| D-Link DWL-G730AP Wireless Pocket Router/AP w/ Client Mode, 802.11g, 54Mbps |
 enlarge
|
Model: DWL-G730AP
Brand: D-Link
Manufacturer: D-Link
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 88
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
|
|
|
| |
| Features: |
Enables 802.11g Wireless Connectivity
Supports Access Points, Router, or Wireless Client Mode
Supports Power over USB
Includes Convenient Travel Case and Necessary Accessories (Cables and Power Adapter)
Enhanced Security with WPA-PSK |
| |
| Description: |
| The DWL-G730AP is a portable and convenient wireless solution for the traveling business person delivering 802.11g wireless connectivity with a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps*. Use it in conference rooms, hotel rooms, or even at hotspots. The Wireless Pocket Router/AP might be small in size, but is huge in functionality. The DWL-G730AP supports multiple operation modes including: Access Point (AP) mode to create a wireless connection; Router mode to share an Internet connection; and Wireless Client mode to connect an existing wireless network. Easily switch between these modes by using the 3-way configuration switch located at the bottom. In AP mode, the DWL-G730AP can be used to create a wireless network in a room where a single Ethernet port is provided. Now multiple wireless clients can connect to the network at the same time to share resources and files. The Pocket Router/AP supports WPA-PSK to secure your wireless data communications. In AP mode, the DWL-G730AP adds support for 802.1x user authentication with an external RADIUS server. For setup and configuration the DWL-G730AP can be accessed via D-Link's user-friendly Web-based utility. |
| |
| User Reviews (88 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 of Total 5 Pages
|
Works great and is a better buy than other products, August 7, 2006
By Ken (Granite Bay, California)
I bought another competing product, the 3Com pocket router, because I heard a favorable review of it on the radio. That product is about the size of a pack of cards, and includes a short ethernet cable to connect it as needed, and a power pack. A carrying case is included to take things on the road. The directions were not very clear. If you aren't a techie (that's me), there were many gaps in the directions for installation. One example was when I had to label a network as "ad hoc" or "infrastructure," and I had no idea what the heck either was. The process became so frustrating, that I looked at the installation manual of this product: the D-Link Pocket Router. I downloaded its installation manual and looked it over. All the geek terms that 3Com took for granted were shown and explained in the D-Link manual. I then set the 3Com settings using the D-Link provided information. It worked fine. But, of course, by then I was interested in the D-Link Pocket Router and ordered it. I am much happier with this product for several reasons: First, as noted there is a detailed manual with full color pictures explaining things every step of the way; second, it is much smaller than the 3Com product, about 1/2 its size; third, and very important, the D-Link pocket router can be powered with its own power source, or you can hook it up using an included usb cable to your computer. So you don't have to have the external power source to hook it up; 4th, [...], it was less than half the cost of the 3Com. Bottom line? I kept the D-Link and returned the 3Com. It performs very well, is lighter, cheaper, and more versatile.
|
Horrible Q&A, other than that it's a nice little router, July 18, 2006
By fincan (MD, USA)
I bought one from CompUSA a month ago, but it was resetting itself every 10-15 seconds. Replaced it, and that one simply stopped responding while I was updating its firmware. Third one works in AP and router mode, but cannot connect to WPA-PSK networks under client mode. It works good if the wireless network is wep encrypted or completely open. I don't need the client mode anyway but still I prefer completely working units.
I was thinking about giving it a 3 instead of 4 but since the AP and Router modes works flawless, I gave it a 4.
All in all, great thinking, good style, excellent functions, but poor poor quality testing, which is and has been the worst thing about d-link.
|
Function packed in your pocket, July 17, 2006
By Tiger Smith (NC, USA)
Well, although I haven't had it very long... I like this multipurpose item. Being quick small and powered over USB if you like is really nice. I mostly use it in hotel rooms that don't have wireless to so I can move anywhere in the room.
Make sure you update the firmware right away. You might also have to read the manual to figure out how the different functions work and how to connect to administer this thing. Basically each of the three fuctions act as a seperate device totally, so you have to make sure to set your admin passwords, features, etc. Over all I like it.
|
works great, one tiny little issue (solved), May 27, 2006
By weevie (under a rock)
I found under FreeBSD and Windows XP that when I tried to use this device in client mode, I could not reliably get a link between the ethernet port on my Dell laptop (Broadcom ethernet) and the AP. There is nothing about this in the manual, but the D-Link site, under troubleshooting(general section, not specific to DWL-G730AP) ->"No Link Light", says to try setting the link speed on whatever you want to connect to the ethernet port to 10 Mbits/sec + half duplex. Anyway, to make a long story short, I set the link speed to 100Mbits/sec, full duplex under FreeBSD and XP, and now I can reliably get a link. Previously under both OSes the ethernet port speed had been set to autoselect. So - if you run into this problem, you may want to try setting the link speed manually.
|
Great Small device, May 9, 2006
By Michel (Dubai)
I travel a lot on business and needed a device to free me from working in one place. The AirPlus works great on all continents.
