JiWire Lab Test Results

Freakin' fast! That's the bottom line on the D-Link DI-624. Even in normal 54Mbps mode with 128-bit WEP encryption on (a performance buster for most routers), we got throughput approaching 30Mbps, far more than the nearest competition. To put this in perspective, most WIRED Ethernet is 100Mbps. In its XtremeG 108Mbps mode (which works with compatible D-Link client adapters), the D-Link gets very close to wired speeds, a truly impressive feat that is great for large file transfers and multimedia applications like streaming video.

In comparison to other 802.11g routers, the DI-624 also has amazing range. It was the ONLY router in our tests able to cover the entire house with a reasonably fast signal, negating the need for a second access point or expensive external antenna. Throughput at 50 feet from the router, up a flight of stairs and through several walls, was higher than our 802.11b router could manage 3 feet away!

Throughput vs. Distance

Chart Key: Click on a product to see its results...
D-Link AirPlus XtremeG Wireless Router DI-624
NetGear 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router WGT624
Microsoft Wireless-G Base Station MN-700
Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT-54G
Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (with modem)
Buffalo AirStation G54 (WBR-G54)
NetGear Cable/DSL Wireless Router MR814v2

How We Tested

Our real-world performance tests measure actual throughput in a typical wood-frame house, through walls and floors, at five distances from the base station: 3 feet (same room), 15 feet (same floor), 25 feet (same floor), 35 feet (upstairs), and 50 feet (upstairs). All tests were conducted with 128-bit WEP encryption on, and in 802.11g-only mode, if available.