I have been researching all the net for the difference between the MR814NA V1 and V2. And I finally decided to test them myselves. Bellow is my review.
For the test, the contenders are D-LINK DI-614+, Netgear MR814NA V1 and Netgear MR814NA V2.
The physical difference between the version 1 and version 2
Version 1 vs Version 2, physical differences:
1. Version 1 has a bigger box, obviously because the router itself is much bigger than version 2.
2. Version one is said Made In China (the router as well as the adaptor).The version 2, both the adaptor and the router is made in Taiwan.
3. The Version 1 comes with a 1200ma 12v (120V) adaptor. Version 2 comes with 12v 800ma (120V)
4. Both of them comes with the stand.
The physical difference is so obvious. If you are looking for small, cute router, go with the V2. If you are looking for performance, go with V1.
Performance:
Even though I'm using DI-614+ to compare the netgears' router, I wouldnt mention anything about the DI-614+ in this review. However, all I can say that the
DI-614+ is the 2nd winner after the MR814NA V1
I read the review that version 1 has slower processor. Version 2 has much faster processor. That is true, you can see the difference from the router setup. I
was trying to to change the network ID on the version 1 and 2. version 2 did it instantly. However, the version took about 4-5 seconds just to change the
name of the network. So, basically faster processor, yes , version 2 is much faster.
the other thing that I want to point out here is the antenna. I google myself, and found out that the higher the dbi, the better it is. Version 1 has 5dbi
antenna, and it is detachable, which is a good thing since you can replace it with a higher gain antenna. