D-Link DWL-G810 Ethernet to Wireless Bridge Adapter, 802.11g, 108Mbps Reviews

• SECURITY PROBLEM -- AVOID

  
  By A1L1NJ45PPEOPU on 2004-03-22
  First of all, don't take my word on this, follow up by going to broadbandreports.com and search on DWL-G810. The security issue is that this device WILL NOT work unless you are broadcasting the SSID of your wireless network. This applies to the shipping firmware 2.0 and the newer firmware 2.12. This is the deal killer for me since I don't want to expose my network's SSID. I'm actually quite pissed off at DLINK over this.

  By contrast, DLINK's "range extender" (aka wireless repeater) DWL-G800AP actually WORKS with SSID broadcast disabled, so one can see that DLINK could overcome this security issue.

  The remaining issues are these:

  (1) It won't support DHCP from your router to any PC hooked up to the bridge. You might think, hey, I'll configure my PC for DHCP and it will get the IP info from the router through the bridge connection. Wrong! It won't work.

  (2) The router itself does not work for obtaining DHCP from the router EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THIS AS AN OPTION. This is outrageous and completely unacceptable. Confirmed on BroadbandReports.com and by DLINK's Level 2 support.

  Bottom line is that, while it works, it's entirely manual in the configuration and the SSID broadcast requirement is a security vulnerability not worth enduring.
  
  

• DWL-G810 + Linksys WRT54G, don't go there

  
  By AHNHNTEN29IIK on 2005-04-04
  I was hoping to use the G810 as a nice little bridge for my network to a ethernet device but I ran into a few problems. #1, The firmware is buggy. I had to flash the firmware a couple times just to get the configuration console back and when I called tech support, their answer was often, "Unplug the power, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in." #2, The WPA encryption doesn't work. This may be linked to #3. #3, it works for a few minutes and then quits until you power cycle it. Maybe it has something to do with the interconnectivity between the Dlink and Linksys products, but I could get this thing to serve about 3 webpages before it quit with the encryption turned off, and never got it to work with encryption turned on. My overall take, save yourself the hassle and the 4 hours of your life you'll never get back and don't try to get this thing working with a wrt54g. It seems to me that this is a very poor product and you'd likely save time and money by buying an additional wrt54g, flashing the firmware with sveasoft, and running it in client mode as a bridge. That's what I'm going to try next.
  
  

• Working perfect (with right settings!)

  
  By A473GQNFY1YUN on 2004-05-14
  OK. I have DI-624, DWL-G650 and DWL-G810.
  I connected my KISS DP-500 Network DVD to the DWL-G810 and everything is working perfect, but you will need to work with settings for a few minutes.

  DI-624:

  Firmware - 2.42
  Open System
  WEP Disabled (#1)
  TX Rate - Auto
  Transmit Power - 100%
  Beacon - 100
  RTS - 2346
  Fragmentation - 2346
  DTIM - 1
  Preamble - Short
  SSID Broadcast - Disabled (#2)
  802.11g only - Disabled
  CTS - Auto
  Super G Mode - Super G with Dynamic Turbo

  DWL-G810:

  Firmware - 2.12
  Static IP
  No Gateway Address (#3)
  Infrastructure mode
  WEP Disabled (#1)
  TX Rate - Auto
  Authentication - Open System
  Super Mode - Super G with Dynamic Turbo

  #1 - First you can try with security settings disabled and later you can enable security.
  #2 - Guys: broadcast SSID is NOT necesary! No security issues!
  #3 - this is the key!

  Unplug both devices and it's done!
  
  

• A Great Bridge for my D-Link Wireless Network

  
  By A377S04GIIT34F on 2004-07-27
  I can plug any Ethernet enabled device into this DWL-G810 and have it "networked" and able to browse the Internet. From my iBook running Linux, to my XBox, or a test PC out of reach of an Ethernet cable, it all works and is very easy to use/setup.
  
  I suggest downloading the newest firmware before you even open the box or recieve it from the online store you purchased it from. Then get that firmware file (.bin file) onto the PC you will setup/configure the G810 with. Then you make sure the IP on your PC is within the same subnet as the G810 (192.168.0.XXX - this is all in the manual/quick install guide) and then access the G810 while plugged in with ethernet cable into the PC (192.168.0.30) and enter the username and password specified in manual. Then follow the instructions for how to update firmware.
  
  After that you can run the setup wizard, which involves choosing your WEP, what AP to connect to, change password, and other essential settings. It is real easy as it walks you through everything. Then the G810 will restart. Then it should boot back up and work fine.
  This is when you can unplug it from the PC you used to configure it and plug it into your XBox, PS2, Laptop, PDA, or anything else with an Ethernet connector.
  
