Rating: 
Summary: Great Wireless Router
Review: I'm an advanced amateur. Followed the directions somewhat carefully. Installation took about 10-15 minutes. Works as advertised. I recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Version 2 works GREAT -- & super software interface and doc
Review: I originally installed the Linksys BEFW11S4, version 4 model, and had lots of problems as reported by other users. I couldn't access some main sites of well-known mutual fund companies, so I called Support. Linksys' tech support was really bad, didn't even know about the latest firmware which I had to advise her on. She asked me to check an LED light that I didn't have -- it existed on version 2 & 3, but not version 4 which I had advised her I had. After many config software hangs, then firmware upgrade not completing after several tries, she suggested I take the machine back and try to get a version 2 or 3 which she said worked better! After reading good things about Netgear on amazon.com, I then replaced it with Netgear MR814-version 2 (upgraded to firmware 5.01), and the Web site access problem went away. This newest "version 2" was apparently much redesigned (smaller, less noisy, SPI-level firewall security added). Netgear has a much better designed config interface then Linksys, better doc, and MUCH better support -- the rep was thinking logically and not simply reading notes. Re: better interface: in Linksys, to implement MAC security filtering, I had to first determine MAC IDs of PCs by viewing connected PCs thru one screen, hand-noting their MAC IDs, then I had to enter them manually on another screen. Couldn't even cut/paste. Netgear displays the attached PCs on the add screen so I simply had to checkmark the ones I wanted added to the MAC list and hit apply (optionally can enter non-connected MAC IDs). I can cut/paste settings from the Netgear config screens to document, not so with Linksys. I can also send logs to my email in Netgear, whereas with Linksys I needed to have a PC with a static port to do so (not great when standard is for router to dynamically assign PCs). And unlike Linksys, explanations of each feature are right on the Netgear config screens (but not in the way). Very user friendly doc, not just explaining what a feature is, but why one would use it. I kept my Linksys wireless cards which work fine -- wireless access appears to be similar with both routers, tho' slightly better with Netgear. HIGHLY recommend the latest Netgear over Linksys router. (NOTE: If you switch, be sure to refresh/renew the IP address of the router on all machines since there's a one digit different between the two.)
Rating: 
Summary: Beauty is only skin deep
Review: I bought this router and the wireless PCMCIA card MA521 for my notebook because it has excellent reviews and it looks really nice. Took me a little under an hour to set up, and I was very pleased. Problem started when I was surfing the web. I was able to get to some web sites but not others. At first I thought it was my ISP's DNS having some problems, but when I connect to the router with cable, it works fine. I went to their website and this scenario was one of the FAQ. So I downloaded the lastest firmware and apply it to the router. No luck. I called tech support 3 times, waited more than 30 mins each time before giving up. In the end, I also downloaded the latest firmware for MA521 and apply it. Finally, it works!! I was glad. But yesterday I disconnected my modems and routers to move it to another location, and after I booted up, nothing works. No signal, nothing. I'm returning this and getting LinkSys. If you do plan to buy this, (it does look very cool) try applying the lastest firmware updates. If that doesn't work, return it and get its uglier competitors.
Rating: 
Summary: No true firewall
Review: MR814 does not support SPI(statefull packet inspection). It just provides NAT which is not a true firewall. If you are looking more secure router you should go for Netgear MR814 V2. The V2 has SPI support
Rating:
Summary: BAD TECH SUPPORT !
Review: I have been trying to reach tech Support (phone/e-mail) for a week without any luck.
The router does not support multiple VPN connections and there is no information on how to allow them.
DO NOT BUY A NETGEAR PRODUCT!
Rating:
Summary: Returned it
Review: I purchased the version of the router that came with the firmware update. I set it up easily, but it kept dropping my connection after about 20 min. I tried changing several setting. I called customer service, and they couldn't help me. I also called a networking friend of mine who couldn't fix it. I have a new laptop with Centrino technology, and I was able to connect just fine to a friend's wireless network, so it's likely not my computer. I really wanted this router to work for me, but I had to return it.
Rating:
Summary: I like it just fine.
Review: I run 2 LinkSys networks, a D-Link network and a Netgear setup, all in different offices (Linksys at home). I have installed them all and have encountered no especial benefits to recommend one system over another. There are subtle differences in installation and security, but the truth is they all work (for me, anyway) just fine. Therefore, I'd be somewhat price-driven, and certainly the price of the Netgear unit is most attractive.
Rating: 
Summary: Never again!
Review: Netgear has lost my business. I bought this router to work with several pieces of equipment, including a PowerBook with Airport Extreme (802.11g). That PowerBook can't connect, despite 802.11g being designed as backward compatible with 802.11b. A quick check around the net shows mine was not an isolated incident. This router does have problems with 802.11g cards. I sent an incident report via Netgear's website. The website claims a response time of 24 hours. The confirmation email claimed it may take as long as 3 days. Ten days later, still nothing. I'm returning the piece of junk and buying something from a company that cares.
Rating: 
Summary: It does all I want it to
Review: Just wanted to say that I got this router to do everything I wanted it to with minimal pain. I wanted to add it to an existing LAN using a static IP and have it NAT the wireless network via DHCP, and after a few false starts with the configuration options, everything is now working beautifully. I'm using it with a Macintosh Powerbook G4 laptop with no problems at all.
Rating:
Summary: Wireless Router
Review: I use this router both in its wired mode (for fixed place desk top machines) and wireless mode (for the laptop on which I am writing this review) in a small home network. It is my first venture into wireless and I am quite pleased. By the time of my purchase, however, the 802.11b standard had already been superceded. However, this is why this model was heavily discounted and I have no regrets. For my modest home purposes the transfer speeds are more than sufficient and speed - so far as I can tell - is the only improvement in the new standard. The device is compact, easy to set up, and works seamlessly. (It sure is nice being able to work with the laptop wherever in the house I choose!!)
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