D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ Wireless 22 Mbps Broadband Router

A simple yet intelligent Web-based setup wizard makes the DI-614+ easy for any user to quickly and securely connect computers to share a high-speed Internet connection, files, resources, games, or just communicate. An integrated four-port switch allows direct connection for up to four computers. Several wireless clients can also securely connect to the network using 64-, 128-, or 256-bit encryption.

Additional advanced features include pass-through of multiple concurrent IPSec and PPTP VPN sessions for telecommuters or for anyone who needs to transmit sensitive information more securely.

The D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ is the ideal networking solution for small offices, home offices, schools, dorm rooms, coffee shops, and other small businesses that cater to the public.

Product Description
D-Link, the industry pioneer in wireless networking, introduces another performance breakthrough in wireless connectivity - the D-Link AirPlus series of high-speed networking products capable of data transfer rates up to 22 Mbps. And with the new AirPlus DI-614+, D-Link once again sets a new standard for wireless broadband routers. The AirPlus DI-614+ combines the latest advancements in 802.11b silicon chip technology from Texas Instruments and robust firewall security features. The DI-614+ is ideal for those creating their first wireless network, as well as for more advanced users looking for additional management settings and policy-based content filtering. Filters can be set based on MAC address, IP address, URL and/or Domain Name.A simple yet intelligent, Web-based setup wizard makes the DI-614+ easy for any user to quickly and securely connect computers to share a high-speed Internet connection, files, resources, games or just to communicate. An integrated 4-port switch allows direct connection of up to four computers. Several wireless clients can also securely connect to the network using 64, 128, or 256-bit encryption. The D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ is the ideal networking solution for small offices, home offices, schools, coffee shops and other small businesses that cater to the public, or home offices, and dormrooms.

2) MAC Filtering. I can restrict which actual adapters can connect to my network, wired or wireless. The advantage is clear for wireless, but the advantage for wired is in case someone brings a laptop with a wired adapter. They can't just sit down and plug in, they need permission first.

3) Setup/Configuration is a snap. You just login with your web browser and click on what you want. It is very clearly laid out and easy to navigate.

4) You can disable SSID broadcast, you have been able to for a long time. You can also turn off the wireless portion of this router so that when you aren't using it, or say are going on vacation you know you are safe from those pesky wardrivers. (eventhough the MAC filtering and 256-bit WEP should be enough)

5) The 802.11b+ speeds. a.k.a. 22Mbps - plus 4x mode. With these enabled and with your D-Link wireless adapter card (DWL-650+ and other + products) I can get 10Mbps raw data transfer speeds. Most 802.11b networks can only achieve 5Mbps if they are performing optimally.

6) The range on this router/AP is plenty adequate. In my 1500 sq ft home I get almost full coverage with my AP in a central location away from most electronic devices. There are only certain places where I don't get signal, but lets just say I get the signal where I need it. I can be outside on the porch, in the bathroom, in any of the bedrooms, kitchen, parts of the den, and so on.

7) The combination of this firewall, smart downloading, and windows updates keeps me virus free.

Overall I feel very safe, very comfortable and very free to roam the house with my laptop. Plus my other PCs are safe and work fine.

I've had this router for about a year with no problems and upgrading is always fun since D-Link is either fixing bugs, adding more speed, or more features with every upgrade.

Only you can decide for yourself which router you get, but for this price and you get all this I'd say your search is over.


Router 4 stars, documentation 2 stars   December 4, 2002
Mrmako (Nebraska)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

I purchased the D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ based on rebates from Dlink and my need for a wireless connection. I found setup to be a breeze from the router's side, but the wireless PCI NIC was much more work. Out of the box, both worked, but my speeds were low and I knew I had no security. On to configuration as wireless is inherently insecure. I played with the settings and read the manual to try and make sure 3 things happened: I wanted encrypted data, connection speeds of 22 Mbps and I do not want my neighbors piggybacking on my connection or into my LAN. I achieved all, but with some work and technical knowledge. The problem is that many manufacturer have moved to manuals with simple definitions of features, not detailed information about configuration. I suppose they know we rarely read them. I network Windows 2K daily, but I think others might have some difficulty configuring the advanced (necessary) features of this device. Many may not even think about security issues since it will work out of the box more or less, which will leave them open. DLink does not stress the need for security and does not explain clearly how to implement it.

There is another reviewer who previously said you cannot keep your neighbor out of your LAN. This is not true as you can keep you SSID from being broadcast or use encryption to only allow your computers to connect. I tested this and verified with D-Link tech support (replied by email overnight!). He was right that they do not implement it in the same way they use to or how he wants it, but the capability is there. It again is just not done in a straightforward manner.

