The DI-714 is equipped with the following features:
DHCP server for automatic IP assignment within the local area network (LAN) side of the device, meaning that there is no need to specify the IP address within the PC environment..
Firewall security by using stateful packet inspection and packet filtering. This means that only data specified by the system administrator are allowed to pass through the firewall.
Integrated 4-Port Ethernet switch: On the LAN side, the DI-714 has 1 cross-over and 3 straight-through wired RJ45 ports marked by an X (crossover) or II (twisted pair).
PPPoE and VPN support: PPP stands for Point-to-Point Protocol which allows private communication between two computers without possible interference from third parties. VPN stands for virtual private networking and allows two separate LANs to communicate over a public network (e.g. Internet) as if they were the same private LAN environment
Shared internet access though DSL/Cable modem.
2.4 GHz radio frequency. Some older wireless phones and routers were using the 900 MHz radio frequency which is limited in its reach and further is prone to interference from all different electric devices. The 2.4 GHz frequency widely eliminates these concerns and further increases the reach of the wireless network to 300 feet indoors and up to 900 feet outdoors.
64/128 WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption: With the kind of reach provided by the 2.4GHz radio frequency any neighbor could theoretically access the network from outside using a compatible card.
The DLink DI-714 as it is running currently as backbone of my personal LAN. Note that only three twisted pair (straight-through) ports are available. The fourth port (actually #1) is a crossover connection and in order to use it, a crossover cable is required. This allows to hook up a second switch via the uplink port to the DI-714. The two antennas in the back of the unit are folded down in this shot.
On the right are the status LEDs, starting with the red power LED over the Link indicator and the Wireless status. A fourth LED signals async transfer status (not active in this case). On the left are the four port indicator LEDs with only two active at this moment.
General disclaimer: This page only reflects the author's personal
opinion and assumes no responsibility whatsoever regarding any of the contents
or any damages that may occur explicitly or implicitly from reading the
contents of this site. All names and trademarks mentioned in this review are the exclusive property of the respective parent companies.
All contents of this site are protected by international copyright laws. Reproduction of the contents
even in parts is not allowed except after written permission by the author and referral to this site.
Copyright 1999 - 2001 LostCircuits