  I've even plugged this into a 5 port switch and had my XBox and laptop plugged into the switch with both of them able to access the network. This means even more things can be networked with just this one bridge.
  
  Summary: Update the firmware, follow the instructions, and have fun.
  
  
  
  

• As a sole wireless bridge it works OK, but has issues. . .

  
  By A2VJN2OR5JLD25 on 2004-11-05
  After getting the DWL-G810 wireless bridge unit, I updated to firmware 2.15, ran it with WPA-PSK encryption, and it would drop the connection after 15-45 minutes of use. Then I tried it with WEP encryption, and it seemed to work okay IF there was no other wireless device on or near the network (i.e. just the wireless access point/router and the DWL-G810 device).
  
  Compared to some competing Linksys products I've used, this D-Link DWL-G810 bridge seems to have a certain amount of lag in response--that is, if you want to open up www.cnn.com it takes about 50% longer to start loading up the page than would the Linksys wireless bridges (which to me, seemed like they acted like they were hard-wired to the router).
  
  However, my biggest issue with the DWL-G810 is when another wireless-enabled computer was brought to the network, the DWL-G810 would mess up the wireless signal, and seemingly "jam" the AP/router's signal--so no computers could successfully connect to the wireless AP/router (I confirmed this phenomenon with Linksys BEFSW11 v.4, Linksys WRT54G v2, and D-Link DI-524 routers). If the DWL-G810 was disabled, all of the other wireless computers could connect to any of the aforementioned wireless AP/routers.
  
  From the reviews, it seems like other users are having connectivity issues w/ this DWL-G810 bridge as well. Probably the most problematic unit I've dealt with from D-Link, as I've usually had pretty good luck w/ D-Link products in general.
  
  Personally, I'd avoid purchasing the DWL-G810 wireless bridge, and going with a solid wireless bridge like the Linksys WET54G or the Linksys WET11 (or even the WAP54G, and configure it as a wireless bridge w/ the newer firmware available from www.linksys.com).
  
  
• Defective product
  By AEQK39FJB50EV on 2005-08-06
  I bought this device to connect my TiVo to my wireless G network. WPA encryption did not work. WEP didn't even work. Tried different firmwares but nothing worked. Don't look here if you want WPA.
  
  
• Easy to set up and Use
  By ABJGWIOJADB5C on 2004-02-26
  You can't expect products to do everything for you. If you don't have your network on the subnet 192.168.0.X then you need to at least make the PC you are going to use to configure this device to work in that subnet. It's real easy, you just go to advanced options and add the IP 192.168.0.2 to be your PC.

  I was able to plug this into my router, access the web based interface, change the IP and wireless info to connect to my DI-624, and I was done. It took a total of five minutes. After setting everything right I unplugged it from the router and plugged it into my switch which sits in my entertainment center with my xbox, tv, and broadband videophone. Now all my devices in my entertainment system can be connected to my network. all thanks to this wireless bridge.

  The speeds are the same as wired, and I see no difference from connecting these with one long Cat-5 cable, except I don't have to have cabling on the ground.

  This is definitely worth it's price.
  
  

• Worthless
  By A1WT047CVF256C on 2004-09-09
  This isn't a wireless bridge, it's a wireless jammer. It works for about 60 seconds, bridging flawlessly, and then it jams my access point hopelessly (it won't work again until the DWL-G810 is turned off for good and the access point is power cycled). And this is after flashing the unit with the latest firmware. The firmware that shipped on the unit was 2.13, which the D-Link website says is beta firmware and not to be used for anything but testing. Say what? They shipped that?
  
  I should note that I tried it with WPA encryption. The unit may work better with no encryption, or perhaps with WEP. But those modes are unacceptable, especially in an 802.11g network, where you expect WPA as a matter of course.
  
  Beware this unit, unless you're in the market for an 802.11g jammer.
  
  
• Interchangable firmware
  By A387YKJRG26KE5 on 2004-11-19
  This may (or may not) void your warranty, but the firmware on this product (DWL-G810) and the AP product (DWL-G800AP) is interchangable. This may be more useful for people who purchase the AP/Repeater product and find it useless (since the repeater is only compatible with a few select D-Link products).
  
  I purchased a DWL-G800AP by mistake, intending to purchase this product. I'm happy to say that, after switching firmware, I'm bridging my network at 54mb/sec. The web interface even says DWL-G810 on it. All thanks go to D-Link for keeping production costs low by introducting two identicle products and marketing them in different ways!
  
  
• Make a Switch into a Wireless Switch!
  By AY20KVU6YIUNL on 2005-03-23
  I use this to connect my Xbox, playstation 2, and networked media player, to my home network and the Intenret.
  