This router also has four ports for wired access as well, so I also hooked up my other PC. Now that everything is set up, I love it. The problem I find with this and other home NAT routers is that the manufacturers put many features in the routers, but supply poor assistance and explanation in configuration. The web interface for this device is not as clear or as well organized as others and the manual is mostly definitions. This means a less technical person will spend a good deal of time setting security and may not get the 22 Mbps promised. Since this sells in Best Buy and here at Amazon.com for the standard user, more step by step instructions would help on the setups that require multiple field configurations.

Overall, this is a very good product that I found works great once configured. I am not sure you will get much better in other brands. I have used Linksys, Siemans and Belkin routers and they all have some level of limited documentation and funky interfaces. PCWorld verified the 22 Mbps speed of this device and with 256 bit encryption the D-Link AirPlus DI-614+ begins to stand out among the rest.


Actually more like 4 1/2 stars.   October 9, 2003
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

The DI-614+ (rev B and earlier) consistently outperforms more expensive models from netgear and linksys in distance testing (check PCMAG and PCWorld for starters). While I have no hard data of my own to support these tests, I have found this router to outperform my 2.4GHz phone (which otherwise isn't a terrible test for range.)

Of course improving antenna preformance isn't a bad idea either and amoung many options for doing so you might consider http://osiris.urbanna.net/antenna_designs/projects/Ez-10/.

The 614+ gets its fair share of bad consumer reviews, but you have to take these with a grain of salt --- setting up a wireless network is not like hooking up a new keyboard.

The 614+ does not have as many configuration settings as some other routers, but the available settings are adequate for most users. I have set mine up to allow only the MAC's I enter, to NOT broadcast its SSID (under Advanced -- Performance) and to use 128 WEP. (I also run firewalls on all my machines.) Turning off and on each of these settings without losing specific parameters is quick and easy.

It is true that the 614+ does not generally allow you to have different settings for wireless versus hardwired computers or to enter a phrase to generate keys (a very nice feature). It is also true that the interface is a little weak. Still for the price (like $30 after rebate here recently), it is a steal.

If you need a router with better distance performance than the 614+, I suggest that you ignore the standard netgear and linksys offerings and move up to a 200mW unit (like one of the Senao offerings). Of course then you should get comparable adapters (like the SMC High Power PC Card --- which is a good bet in any case).

Here is some last advice: assign a unique SSID and set up the net without any security. Once you have everything working then you can add in security features... oh, and check the channel --- different vendors default to different channels.


Good product, but not much fast...   June 28, 2002
Youn Sung (Fullerton, CA United States)
16 out of 19 found this review helpful

I bought this 614+ with a D Link AirPlus DWL-650+, also supports 22 Mbps. When I tried to transmit some files under 22 Mbps mode, speed was almost same as 11 Mbps mode. I think the firmware and drivers are not optimized well enough. The DWL-650+ has cardbus interface and it's really 20% faster than other 802.11b products which has pcmcia interface as they insist. This router has good web based interface and good quality.


VPN, Gaming, File Sharing, XP, 22Mbps, they all work!   December 4, 2002
Nick (Oceanside, CA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I have had minor hang-ups since I bought this router. I bought it to be able to handle my VPN connections, my kids' gaming habits, file sharing programs, and all on wired OR wireless. These have all been working great for me. It is hard to believe that others are having so much trouble. Everything I've thrown at this thing it can handle.

My wireless connection is great, right now we only have one laptop that can take advantage of the wireless but when a buddy comes over, or when we get more laptops I will be ready. The 22Mbps only works with other D-Link products of course, but you can buy them in a bundle. I have a DWL-650+ in my laptop and it gets constant 6-7Mbps when I am on the same floor as the DI-614+. When I am upstairs I get about 3-4Mbps. This is perfect because our ISP only gives us 1.5Mbps speeds.

Setting everything up was fairly simple since all the features are right there in this one box. We all run Windows XP and which only made setting this up even easier. From within the web based configuration I was able to open specific ports to allow certain PC games and file sharing programs to work properly. There are even preset firewall rules that allow you to play MSN Game Zone and more, all you have to do is enable them.

Another plus is that I can set up "Parental Controls" to disallow certain websites from showing up on my kids' computers. I can do this by entering in keywords I find inappropriate into the parental control area.

This router continues to work flawlessly to this day.
Our family isn't exactly novices when it comes to utilizing a router for all its uses but we sure are taking advantage of what this router can do. I am very impressed and somewhat proud that I can get this one product to do so much for us and at such a low price. This is definitely a great value.