| D-Link DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender, 802.11g, 54Mbps |
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Model: DWL-G710
Brand: D-Link
Manufacturer: D-Link Systems, Inc.
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 71
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Takes an existing 802.11g wireless signal and repeats it
Enables wireless connectivity in the basement, patio, garage or any dead spot areas
Works with virtually any 802.11g wireless router or access point on the market
128-bit WEP encryption for secure wireless communication
Setup takes only a couple of minutes |
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| Description: |
| 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. It's 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. |
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| User Reviews (71 total): |
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it works!, November 29, 2007
By dooles (oldtown, idaho)
where we couldn't get even a connection now we have a good to excellent connection. if i can configure it using the instructions, you can too, trust me.
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Simple solution for D-Link router owners, November 22, 2007
By Deadline 313 (Detroit, MI United States)
Took about 10 minutes to find the spot in my house that offered the ideal range enhancement (and a handy AC outlet), and to configure the extender. If you can handle configuring a wireless router, you can handle configuring the range extender. RTFM. I suspect that users who are having problems getting this product to work have some other issues with their wireless system. Follow the directions and you'll be fine. If you DO run into trouble, reboot everything. (Isn't that the cure for 98% of all PC problems???) There's no reason to settle for wimpy wireless coverage.
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Works like a charm - with a caveat, November 14, 2007
By Jamie Vachon (Sydney, Australia)
I have to admit, I can see why a number of people have had issues with the setup of this unit. It was initially flaky in regards to the wired LAN connection and it was hard to tell when it was indeed ready to run the setup wizard. That said, once it was ready the setup was a breeze... BUT you must note that the WLAN light never goes solid if you have wireless equipment in range. It will go from a steady blink (of longer duration) to a faster, infrequent blink when things are good. The only way I could tell it was working was to watch my wireless strength before and after turning the unit on. It went from 60% to 100% when the WLAN light blinked rapidly, indicating a great connection. And by the way, contrary to other reviews, you can indeed set this unit up direct to a computer as opposed to a switch or router.
I increased coverage in my backyard from 0% to 82%. Not a bad result at all. It would have been 5 stars if there was better indication of success on the unit and if the documentation was more clear as to the way to measure a correct setup.
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Dlink DWl-G710, October 19, 2007
By Bryant E. Bushling
D-Link DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender, 802.11g, 54Mbps I followed the directions perfectly. I could not get the extender to work. I called Dlink support. After the tech person gathered some personal and product info, she hung up on me. I called back and after going thru the extensive menu found myself waiting on the tech line for someone to answer. I gave up and tried again. Even though I have a Dlink router, I just could not get this thing to work.
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Wary buyer... mixed support experience... good product!, October 15, 2007
By taweaver80 (Clive, IA United States)
Like many others I came in rather wary of this product. I'm one whose fairly literate in technology but certainly not a techno-dweeb by any stretch. So, some of the reviews had me more than a little concerned.
As usual, upon trying to do the setup nothing was truly "plug and play". And, as stated many times in these reviews, the documentation was fairly worthless. So, I called customer support and had a mixed experience. The first TWO times I called I explained my situation and both CSR reps disconnected me (not sure if it was inadvertant or purposeful but both times it felt like they intentionally hung up). So, by my third call I was steaming mad. Luckily I hit a rep who was VERY patient, cordial, and helpful and walked me through everything step by step (which by the way I would've never been able to accomplish on my own).
Now that I have it setup, it works beautifully! Wireless anywhere in my house or outside (even though my WAP is deep in the bowels of my basement).
P.S. -- the first support rep stated that my Linksys 802.11g router bought from the local Best Buy was not on their supported list! DON'T BELIEVE IT. It works great with Linksys.
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Too Difficult to Work With, October 7, 2007
By Tech Guru (TN)
The D-Link DWL-G710 Wireless Range Extender, 802.11g, 54Mbps really does extend the range of your wireless network. I haven't taken the time to see exactly how much further my network reaches since I set it up, but it does reach the entire house now with a strong signal.
That was the good, now is the time for the bad. The D-link is a royal pain to set-up. Just about every review I read said that it was extremely difficult and that you needed a tech degree to get the thing to work, but that once it was set-up (for those people who were successful before giving up and returning it) it did what it was supposed to do. I thought to myself, I have a college degree in Computer Information Systems, how hard can it really be? Considering my other options and the price of the D-link, I purchased it thinking that I wouldn't have any trouble getting it up and running. Think again!
The D-Link could have been a great product if it didn't require a college degree to setup, if the directions were better, and if tech support was more helpful. So, for ease of use and give it 1 star. For functionality I give it 3 stars (it did extend my network range a good bit once configured properly).