  Basically I just setup this wireless bridge to be able to connect to my wireless network (connecting to a DI-624) which is connected to the Internet. Then this this wireless bridge plugged into one of the ports on my 5 port switch and my Xbox, PS2 and media player plugged into that same switch. So basically my switch is plugged into my network via this wireless bridge. I can use my Xbox online, my PS2 online, and my media player can access streaming audio online.
  
  It's very convenient and I wish the two products I use (5-port switch and this wireless adapter) could be made into one product.
  
  Either way, it works, and it works well. I never get dropped from my games, or my streaming music because of this wireless device, it's usually my cable modem.
  
  I'd recommend this product for people with uses like mine.
  
  
  
• Item is EOL and has a bios error
  By A152JH62ABFS5X on 2005-09-09
  This particular product has a bios error on the board which causes the connection to reset. The product is also past End Of Life with D-Link, so they provide no support to remedy this problem. Purchase at your own risk.
  
  
• Configuration hassles galore
  By on 2004-02-17
  Unlike other wifi products I've use, this one is a total pain to configure. First, to connect to the device with the web interface you have to manually configure the IP address of the computer you are using. (The device doesn't do DHCP to the system plugged into the 100baseT port). Futhermore, the device doesn't have the option to get it's address and gateway information on the wifi side of the bridge using DHCP either. What this means in practice is that you must hand configure the IP addresses on both sides of the bridge and on the computer you use to configure it. All the talk about easy configuration assumes that you're using exclusively DLink products so all the defaults happen to work. Finally, there is no signal strength tool so if you have a connection problem you cannot optimize the placement of the router and the G810. The documentation does not explain the situation well, and the tech support took a long time. (At least they finally put someone on the phone who knew the product) Two thumbs WAY down...
  
  
• Works Flawlessly
  By A3JXUIMAZD591M on 2004-11-14
  I am not sure why most reviews are so negitive. Maybe people are having problems following directions. I have an entire D-Link wireless network and have not had one problem. 1 desk top, 2 laptops, printer, and Replay tv. D-Link makes a wonderful wi-fi network.
  
  
• Does not play well with others
  By A18B6HFNGNWNLR on 2005-08-08
  Stay away if you plan on using this with a Linksys router. Nothing I tried, over the span of two days, would get the thing to work for more than two minutes. Even putting the unit next to the router, 2 inches away, and it couldn't see it half the time, the other half it'd drop 90% of the packets.
  
  Your mileage may vary, but note that this isn't the only review to highlight issues with Linksys routers.
  
  
• will not work with switch to be true bridge but....
  By A3PO3MJO1MHSHU on 2005-05-08
  I plugged it into the wan port of my vonage linksys router and nat'
  ed to it and it works great.
  Double nat will work in most setups may have to add static route for some.
  But yeah it won't work just plugging it into a switch I think the device only allows one IP. (dlink want's consumers buying one for each device I suppose).
  If you have a spare dsl/cable modem,linux skills, or other nat'ing device you got yourself a real cheap network bridge.
  
  
• D-Link DWL-G810 sucks
  By A35EFH6PTV5Y8T on 2005-08-19
  This Wireless bridge completely sucked. The firmware was buggy never saved my information. It said it supported WPA which it did not have any fields for it. If i did get it to connect to my access point it would immediately disconnect. D-Link had always cool looking devices. This was a square plastic cheap box with a giant D on the front of it and a big annoying light on the front. This product could use a lot of redesign. Specially the firmware. I would not recommend for a wireless bridge.
  
  
• Not a Bridge in the strict sense of the word
  By A23R7Y2G9EGRLU on 2005-02-16
  Can only serve an IP to a single machine and not a network,
  so NOT a bridge in the strict sense of the word.
  If this were made clear, I would rate it 4 star, for the
  firmware is often unstable, but otherwise it works well.
  
  
• No compatible with other 802.11g D-Link products
  By A3OOI8ZV092D2B on 2004-03-04
  My experience with this product was miserable. I ordered the DI-624 wireless router, DWL-G810 wireless bridge, and DWL-650 Cardbus adapter in the hopes that replacing my current 802.11b infrastructure would be easier with a single-source solution. I was very, very wrong.

  This product simply did not work with the DI-624 wireless router which supposedly was based on the same standards as the DWL-G810 (802.11g). After tech support recommended I install the _beta_ firmware upgrade, this device lost 1 out of every 2 packets received from the router. This after struggling with this machine for 3+ hours just to get it to connect to the router. My NetGear replacement equipment installed in 1 hour flat with equivalent components (WRT-624, WGE-101, and WG511T), instead of the 10+ hours I struggled with the D-Link products.
  