Another plus, is around my office when I get visitors who need to check their Emails. Again the AirPlus works great and I manage to share my connection.
SET UP note: I use the AirPlus as an access point. The initial setting is tricky especially if the default on your PC is to aquire an IP address automatically (Dynamic IP). You need to set a fixed IP for your PC in the range 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254 EXCEPT 192.168.0.30 which is that of the AirPlus. Once you finish the configuration with a fixed IP and with a wired connection to the AirPlus, you can switch back to dynamic IP and wireless.
|
A God Send for travelers... Business and Pleasure, April 29, 2006
By American Expat (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
We travel a lot: international, domestic, business, vacation, moving (hotel living for a month every two years) and an annual month of Leave- jumping from house to house all over the US. So our computer gear has to be small, tough and ultra compatible... which the D-Link Pocket Router is- in Spades! (We got the Netgear first... horrible.) The other (positive) reviews have been right on about the technical aspects, so I only want to add a few other notes:
1. The D-Link is compatible will every modem we've hooked it to... from dial-up (scary) to DSL and Cable. From the big name modems in the US to the strange things you find in people's homes in Asia... it synced with each one and worked great... just plug it in and you're wireless!
I would also suggest picking up a cheap usb wifi adaptor. If someone doesn't have a wireless router already, they will likely only have a desktop and since you will be connecting their modem to your router, you will need to make the desktop 'wireless'.
2. The D-Link really shines in hotels. There have been no problems hooking it to the Ethernet connections in the myriad of hotel rooms we stayed in: from Alabama to Bangkok (even Abu Dhabi). The plug is not only 110-240 but is not grounded so can be fitted to any overseas power adaptors. The reach overseas does vary wildly and where it's mostly concrete construction (Asia, Middle East, etc...) you are better 'sharing' the connection through windows and floors/ceilings, than walls. Good to keep in mind when you are watching the children at the pool or sharing an expensive connection with co-workers.
3. Even if you do have wi-fi on your lap top, if you're at a hotel with wireless "in public areas" or even in a house where the bubble is small (hand me down wireless routers that only reach to the gifter's guest room for example) try using it as an access point... you'd be surprised.
All in all, the slick design and very small size (compare it to the other travel routers and you'll understand) coupled with ease of use and overwhelming compatibility make this a necessity for any traveler... or expat.
|
Flawless and handy unit for travelers, April 3, 2006
By Once a geek, ... (Saunderstown, RI, United States)
I've had my D-Link Pocket Router for months now and absolutely love it. It goes wherever I go. I use it mainly as a Router/firewall in hotel and conference rooms, but have also used the Access Point mode successfully. Both worked without a hitch. Router setup is particularly easy because it's done wirelessly - don't need a patch cord to set it up. I have even used the pocket router in a tradeshow to multiply an expensive connection. Compact, handy and it works.
|
Garbage, March 11, 2006
By RP (CT)
Like other reviews indicated, the unit cannot be setup. I tried multiple PC's in all different modes, none could aquire an IP address from this unit. I usually buy Linksys and setup is a breeze. Being in I.T. for many years I can usually workaround the most difficult setups...IF I could get to the setup! This thing is not worth the effort. I'll stick with Linksys. This is another D-Link failure.
|
Very Disappointed, March 8, 2006
By Anonymous
Tried for two days with three phone calls to D-Link tech support to get it working (really frustrating because we had a trip coming up and the tech support team lost our case history once). Never did get it working -- could not get any of our home devices (desktop, laptop, pda) to recognize it in any configuration (AP, client, or router) -- therefore could not do setup. Was finally told to exchange it. D-Link did send a nice email afterwards stating that "Your retailer may charge restocking fees when requesting refunds. D-Link is not responsible for fees charged by the retailer, nor will they be reimbursed under any circumstance." I don't think I'll bother with another DWL-G730AP...
|
Buyer Beware, January 4, 2006
By Pancho
Calling tech support when on a business trip (the reason to buy such a device) will get you Moustafa in some unknown country who will be more concerned with his billing info than helping you.
|
|
|
Loungin', December 7, 2005
By Pete May (Frustration, CA)
As I write this, I'm sitting in the concierge lounge drinking a Guinness at the Marriott Houston Greenspoint. The lounge does not have internet access wired or wireless. My DWL-G730AP is connected to the wired DSL in my room on the floor below.
