This is our second article about network equipment (the WL500g Premium router from ASUS was the first 802.11g-supporting device tested in our labs, for details see our article called ASUS WL500g Premium Wireless Internet Router Review) and the DI-824VUP++ router from D-Link is going to be its subject matter. What is so interesting about this device?

First, judging by the specification that you can find at the manufacturer's website, this router provides broad functionality even though it was released quite a while ago. Second, it offers enhanced options when working as a VPN-server which is not a very widespread feature. And third, D-Link has got a reputation of a maker of high-quality network equipment, and now I've got an opportunity to check this out by myself.

The DI-824VUP++ router is positioned as a SOHO device with support for a lot of network interfaces and protocols as well as for a few extra functions that extend the range of its possible applications. So, it's a kind of an all-in-one networking tool. Such models are offered by every respectable manufacturer of home and semiprofessional network equipment, but they vary in the set of implemented features. I am going to check out a combination that includes a VPN-server, print-server, router, Wi-Fi access point, and reserved Internet access.

Specification and Accessories

Parameter	Characteristics
Wireless standard	IEEE 802.11b/g
Encoding standard	WEP(64, 128, 256 bit), WPA(PSK, RADIUS), 802.1x
Antenna	Internal antenna External dipole antenna (2dBi)
Signal modulation	DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, PBCC, OFDM
Operating frequency	2.4 - 2.462 GHz
Nominal data transfer rate	802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps
Output power	802.11g: 14dBm (typical) 802.11b: 16dBm (typical)
Sensitivity	802.11b : (typical at PER<8%, 1024 packet, 25Âý ?Âý) - 22Mbit/s(PBCC): -80dBm - 11Mbit/s(PBCC): -85dBm - 11Mbit/s(CCK): -84 dBm - 5.5Mbit/s(CCK): -87 dBm - 2Mbit/s(QPSK): -90 dBm - 1Mbit/s(BPSK): -92 dBm 802.11g : (typical at PER<8%, 1024 packet, 25Âý ?Âý) - 54Mbit/s(OFDM): -71 dBm - 48Mbit/s(OFDM): -72 dBm - 36Mbit/s(OFDM): -77 dBm - 24Mbit/s(OFDM): -80 dBm - 12Mbit/s(OFDM): -86 dBm - 9Mbit/s(OFDM): -87 dBm - 6Mbit/s(OFDM): -89 dBm
Operating channels	11 for N. America, 14 Japan , 13 Europe (ETSI), 3 (non-overlapping)
WAN	1 RJ-45 (10/100 BaseT) Fast Ethernet 10/100 Mb/s port with auto MDI/MDIX
LAN	4 RJ-45 (10/100 BaseT) Fast Ethernet 10/100 Mb/s ports with auto MDI/MDIX
Other interfaces	1 USB1.1 port 1 parallel (LPT) port 1 serial (RS-232) port
Power	External power supply
Dimensions	233 x 165 x 35 mm
Additional features	Built-in VPN-server Built-in print-server UPnP devices support RS-232 modems support

The box contains:

• DI-824VUP++ router
• Multilingual user manual
• One Category 5 Ethernet cable
• External power adapter (input: AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz; output: DC 5V, 2.5A; 0.5A consumption current)

• CD with software
• External antenna
• Screws to mount the router on a wall
• Detachable feet for horizontal installation
• Detachable supports for vertical installation