D-Link DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router
Manufacturer: D-Link Systems Inc. Part number: DI-624M
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- You may be tempted by the DI-624M's low price and high scores, but you should resist--it's too unreliable.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
D-Link DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router price range: $65.00
- Reviewed by: Rik Fairlie
- Edited by: Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on: 09/23/2005
- Released on: 03/01/2005
The good: Affordable; fastest maximum-throughput performance.
The bad: Uneven performance; unreliable; short warranty.
The bottom line: You may be tempted by the DI-624M's low price and high scores, but you should resist--it's too unreliable.
D-Link's $109 DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router may cost less than some of its MIMO competitors, but it's a case of getting what you pay for--the DI-624M is a lot less reliable. From install to uninstall, we had numerous problems with the device. The DI-624M router, when paired with the D-Link DWL-G650M Super G with MIMO wireless notebook adapter, showed field-leading speed on our maximum-throughput test. But low price notwithstanding, we can't recommend this router.
The DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router is boxy, with two wide-paddle antennas. Its configuration wizard looks a little dated, but it offers all the standard options you'll want. Encryption options are WEP and WPA-PSK, a preshared key mode of WPA that's designed for home users. The router also includes a firewall with NAT and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). Other tools include a parental-controls option that enables you to monitor Web usage, MAC address filtering, system logging, and a VPN pass-through. The router gives gamers a DMZ option. Its settings can be configured from any Web-based browser, thanks to the DI-624M's remote-configuration option.
D-Link provides these very useful tools for the DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router, yet it doesn't adequately explain how to use them. For instance, the parental-controls capability makes it sound easy to block sites by URL or word. Yet when you try to configure the tool to block a certain site or type of site, it requires that you enter the beginning and ending IP addresses. It doesn't tell you that the info you should enter is actually the IP address of computers in your LAN, not the IP address of the Web sites.
Installation of the DI-624M router was smooth in our tests. We connected it to our cable modem and desktop PC, then launched the setup wizard and entered the usual password and WEP information. We restarted the desktop to save the settings and reboot the router, and 60 seconds later, we were connected to the Net.
Once we were up and running, however, we encountered reliability problems with the router. It sometimes hung when we attempted to switch modes and other settings. The only solution was to reboot the PC or the router. What's more, we found that the DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router delivered uneven performance, sometimes maintaining a connection, at other times inexplicably dropping the signal. Worse, the notebook adapter utility disabled drivers for the built-in Wi-Fi radio in one test notebook, and it hard-crashed another when we uninstalled the software.
The default setting for the DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router is Super G with Dynamic Turbo. In the setup process, D-Link does not explain the four settings, which also include Super G with Static Turbo, Super G without Turbo, and Disabled. Static Turbo is not backward compatible with legacy non-MIMO devices, whereas Dynamic Turbo should be. When installed on our own notebook, however, the setting worked, but the range was less than that of our standard G router. D-Link tech support recommended that we change the setting to Super G with Static Turbo, a move that yielded worse performance, with the signal dropping about 20 feet from the router. The router setup utility then hung, and we had to reboot our desktop PC.
In our CNET Labs tests, the D-Link combo topped the other MIMO duos, with its 51.5Mbps score on our maximum-throughput test. The pair achieved a respectable throughput of 33.3Mbps at a distance of 200 feet but scored a lackluster 17Mbps in mixed mode. When we installed the router and the PC Card in a home setting, however, the signal dropped off at a distance of 70 feet, delivering worse throughput than our standard 802.11g router.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
D-Link offers one year of support with toll-free phone support 24 hours a day. It also provides support via e-mail; our queries were answered in less than six hours. Finally, the company provides a useful online knowledge base.
User reviews
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Buy The Bilken
by pkolter on May 26, 2005
Pros: Good Range
Cons: Speed is a lie
Summary: I bought this router initial for price. I was looking for the speed and coverage and thought I could save a buck. Wrong move!
Initially the router didn?t work ...Summary: I bought this router initial for price. I was looking for the speed and coverage and thought I could save a buck. Wrong move!
Initially the router didn?t work with my DSL modem. A call to tech support got it up and going but they had arranged the modem as an access point without using the firewall or DHCP. I figured I could live with this and play with it later but then I found a bigger issue.
