seems to suffer a little. Have not tried WEP. Its no fault of DLINK its the technology. I found a great deal on it at compusa.
