D-Link DSL-G624M

High-speed Mimo device with built-in modem

High-speed routers are nothing new, but we’re only just seeing models with built-in ADSL modems.

Those we’ve seen before had to be hooked up to an external modem; this is fine for cable users and those with Ethernet modems, but most UK broadband users want routers with built-in modems.

D-Link’s DSL-G624M uses Mimo technology to boost coverage. Two paddle-shaped antennas can be twisted horizontally and vertically to maximise coverage, which is roughly 50 per cent greater than 802.11g. D-Link states a maximum of 100m indoors, but realistically you’ll get around 50m.

Unlike Belkin, Buffalo and Linksys, which all use Airgo’s Mimo chipset, D-Link has opted for Atheros’ version, which includes 108 Super G technology to improve speeds.

In our tests, the router managed to achieve a speed of 47Mbits/sec when sending small packets of data (under 1MB) at a range of 3m. When copying a 50MB file over the network, this dropped to around 38Mbits/sec.

Super G achieves higher speeds than 802.11g by bonding two wireless channels, but this can cause problems if you’re in a crowded wireless environment.

Using its Dynamic Turbo option, the DSL-G624M will only use the Super G feature when necessary and check for free channels before bonding them. You can turn Super G off if you don’t require the extra speed.

The DSL-G624M is ADSL2/2+ compliant so, if you live close to an exchange that’s running an ADSL2+ trial, you’ll be able to get anything up to 24Mbits/sec.

The D-Link DSL-G624M is a good implementation of Mimo and an ADSL router. Don’t forget you’ll need to purchase similar D-Link wireless adapters (around £50) for all your PCs if you want the speed and coverage increase across your network.