On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed by:
- Rik Fairlie
- Edited by:
- Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on:
- 09/23/05
- Updated on:
- 09/23/05
- Released on:
- 03/01/05
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for D-Link DI-624M Super G with MIMO wireless router
- Setup and ease of use:
- 4.0
- Features and security:
- 6.0
- Performance:
- 4.0
- Service and support:
- 6.0
- Overall score:
- 4.8
Editors' rating: networking
We rate networking products on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). We review many different networking device types, including adapters, access points, routers, gateways, bridges, repeaters, and firewalls. Each rating is made with a product's specific device type and target market in mind. For example, we expect a simpler setup routine from a consumer gateway than from a firewall designed for a small business but would expect the firewall to offer more robust security than the consumer gateway.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Design
(30 percent of the total rating)
We evaluate the clarity and consistency of the setup procedure and the ease with which changes in configuration are accomplished. We award a larger percentage of the score based on the elegance of the setup routine. We expect a seamless routine with no missing steps or ambiguities that could lead to a failed installation. We also take into consideration the hardware layout and the intuitiveness of the included software or the Web-based interface. We also examine the completeness of the product's hardware and software for the advertised application of the device.
Features
(30 percent of the total rating)
We judge a device's feature set with regard to its richness and quality (relative to its price), the role it's designed to play in a network, and the target market of the product. We expect a richer feature set from a wireless router than an Ethernet switch, and more robust security from a small office device than a consumer product. Key features we examine include the types of connectivity options and encryption types supported by the product. We also look at overall configurability and features that add new functionality to a device. Overall, we prefer a device that offers a competitive mix of features for its price.
Performance
(30 percent of the total rating)
We gauge the overall performance of the networking device. This rating is based primarily on results of independent, industry-standard benchmark tests. CNET Labs uses Ixia IxChariot software to measure throughput. Depending on the device type, we measure both the maximum throughput of a product and its throughput in typical usage scenarios. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, visit the CNET Labs site.
Service and support
(10 percent of the total rating)
We assess the company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty (parts and labor); the availability of free software and firmware upgrades; online FAQs and product documentation; and toll-free phone support, e-mail, and the Web.
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
User reviews
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