written by Walks Far Man on 09/09/2010
I bought a Netgear DG834Gv1 54G wireless modem router when I first took out a broadband package with my ISP some 7 - 8 years ago. It has proven to be fairly easy to setup and will do it's best to keep connection when there's a drop in connection. This is more of a problem with the ISP than the router. I was given a version 2 of this router by a friend who just couldn't get his to work. All I did was to hard reset it using the pin-hole on the back plate, rebooted it and set it up just like my version 1. Absolutely no problems with it other than what I've already written about the loss of connection. However, these two earlier versions lacked certain facilities such as WDS though this method of connecting Netgear wi-fi equipment is usually done using the insecure WEP wireless protocol anyway so no great loss. In it's day it was an excellent router though these days it's quite long in the tooth! Both of my Netgear 834's are now kept as a backup incase my present modem router stops working.
written by on 08/09/2010
DG834G V5:
Easy to set up. It worked great for a few weeks; then connectivity issues started :-(
Router states that it is connected to ADSL and shows poll statistics, all physical indicators point to a connected router, however connectivity is non-existent until the router is rebooted.
Not using any 'special' features (DHCP, Wireless, MAC filters etc..).
**ICT Technician who would not recomend this router to my customers!
written by lhqcxg1 on 25/08/2010
I love this modem /router and recomend it to all my friends and family. It just works.
written by a064973 on 24/06/2010
If you want to use WDS don't buy this product. The on-line manuals indicate support for this functionality but it is not supported on the latest firmware.
In addition it continually connected at a considerably lower speed than my 4 year old Ozenda router. 7Mb compared to 8Mb.
It is easy to set up and use but from my experience it "doesn't do what it says on the box" and I was disappointed to see it not connecting at the same speed as my old modem/router.
written by on 12/03/2010
Not had a problem with overheating. This router runs very cool especially when set up vertically (ie with feet), unlike the D-Link DSL-G604T it replaced, which ran hot and was frequently unreliable. I bought this brand as it was recommended by an IT professional who sees plenty of them. Sound advice, from my own experience. And dead easy to set up and secure. Recommended? - definitely.
written by on 24/07/2009
Had my Netgear for some 2 years now no problems to mention only me a bit thick over setting up but found the Help Desk very helpful.Looks tidy and is left on 24 hours and appears very quick.
written by Sogden on 15/07/2008
I have now had 2 replaced so am on my 3rd. Each one acts the same way. After being switched on for 3 hrs it appears to overheat and lose its connection. Therefore I do not recommend the Netgear DG834G.
written by gdk2008uk on 05/04/2008
Great router, quite easy to setup , picks up LLC-Based and not the fact it is supposed to be VC-Based (VC-Mux), also when using very long WPA-2SK keys laptops cant connect. However I well recommend this Netgear Wireless Modem firewall router.
written by on 27/02/2008
Sky broadband gave us this router when we signed up. It worked straight out of the box. In 6 months, I think I've only had to reset the thing once. Compared to a lot of other home routers, that's excellent.
Things I miss though: a QoS (quality of service) feature for prioritising internet gaming traffic. The ability to kick an IP address from the DHCP server.
These are reasonably advanced functions though. I've worked with networks a fair bit and I like to have lots of toys available.
Port forwarding is not like a lot of other home routers. It involves first setting up a service of the port and LAN IP address and then adding that 'service' you've just created to the "firewall rules". I have to say, it does work well. There's been no problem with the Playstation connection since I set up the proper ports for it, it just seems a clunky way to go about doing it.
Would I buy it again given the choice (rather than having it forced on me)? Probably not, but then I'm fussy.
For people that want real control over their home network, this ain't the router for you. If you're a little tech shy and want something cheap to stick in the corner of the room and forget about it, it may well be a solid choice.
written by anthmorton on 17/12/2007
This product is excellent. I got it working straight away and was very happy until...... I Found loads of "dead spots" in the house. It seemed to work sometimes and then not others. In the end I have figured out what is the issue. I use a video sender from my Sky box to another TV in the house. Turned this off and hey presto - wireless working everywhere. I guess I need to check on which frequency it was sending and try to get them on separate. Anyway - one to watch out for. I now have my main PC on the wired connection and use my work laptop on wireless. I also have my Wii on wireless. I would recommend this product, especially as you can get it for 35 now.
Written on: 30/12/2009
Hi,
<br/>I am, trying to do exactly what you have done.....help!
<br/>
<br/>I have already got my 2 home PC's on a wired connection (fab up & running no problems) however I have for Xmas purchased 2 laptops that are wireless & wish to connect them to my DG834G Netgear Wireless-G Moden Router I already have up & running to my 2 wired PC's.
<br/>How on earth do I do this I am at the end of my teather.....
<br/>If anyone can help let me know...thanks Jay!
written by i am ubuntu on 18/10/2007
The Netgear DG834G is expensive but worthwhile (quality obviously comes at a price).
written by networkguru on 06/05/2007
Overall, the DG834G is excellent for the home user and home office based worker accessing work via VPN.
written by adi600 on 11/04/2007
Netgear is poor and the moment i got another brand everything worked perfectly. It been 3 months and haven't had one problem
written by j4jono on 22/10/2006
Having just gone online and performed a number of searches, I have just realised that I am not the only person having problems with these routers/modems.