I thought I was getting a MIMO router with 108Mb speed. That's what the box said. That?s what the website says. It turns out, however, that the hardware doesn't support 108Mb speed. It appears that they were probable hoping to release this hardware fix it later with a software patch. As of today, however, there is a new hardware version on the market and D-link tech support tells me it never will support the 108Mb speed for version A (emails below).
I took the DI624 and DWL650M back and I bought the Bilken MIMO router and card. It worked great, right out of the box. I can literally go 2000 feet to the park and still stay connected!
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX,
Your Case ID is DLK396128448.
[Critical: Please do not change the subject line of your email when you reply. Leaving the subject line as it is will allow us to review your complete history and help us to better serve you.]
Date of Reply: 5/25/2005
Products: DWL-G650M
Operating System: Windows XP Pro
XXXXXXXXXXX,
As this DWL-G650M (MIMO) card does support only 54 Mbps of connection and not 108Mbps.
However any changes in the card will be notified through the given link:
http://www.support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DWL%2DG650M
Should you require further assistance with your D-Link products, please reply to this message, or call toll free at 877-453-5465. Thank you for networking with D-Link.
Sincerely,
MEL LAWSON
D-Link Technical Support
============Begin of Original Message============
Ok, I'm confused. The last email said, "Unfortunately the DI-624 rev. A and the DWL-G650 rev. A will never support Super G Mode". this website again indicates that it does support this standard. Why do you advertise that the standard is part of the equipment when it apparently is not? Are you planning on adding this feature in the future?
-----Original Message-----
From: ustech@dlink.com [mailto:ustech@dlink.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 4:40 PM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: D-Link Email Case ID: DLK396128448
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX,
Your Case ID is DLK396128448.
[Critical: Please do not change the subject line of your email when you reply. Leaving the subject line as it is will allow us to review your complete history and help us to better serve you.]
Date of Reply: 5/25/2005
Products: DWL-G650M
Operating System: Windows XP Pro
Philip, we do apologies for the confusion caused, this card as of now does not support Super G 108Mbps connection.
However for more information it is suggested to go through the link given below:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=386
Should you require further assistance with your D-Link products, please reply to this message, or call toll free at 877-453-5465. Thank you for networking with D-Link.
Sincerely,
MEL LAWSON
D-Link Technical Support
============Begin of Original Message=========== Why is this advertised as supporting up to 108Mb connections? I seems that this is false advertising.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6960238&type=product&id=10
99384455464
-----Original Message-----
From: ustech@dlink.com [mailto:ustech@dlink.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 11:36 AM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: D-Link Email Case ID: DLK396128448
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx,
Your Case ID is DLK396128448.
[Critical: Please do not change the subject line of your email when you reply. Leaving the subject line as it is will allow us to review your complete history and help us to better serve you.]
Date of Reply: 5/25/2005
Products: DWL-G650M
Operating System: Windows XP Pro
XXXXXXXXX,
Unfortunately the DI-624 rev. A and the DWL-G650 rev. A will never support Super G Mode. These hardware revisions were developed on an earlier, unratified draft of the 802.11G specification. D-Link will not exchange for newer hardware revisions.
Should you require further assistance with your D-Link products, please reply to this message, or call toll free at 877-453-5465. Thank you for networking with D-Link.
Sincerely,
JAMES BLACKWELL
D-Link Technical Support
============Begin of Original Message============ I just got a new DI624 router and DWL-G650M wireless card. I noticed that the speed reported was only 54Mb. My understanding from the product discription was that I would be able to get 108mb with this arrangment but I see from the firmware avaiable that the version on the router HW version A1. Is there anyway to get 108Mb or do I need to take it back?
============End of Original Message==========--------------- Internet Email Confidentiality Statement
------------------- Information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed and is private and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please kindly destroy it and notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail. Thank you for your cooperation.
----------------- D-Link - Building Networks for People ----------------
============End
============End of Original Message============
--------------- Internet Email Confidentiality Statement ------------------- Information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed and is private and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please kindly destroy it and notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail. Thank you for your cooperation.