In conclusion, the D-link works but is very difficult to setup as an extender with encryption turned on. One helpful hint before I go: you must connect the repeater to a computer that is wired into the router, not the router itself (again, the directions leads you to believe that plugging into the router would work).
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Worked after filtering confusing directions, September 4, 2007
By OP KS (Overland Park KS)
I was able to get this product up and running very effectively with my NetGear WPN824 Mimo Router in spite of reports in other reviews to the contrary. Kudos to E. Isaacov for very clear instructions--I would just add this direction from J. Lau to the list--After setting your new range extender, "Go back to Control Panel to reset your Internet Protocol back to the original setting: mine was 'Obtain an IP address automatically.'"
Once I understood that, I was able to set up quickly and effectively. It is working great.
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Be EXTREMELY cautious if you choose to proceed., September 2, 2007
By Nathan Wilson
I agree with the others' sentiments - the bottom line is that this range extender WILL NOT WORK with a large number of routers on the market, including ones by D-Link. I have the top-of-the-line D-Link wireless router, and only after 2.5 hours navigating the atrocious customer service queues with no problem resolution, did I directly ask them, "is this product known not to work with this router?" They said they would check their list, and returned to say, "Yes, this may be the problem - it is not compatible with your router."
This stark fact perhaps ought to be one of the first things that they lead with in their troubleshooting methodology - in addition, it should really be something that they advertise on the packaging, or at least somewhere in the product manual ("this product is incompatible with the following routers"). The fact that they seem to suppress, or at best fail to mention, this vital information, leads me to call into question their sales intentions. Their omission has definitely produced a very negative customer experience on my part, and thus I am here through the only feedback mechanism we have available to us to help each other - the product review - which I rarely do. So all I can say is, if you are interested in supporting this product with your money, make certain that you first check for compatibility via a knowledgeable source, as otherwise, even if you follow the instructions to the letter, it will not work for you (you will be able to log in to the device via wired network, you will be able to associate your computer wirelessly, but you will not be able to send or receive information over the wireless). Good luck!
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Good product, but carefully follow the directions precisely, August 6, 2007
By Techguy (Canada)
I read all the reviews here before buying the product and just today installing it. I am a retired IT fellow who does a lot of this stuff.
This is a solid product that works well once you install it correctly. Make certain of compatibility BEFORE you buy and try. Open the short instruction set that comes with it. Read it carefully twice. Follow every word precisely. It will work within minutes.
It may not be clear but,
First connect the DWL-G710 using the supplied Ethernet cable to your ROUTER, not the PC.
It is clearly over-priced -- twice the price of the router, but if you need it, you need it.
In my case, my problem was a signal that was strong enough to get a web page, but not strong enough to hold a video conversation or play some interactive Internet-based games. This unit solved the problem. Oddly, the unit did the best to solve the problem immediately adjacent to the remote wirelessly-connected PC. You should be prepared to try a variey of positions to find where it works best.
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May work, may not--do your research first, June 5, 2007
By BDF (NYC)
If you don't have D-link equipment, do your homework before buying this repeater. It may work with your setup, it may not. Make sure you find someone on the net who has successfully set up the unit with your specific configuration and find out how they did it. We use Netgear WG302 WAPs. I spent as much time trying to set up the DWL-G710 as we could afford. A subsequent look on the web revealed that other IT professionals have had no success with this specific configuration. Don't make my mistake--do your research first.
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Straight forward, simple, and it works, May 20, 2007
By J. White (Washington, DC, USA)
Pros: Simple to setup, works as advertised, provides wireless coverage far beyond the range of my existing wireless router.
Cons: None so far
Overall: Highly recommend if you are looking to extend the range of your existing wireless network.
I am not sure what troubles others are running into with setup of this product. The quick start guide is very straight forward, and by following the directions I was able to get this up and running in less than 15 minutes. Once setup (for which you have to hardwire into your network) I moved the Range Extender to its desired location, turned it back on and everything was working.
I now have wireless access throughout my back yard, where as before installing the Range Extender I was unable to get a connection right outside my back door. I am able to walk throughout the house without losing connection, even if I move outside of the expected range of one device or the other (my laptop does not seem to even notice that there are two devices -- which exactly what I expect).
I am very happy -- it works exactly as I expected with no hassles!
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Wireless product, May 15, 2007
By Mandelli Giuseppe (Italy)
Dear Sirs,
unfortunatly i can not make a right review simply because the product is still in USA, Columbus, by my son Diego that he will brings back to Italy middle of June.
At that time will be my pleasure to make the review.
Best regards
G. Mandelli
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Limited routers work with DWL-G710, May 13, 2007
By Donald J. Fisher
Great idea, but limited to specific D-Link routers (not all) as I have a DIR-625 > Range Booster N Router and it won't work. Make sure you know what routers this extender will work with.
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with help it runs great, March 20, 2007
By outdoorsman (Wesley Chapel Florida USA)
I couldn't get this to work at all, the install wizard would not open. Called the help line and after some formalities the gentleman asked if I had a paperclip. Whops, reset time but after that things went smoother. He was very helpful and walked me through all of the necessary steps. The manual is useless, especially since all it says is open wizard and ...pray. Increased signal strength from very low to excellent in a dead spot I wanted to use as second office.
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Does not work, January 30, 2007
By Freckles
I purchased the DLink DWL-G710 range extender because I already had a Dlink DI-524 router. I assumed that this would make the setup easier.
The manual is hard to understand if you are not a teckie. I tried several times on my own to configure the unit and then broke down and called their tech support. After 2 hours on the phone, the tech support person informed me that the extender would not work with my router. She said the firmware was too recent on the router to work properly with the range extender. I asked for a refund and she refused. She basically said they had no extender that would work with my router. Needless to say I was very disappointed. Do not purchase this if you have any firmware above 1.05 on the DI-524 Router.
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Did not work, January 12, 2007
By Gerald H. Cook
I couldn't get it to work. The help line wanted me to try new setting after new setting, but they failed as well. In all fairness, I did not have direct access to the router, which is a locked room.
I returned it for credit.
I bought a lynksys instead from circuit city. It automatically picked up the signal and extended it to my laptop. It works the same way as the laptop does when I check into a hotel. No chacnge in settings required.
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Difficult to set up but rock solid, January 12, 2007
By Dr Wizard (Albany, NY)
I had some difficulties getting the device set up and running correctly (for example - you need to have the sequence of resetting the network correct with this device "on" last). Instructions in box are not good but web pages helped me through it OK. Onces establised (4 months) I have not had an issue.
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Works Great but not for Network Amateurs, December 29, 2006
By imflyboy (Fort Collins, CO USA)
This device works as specified and many of the comments about poor documentation, unreachable tech support and the need to know some computer network basics are all valid points that I can reinforce. What I would like to add are three additional points.
1) I have successfully set this extender up with a Belkin Pre-N wireless router (Access Point) F5D8230-4 which is operating in b/g mode. The DWL G710 did indeed increase the signal strength to the remote portions of my 6000 sq ft home. However, as you would expect, the Pre-N mode (MIMO) features of the Belkin PRE-N are not supported on this extender and therefore must be disabled on the Belkin router for the extender to operate as specified. Not a problem for me since I don't use Pre-N. I boutht the Belkin Pre-N because of it's incredible coverage as a standalone access point. (By the way, Belkin's tech support, in my experience, has been supurb.)
2) When using this extender, I have noted that while the signal strength has improved markedly and the dropout problems in remote areas of my home have ceased, my data rates have diminished by about 20-25% when using the extender. I think some data rate degradation is to be expected but 20-25% is excessive. I have characterized performance using several speedtest facilities listed on DSLREPORTS(dot)COM/TOOLS.
3) I have noted that several people have complained that they have successfully set up their extender but see no difference in signal strength. This might be because they have not actually linked to the extender. Of course the extender has a different MAC address than the access point so check the MAC address that has been linked to your wireless card to ensure that the card is actually talking to the extender. If this is the case, disable and then re-enable the radio. Upon re-enabling the radio, the strongest signal (from the extender) should be selected.
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Works just fine., December 14, 2006
By R. M. Silva (Healdsburg, CA)
Works so much better than the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G! The D-Link is much easier to set up than the Linksys counterpart, I only give it 4 stars because the signal is variable - even when my laptop doesn't move at all.
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DLINK DWL-G710 does not work properly/deficient customer support, December 5, 2006
By Patricia Hogan (Mexico City)
The D-Link DWL-G710 Range Extender is one of the worst computer products I've ever bought. Regrettably, I bought more than one of these. Configuration is incredibly difficult. The Extender keeps losing its settings and has to be re-configured constantly. Only 64-bit encryption works, and the firmare upgrade protocol failed repeatedly, so I couldn't upgrade encryption. One sealed purchase came without the AC adapter, and D-Link was absolutely atrocious about sending me a replacement adapter----insisting that I had to pay $25 for one, even though I had just purchased the Extender brand new from a retail store within the past few days. They have one of the worst customer service departments I have encountered in recent times. After all this, guess where the Extender went? Right back in the box and straight back to the store for a full refund. My experience with their customer service department was the hair that broke the camel's back----I'll never buy another D-Link product again! The retail store, however, was very gracious about taking the product back.
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