I acquired the Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router as part of a package when I subscribed to Sky Broadband. I have had nothing but trouble with it since I set it up. I have now followed the advice I found on the web, and I have attached the "feet" to enable the router to stand on one end. Allegedly, this will cure the overheating problem.
I await with anticipation.
Written on: 19/11/2006
I've never known someone to have an overheating problem. Therefore I think the problem is with the way you're treating the router than with the router itself. For example, have you got a lot of cables plugged into or near to the router that will be producing strong magnetic waves, and therefore cause a struggle for the equipment within the router; have you placed the router in a closed space; have you got the router near to any heat sources?
<br/>
<br/>Looking for simple solutions like these should help, because I think it's awful that you're the FIRST person to have to deal with overheating problems from the Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router.
Written on: 06/02/2008
Thanks for the support Achinton. I was starting to think I was being victimized by a group of Net gear buffs! ;-)
<br/>
<br/>Seriously, my wireless links all go really sluggish and the only way of curing it is to turn the router off for a while and back on again. Works perfectly for a good while after that. It is also on 24/7 apart from these brief rests.
Written on: 05/02/2008
I recommend to claim from the warranty
Written on: 04/02/2008
I have exactly the same problem, it requires resetting at least twice an hour. The modem sits clear of any obstruction, but gets very hot. The problem has existed from day one, but I am not convinced that heat is the real problem.
Written on: 12/03/2007
Oh, I forgot to add: my router's on 24/7, and there's not one time in all of that when it overheats!
Written on: 11/03/2007
I have the exact same model AND I NEVER have any overheating problems, and mine also sits horizontally and is on for 6 hours or more at a time. I do think that your problem could stem from lack of ventilation, there are also ventilation holes along the top edge and the sides which you may have inadvertently blocked.
written by nikki123wilson on 11/10/2006
I bought 2 of these as they seemed good value. So good in fact, I bought them because I couldn't not. I did not even have a home for 1 of them, but I gave it to my mum in the end. She had a Speedtouch 330 modem which kept kicking her offline, and the Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router solved that problem straight away. I love them, and I am about to buy another. They are so simple to set up and they work very well. Good wireless reception as well.
I love it! Can someone tell me if it's worth getting the DG834GT 108Mbps instead though?
written by glenduncanscott on 28/08/2006
For months now I've been struggling with my BT 105 Voyager ADSL modem using the Eciadsl Linux driver, but with the repeated syncronisation problems, disconnections and general unpredictability I decided it was time to invest in an Ethernet modem. Then I discovered the Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router on Amazon.
This is an awesome piece of all in one hardware, that's a real dream to configure through Firefox/IE (great idea). It's reliable, secure and fast. I only wish I'd invested in one sooner. It is great value for money too!
The only problem I had was with my wireless laptop card. This was easily solved extracting the Windows .inf file and compiling using ndiswrapper in Ubuntu Dapper Drake. Although this will not affect the 90% of Windows users out there who should have no problems...tech support what do you think?
written by kiyawhite on 10/08/2006
I am extremely proud of being the owner of a wonderful Netgear DG384G wireless router. I've only had it a few days, but I can safely say that nobody will regret this buy!
Since we are good customers, AOL decided to give us a free wireless router as a little present. This definitely wasn't a cheap present! The router itself is worth over £65!
The router is both a wireless connector and an Ethernet switchboard. Therefore you've got two types of good routers in one! The wireless signals themselves are very strong, with the 108mbps power covering quite an extensive area in and around your home. However, this could potentially cause difficulties for other wireless equipment in your home (eg. a cordless telephone). The router pumps out both wireless 802.11g signals (the latest) and 802.11b signals (the slighter older). Both are completely compatible with the router, and so, summing up, this router basically suits anyone who:
Wants a reliable router.
Wants to go wireless.
Has AOL Broadband Silver, Gold or Platinum, or another good home network ISP.
Can afford to spend a little more than usual.
It's really great!
PLEASE NOTE: This is the router that AOL are currently offering to new customers when they sign up to one of their services.
written by Wally27 on 19/03/2006
I purchased the Netgear DG834G in November 2005 as my Belkin Router decided to pack up 2 months out of warranty.
Connected it up with no problems (I am not the most experienced Networker!) It was much easier than the Belkin.
It appears to have a good range but I am unable to test it at the moment as my laptop in for repair.
There's not really any more you can say ..I plugged it in and it has worked ever since.
written by ghostuk on 22/02/2006
I've just upgraded to the Netgear DG834GT, and I was blown away - 4 ports, wireless super smart - what else can I say?
Written on: 23/02/2006
I have one and I agree they are great! very useful tool for wireless conection. The service was very good aswell.(I had to contact the company as the unit needed extra info for my NTL line)
NETGEAR are great!
written by rajcr on 21/02/2006
I have owned the Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router for more than 3 months to date. It's fantastic, and it is easy to install, though I was misguided by AOL's customer care initially, it's on since installation. It is excellent, great value for money, and it works throughout my house. I bought this as there was no telephone point in my study room, and I have no regrets. I have recommended this router to many friends.
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Richardviled's Comment
Written on: 25/09/2009
Nice reviews, I agree, this product is of high quality and totally reliable.