----------------- D-Link - Building Networks for People ----------------5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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very good... finally get signal in garage
by imageeclipse on April 17, 2005
Pros: good speeds, great range
Cons: bit pricy, but the most affordable MIMO out there
Summary: set up was easy enough, glad to now finally have four bars of signal in my garage office...
Summary: set up was easy enough, glad to now finally have four bars of signal in my garage office...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I can't complain.....
by kryptic1 on April 11, 2005
Pros: It works for me...
Cons: none............
Summary: I upgraded from the di-624. My router is placed upstairs, and my xbox wireless gaming adapter is downstairs. No problems. My transfer speeds were faster than a T1 connection in ...
Summary: I upgraded from the di-624. My router is placed upstairs, and my xbox wireless gaming adapter is downstairs. No problems. My transfer speeds were faster than a T1 connection in my surrounding area on my wireless desktop connection. It works for me...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Low bandwidth Trendnet popup spam made it a bad deal.
by zephod42 on January 8, 2009
Pros: Set up fairly easy including WPA encryption. Range is adequate for my across multiple rooms all though speed is low.
Cons: Bandwidth never exceeded 20 meg. Trendnet Micro dash board popups are like spam. They can't be eliminated.
NEITHER VENDOR WILL TELL ME HOW TO STOP THE POPUPS. Popup blocker results in a dialog box the interferes with other applications.Summary: Soured on D-Link and Trendnet products. Fortunately there are many other vendors out there with better products.
Summary: Soured on D-Link and Trendnet products. Fortunately there are many other vendors out there with better products.
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D-Link DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router
by anmora on June 17, 2008
Pros: after firmware update; fast, very reliable, great coverage
Cons: start upset, well get really spend some time reading and try &error, NO gigabit ports
Summary: had mine for over a year, I got as package deal router and laytop card...which was my main reason for getting it 108 vs 54... do the math, now ...
Summary: had mine for over a year, I got as package deal router and laytop card...which was my main reason for getting it 108 vs 54... do the math, now I got it network with Buffalo network linkstation 500gb exteral harddrive and connected to it a WD notebook 500gb exteral HDD and HL2070N laser printer....I stream music, video, print any where in the house and outside up to 10ft wireless...and broadband internet SO ALL IN ALL it been a GREAT WORKHORSE for me... should done it sooner,will be upgrading to new dlink only because of everything else I got has gigabit abilities... and want more speed!!!
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Wireless didn't work correctly out of the box
by Walt (Anchorage) on April 27, 2007
Pros: At least the hard wired part worked and setup was simple.
Cons: Updated the firmware and locked it up.
Summary: At least it was inexpensive. $20 after rebates. The wireless would not work. The WLAN indicator LED never came on. I tried changing wireless settings and got no results so ...
Summary: At least it was inexpensive. $20 after rebates. The wireless would not work. The WLAN indicator LED never came on. I tried changing wireless settings and got no results so I updated the firmware following the instructions to the letter and then couldn't log back into the setup afterward. I took it back to the store and got the DI-634 model which I hope will work better.
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Don't waste your money. Requires frequent reset.
by Gordon S on April 27, 2007
Pros: Cheap at $20 after rebates but not worth it.
Cons: Cheap constuction. Its all plastic; No written instructions in the box; Requires frequent resets to get signal; Signal no stronger than wireless-G router.
Summary: This product was a major disappointment. I was hoping to replace my old wireless-G router and get better performance but this did not happen. This router required frequent resets every ...
Summary: This product was a major disappointment. I was hoping to replace my old wireless-G router and get better performance but this did not happen. This router required frequent resets every few minutes to get a signal. I am returning this product to the store today and keeping my old but working wireless-G router. The store tech guy said it my have been a bad production run.
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tin cans and string work better
by slorge on January 24, 2007
Pros: the package was pretty and the cat5 cable worked
Cons: everything else was bad
Summary: Avoid this router as if it were carrying multiple leathal doses of Anthrax and was also infected with a seeping case of herpes simplex 10. I would rather use old ...
Summary: Avoid this router as if it were carrying multiple leathal doses of Anthrax and was also infected with a seeping case of herpes simplex 10. I would rather use old phone books as hot dog condiments than recommend this router.
see my blog at http://slorge.blogspot.com/2007/01/di-624msuckage-defined.html for further details of my DI-624M story.
