Usage
To mess around with the DGL-4500, I connected its Internet port to my primary, Dell Gigabit Ethernet switch. It got IP address information from my router and I tested a variety of inter- and intra-switch activity. 2.3 MB/sec (18.4 Mbps) read from NAS external to router made me weary of the router’s ability to handle FiOS and other high bandwidth connections. However, inside the router’s LAN, I got the ~12 MB/sec (96 Mbps) I was expecting out of the transfer.
Wireless connectivity was fine. I once again used my G1 as a bait, and managed to make it out into the street in front of my house before I lost signal.
I’m not as big of a gamer as I used to be, and I’m not as attuned to lag in games since I’m on a FiOS connection at 25 Mbps/15 Mbps. I wasn’t able to determine much of a difference in games via the unit’s GameFuel quality of service bandwidth management. Users on lower bandwidth connections would likely benefit more from it.
Final Thoughts
[ad#content_main]I think I would like the LCD on the D-Link DGL-4500 better if it cycled through pages. This would make it more likely to catch the eye of a passerby. That said, if you’re considering the DGL-4500 based on the LCD, save your money and look for something cheaper-it’s out there.
Don’t get me wrong, though. The DGL-4500 is probably sufficient for power users who don’t tinker as much as enthusiasts do. Honestly, with the exception of a built-in VPN server and SSH server, the DGL-4500 is on-par with my below ASUS WL-500W running the alternative DD-WRT firmware (which sadly lacks gigabit LAN). A side by side feature comparison would likely show the DGL-4500’s hardware to be superior, and the OS to be gear more toward power users and gamers.
I’d recommend the Ubicom- and Atheros-based DGL-4500 to a power user or gamer who has the extra cash to spend on a high end router, but doesn’t want to mess around with the less user-friendly settings offered in OpenWRT or DD-WRT on a Broadcom-based router such as those offered by Linksys, ASUS, and Buffalo.
ThinkComputers gives the D-Link DGL-4500 Xtreme N Gaming Router a 9 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Admin panel is impressive for a consumer-level router
– LCD on top is slick
– Gigabit Ethernet excellent for power users with multiple computers
Cons:
– Price: $120-$150 is EXPENSIVE for a router
– LCD on top has limited usefulness in reality (it’s bling!)
– Ubicom processor and Atheros wireless chipset eliminate alternative firmware options
[ad#review1020-bottom]
Research has shown that deglycyrrhizinated licorice supports and promotes a healthy stomach lining and intestinal flora. Glycyrrhizinic and glycyrrhetinic acids, associated with high blood pressure, have been removed. Planetary Herbals professional strength DGL reflects dosages and preparations used in clinical studies.