Life is good.
|
Excellent for travelling, October 16, 2005
By RGT3 (Golden, CO USA)
I have used this router at various hotels, and it worked flawlessly. It's small, and easy to pack. I highly recommend it.
|
Stay Away!, October 7, 2005
By Techno Guy (San Francisco)
This product has a very high defect rate. I got a unit that resets it's connection every couple of minutes in any of the 3 modes. The support reps were not surprised.
Sent to DLink on an authorized RMA and was told because I bought it online that they would not repair or replace. Beware...
|
The best travel router ever, September 17, 2005
By the tech guy
This is the 2nd one I bought, a coworker liked mine so much he begged me for it. so I gave it to him and bought the same model again! Simple to setup and works well upto 75' even with many other netwroks visible I had no trouble.
|
Good little product, September 14, 2005
By S. Gatdula
This is a very useful device. If you travel and would like to share a connection (i.e., hotel) with other users this thing proves very useful. It also allows you to use it as a wireless extender and even a Wireless NIC. Also it can be powered from a USB port on your computer. The only drawback I've noticed so far is that range is lacking, I would say about 20% less range than standard Access points and wireless NICs.
|
Good Device, August 28, 2005
By goodguy (Texas)
This device worked well ONCE I GOT IT SET UP. I used my Win XP Pro laptop to set it up and the directions were not accurate. Thanks to D-Link's free phone support (and a 25 minute wait) I found that the device's wizard did not allow my PC to automatically acquire the device's TCP/IP settings. I then had to go into my network settings and tell the PC where to go to set it up. The only other issue I had was the DHCP settings. I had it set to "enable" when working with my home network but found that I had to "disable" it when working on a hotel network ???
All told, and compared to other similar devices, I would say that this one works VERY WELL. It is VERY COMPACT. When I used it on my home networked it worked as well as my home router.
If you are willing and able to spend a little time with the setup it's a good buy!!
|
Works great, August 22, 2005
By Stephen (Austin, TX USA)
This was a snap to setup. Had to set it up for access point mode and router mode separately but that was very quick. Enabled WEP and worked great from the start in both modes. The only mode I haven't tried because I have no need for it is client mode, I have internal wireless for that. I use this for work in various buildings I visit and it works perfect each time. I have also used it in hotel rooms as well as meeting rooms to enable a wireless network for everyone. So far so good. The size is very small and carried easily in the included case. I have only had it for a month or so but I recommend it.
|
Great little router - best of the bunch, August 17, 2005
By TimInChicago (Chicago, IL USA)
I am very happy with this device. It does exactly what it's supposed to do and it works. I've been a happy traveler using this for about 3 months now.
I struggled with Netgear's version of a travel router for several months before this and it was one painful experience after another. I swear, that Netgear travel router took years off my life. But then... D-Link saves the day!
What a difference!! This is a dream to use compared to the Netgear (which by the way is almost excactly the same as the 3Com - they both stink). This router is configurable with the kind of more advanced settings that you find on regular home routers. It's very stable, supports WPA very well, and doesn't flinch with multiple devices/users connected at once so, I love it.
One thing I noticed is that turning off UPnP really helped. Just go into the config and you'll find the setting to turn it off. I think UPnP doesn't always play well with Windows (ironic, huh?) so I always opt to turn it off. Again, the other routers in this class don't even allow you to configure things like UPnP. Can you tell I'm bitter about the Netgear? Just a little.
So, bottom line, this router works like a router should and the fact that it's smaller and much cooler looking than the others is just icing on the cake.
Great buy - highly recommended.
|
Buggy and poor QA, August 12, 2005
By CTO of XDOBS.COM (Heber City, UT United States)
I purchased this unit after trying the Wyflyer and it was easier to get running however the documentation is poor. The AC adapter failed after about 2 weeks of use and all contacts with D-Link support have been ignored. I can still use the unit via the USB power supply however it seems to get unreasonably hot which leads me to question how much power it is pulling from the USB adapter. I think it has fried one USB port already but can not conclusively prove it was this units fault. If I try to use the AC adapter built in the unit gets frying hot in seconds and never does finish the boot.
|
My unit does not work, June 14, 2005
By Robert (CA United States)
Bought the unit 2 hours ago. Spent 1 hour trying to configure it, and another hour with D-Link tech. support. The problem: the unit will work for a while, then commit suicide (not responding anymore). The conclusion: it's a bad unit.
Not sure whether it's just my back luck, or D-Link has some quality control issue. Will return it now.
|
Page 1 2 3 4 5 of Total 5 Pages
|
|
| Copyright 2001-2007 WiFiReview.com |
|