THanks.Updated
it does do the job of a router. i.e. I get IP address from it (usually) but the embedded software popups for Trend Micro Security Dashboard seem to interfere with everything, wire or wireless (even sitting right next to it).
I am going to replace it as soon as possible and then I am going to sink it in the ocean...or put it on ebay. -
now you tell me
by django3 on April 25, 2006
Pros: fast when connected
Cons: no more range than their first wireless
Summary: What took you so long to review this hunk o junk? I had their 811.b but it wouldn't hold a connection to my spot on the couch in ...
Summary: What took you so long to review this hunk o junk? I had their 811.b but it wouldn't hold a connection to my spot on the couch in front of the big screen HDTV. I got sucked in by the $82 price at Costco last summer and their claim of 8 times the range. Result was a faster (not a factor to connect to the web), unreliable connection.
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Does what I want.
by gparsons3 on March 21, 2006
Pros: Works as advertised.
Cons: Instructions not written in crayon.
Summary: First install didn't work, so I broke down and read the instructions. I reinstalled, and it has run like a scalded dog ever since. It has required re-booting once ...
Summary: First install didn't work, so I broke down and read the instructions. I reinstalled, and it has run like a scalded dog ever since. It has required re-booting once in the three months I have had it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: D-Link Systems Inc.
- Part number: DI-624M
- Description: Extend the range of your wireless network using D-Link new Super G with MIMO Wireless Router. Featuring the latest Smart Antenna MIMO technology and Super G technology, this new Wireless router offers dramatic performance improvements over standard IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g. The DI-624M Super G with MIMO Wireless Router enables Internet sharing and creates a robust wireless network able to achieve maximum wireless signal rates of up to 108Mbps . When used with other D-Link Super G with MIMO wireless products, the range can reach up to 8x farther coverage than standard 802.11g to provide thorough wireless coverage throughout your home or office. Based on proven technology, this Super G with MIMO Wireless Router offers industry-wide backward compatibility to 802.11g and 802.11b networking devices. You don't have to replace your existing network devices to experience the full benefits of extended range. For sharing broadband Internet access, the web-based wizard supports virtually all operating systems to assist you in getting connected to the Internet within minutes. Once your router has been set up, both wired and wireless users can enjoy surfing the web, streaming media, transferring, printing and storing files throughout your network. Security features include an advanced firewall using both NAT and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), as well as Advanced Parental Controls to monitor and maintain Internet usage. Combine these features with full System Logging, Static DHCP, VPN pass-through, and Network Diagnostic Tools to ensure a fully protected network. As the reach of your wireless network extends further, network security is a key factor. To protect information floating through your wireless network, the D-Link Super G with MIMO Wireless Router supports both standard WEP and advanced WPA-Personal (WPA-PSK) for data encryption. Additional security features include MAC and IP filtering for limiting network access based on MAC Address or IP Address. To further prohibit intruder's access to your network, the DI-624M can also be configured for invisible mode so the network name (SSID) cannot be scanned by outside wireless clients. Create a robust wireless network that boasts powerful performance and extended coverage. Enjoy the full benefits of wireless connectivity today!
General
- Device Type Wireless router
- Form Factor External
- Width 7.5 in
- Depth 4.6 in
- Height 1.4 in
- Weight 0.7 lbs
Networking
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Data Transfer Rate 108 Mbps
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Line Coding Format CCK, OFDM, DBPSK, DQPSK
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, 802.11 Super G
- Spread Spectrum Method OFDM
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP, PPTP, IPSec
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Max Range Indoors 330 ft
- Max Range Open Space 1310 ft
- Status Indicators Power, Port status
- Features NAT support, DHCP support, VPN passthrough, Firewall protection, IP address filtering, MAC address filtering, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Interfaces 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 ( WAN )
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm WPA-PSK, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
- Compliant Standards FCC
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Netscape Navigator, Drivers & Utilities, Adobe Acrobat Reader
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 131 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 95%
Manufacturer info
- D-Link Systems Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse D-Link Systems Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.dlink.com/
- Address:
17595 Mt. Herrmann, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 - Phone: 1.877.453.5465
- Email: tech@dlink.com
