D-Link DKT-810 Wireless N ADSL2+ Starter Kit
  [Computer Buyer]
COMPANY: D-Link
PRICE: £87£87
RATING:
ISSUE: 205 DATE:
Apr 08
Verdict:
Affordable but not fast.
D-Link's KIT provides a Draft-n ADSL router and a USB adaptor to connect your PC or laptop to it. Installation was incredibly easy thanks to the CD-based configuration wizard, which took us through Internet settings and setting up a secure wireless network. The web-based management tool, for configuring advanced settings, looks quite friendly, but
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dipping further into it we found that some settings were a little confusing. In particular, the QoS settings required a fair degree of networking knowledge to get things working properly.
Performance using our standard Centrino laptop was average at one metre and 15 metres from the router, but the 11.57Mbit/sec result at 25 metres shows this router can still deliver a strong, reliable signal at longer range. Another benefit is that you've got a USB adaptor in the box, and matching your WiFi adaptor to your router usually brings speed gains. Sadly, this didn't materialise. In fact, at 25m throughput was worse than with our Centrino laptop, while speeds at 1m and 10m couldn't compete with other routers. The adaptor is still handy if you have a PC without WiFi.
For £87 inc VAT, the DKT-810 seems like great value, but the relatively slow performance using the bundled USB adaptor means Linksys' WAG325N is a better choice.
By David Ludlow
SPECIFICATIONS:
Draft 802.11n (270Mbit/sec) 4x 10/100 Ethernet ports 1x ADSL2+ WAN port UPnP QoS
Size: 32x220x150mm
Warranty: 11 years