D-Link DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender, 802.11g, 54Mbps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It took me about 5 minutes to set this one up. Read below and you should be able to do it too. Don't install anything from the CD onto your computer, all you need is a web browser to log into this device and do everything.
Installation (5/5 stars):
First, connect the D-Link directly to any computer via the cable provided. (This cable might look and plug the same, but it's different from the others you most likely use for networking)
Step 1) Set your IP address to 192.168.0.### (where ### is any number from 10 to 240 EXCEPT 30, 30 is used by this D-Link). Then set the "Subnet mask" to exactly: 255.255.255.0 Leave "Default gateway" and "preferred DNS server" fields blank.
If you know how to do step '1' above then the rest is pretty easy. Follow the instructions in the quick guide (DWL-G710_QIG_100.pdf file located in the "docs" folder on the CD provided)
If you don't know how to do the setup '1' above, then do the following. Open the manual file ("DWL-G710_manual_100.pdf" located in the "docs" folder) it actually provides easy instructions BUT don't read it all or you'll get confused. You just need 3 pages from that manual. Go directly to page 28 to the section called: "Assigning a Static IP Address in Windows XP/2000" and read from the part where it says "Double click on control Panel" and do everything until page 30 where you see IP address fields, then just read my step '1' above to fill these fields.
Step 2) Close that manual file, and open the Quick Guide file from the CD and follow the easy diagrams/instructions. I think manual and quick guide were written by different people because quick guide is very straightforward and easy to follow where as manual is badly structured and confusing. Follow my two steps and you'll be alright though :)
Signal Strength (3/5):
While it was easy to set this thing up I'd like to confirm what another reviewer mentioned namely that the range of this Extender isn't much different from a standard wireless router (I have Westell 327W). So it's a bad idea to put this Extender very close to your wireless router as it will not extend the range farther. So don't be confused, this is not some sort of signal "booster". What I do is, I put this Extender somewhere where the signal strength from my wireless router is about 40% or so. D-Link Extender picks up that weaker signal and transmits it farther full strength (as though you had your wireless router sitting in place of the Extender). In other words, if you have a standard wireless router, expect about 50%-70% increase in range (depending on walls and other sources of interference).
Other:
Supports 64Bit and 128Bit WEP encryption (firmware update adds WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK)
Can't hide SSID on this Extender - I didn't know about this when I bought it, I thought this is a standard feature on all devices of this type. But it's probably not that important with 128bit encryption.

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Item #: E82189. D-Link, the industry pioneer in wireless networking introduces the latest product in the AirPlus G family designed to increase the range of your wireless network - the DWL-G710 Wireless G Range Extender.For users seeking a simple solution to improve the reach of their wireless signal within their home or office, the DWL-G710 is the answer. This Wireless Range Extender 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.The DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender is capable of repeating the signal of virtually any 802.11g wireless router or access point out on the market today. At the same time, the DWL-G710 can still communicate with other 802.11b/g wireless client devices.Setup takes only a couple of minutes and keeps your network free from additional cables. After quick configuration, place the Wireless Range Extender in close proximity of your wireless router or access point and begin offering a reliable connection to the rest of your home.The DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender also features 128-bit WEP encryption for secure wireless communication over the network. With this level of security, your data is kept safe from the prying eyes of unauthorized users.The DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender is the most cost efficient solution for increasing the range of your wireless network. Product Description: D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender - wireless network extenderDevice Type: Wireless network extenderEnclosure Type: ExternalDimensions (WxDxH): 4.3 in x 5.6 in x 1.2 inWeight: 0.4 lbsData Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11gRemote Management Protocol: HTTP Customers also search for: Discount D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender - Wireless Network Extender, Buy D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender - Wireless Network Extender, Wholesale D-Link

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