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
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