  

• SECURITY PROBLEM -- AVOID
  By A1L1NJ45PPEOPU on 2004-03-22
  First of all, don't take my word on this, follow up by going to broadbandreports.com and search on DWL-G810. The security issue is that this device WILL NOT work unless you are broadcasting the SSID of your wireless network. This applies to the shipping firmware 2.0 and the newer firmware 2.12. This is the deal killer for me since I don't want to expose my network's SSID. I'm actually quite pissed off at DLINK over this.

  By contrast, DLINK's "range extender" (aka wireless repeater) DWL-G800AP actually WORKS with SSID broadcast disabled, so one can see that DLINK could overcome this security issue.

  The remaining issues are these:

  (1) It won't support DHCP from your router to any PC hooked up to the bridge. You might think, hey, I'll configure my PC for DHCP and it will get the IP info from the router through the bridge connection. Wrong! It won't work.

  (2) The router itself does not work for obtaining DHCP from the router EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THIS AS AN OPTION. This is outrageous and completely unacceptable. Confirmed on BroadbandReports.com and by DLINK's Level 2 support.

  Bottom line is that, while it works, it's entirely manual in the configuration and the SSID broadcast requirement is a security vulnerabilit not worth enduring.
  
  

• With an Easy Setup and 802.11g speeds, this baby ROCKS!
  By A2NRGUNX67Q9W0 on 2005-03-31
  I was able to follow the directions and get this puppy configured and setup without too much hassle (I had to change my subnet, not biggie since they show you how in the install guide thingy).
  
  OK so after setting up I get to plugging it into anything and everything I can to make them online whever I want. note: I have a DI-624 wireless router that handles my wireless clients. I've "plug n played" this device in my Xbox, friends desktops, friends laptops, and even a network camera, and they all worked fairly easy once I got them their own IP address.
  
  Plus the range of this combo-ed with the DI-624 make this an easy to choose Ethernet-to-Wireless adapter/converter simply because it works.
  
  
• Great for Repeating and Extending Wireless Network
  By A2GTVAXGJ5Z7F4 on 2006-12-17
  You guys who use WEP/WPA etc are idiots... use MAC address filtering, and you don't need to use login/passwords. the MAC address filter will stop anyone attempting to connect from getting a IP address at ALL.
  
  
  Anyways, I use the DWL-G810 as a wireless repeater to extend the range of my wireless net work, works great. Out house is 4,800 sq ft, and it's difficult to pass wireless signal from upstairs on one side of the house to downstairs on the other side, and this device placed half way point downstairs easily extends the network.
  
  No experience using it as a bridge.
  
  
• Wireless Bridge works like a charm with Replay TV
  By A2Y33D3XMUVM3V on 2003-12-25
  Just configure the DWL-G810 on your wireless router. As soon as the router sees the product, just plug it into your Replay TV/entertainment appliance and switch connection to use ethernet connection. Replay TV modem downloads take 5-7 minutes. With the DWL-G810, downloads are fast, under 1 minute. Very pleased with this product
  
  
• Doesn't even work with other D-Link Products
  By A38CAELIAI2CYI on 2004-04-05
  I purchased the product to use with a ReplayTV unit. I followed the instructions for configuring it (a pain; see other reviews). While the DWL-G810 would "see" my D-Link DI-824VUP (router with wireless access point), it wouldn't connect to it even with the DWL-G810 within a few feet of the router, using all default settings, and encryption turned off. I found D-Link's customer service to be unhelpful and ultimately returned the product. My D-Link router works fine with my wired network, but I would avoid their wireless products.
  
  
• Awesome Performance from such a Little Box!
  By A2UEG34NIMI50I on 2004-05-21
  Having this DWL-G810 Wireless Bridge is a great addition to any network ready device. I have this wireless bridge configured to connect to my network with 108Mbps speeds, and I can plug and unplug this into any network ready device. For example I've plugged it into my Playstation2, my computer in the garage when I want Internet access, a laptop when my friend came over, and even my Dad's PDA with Ethernet adapter installed.

  The setup is rather simple, just follow the instructions, reboot the box and plug it into whatever you want. Just make sure it is within range, and sometimes fiddling with the antenna helps with the signal.
  
  

• Too bad DLink dropped the ball.
  By A147J1VNP9CUZ6 on 2004-06-22
  I am usually a fan of DLink products but they really dropped it on this so called bridge. This is absolutely not a bridge. If you are looking for speeds slower than 802.11b this would be perfect but DLink insists on using terms like "turbo" and "extreme" Two tin cans and a piece of string communicate more effectively than two of these relatively pricey units.
  
  

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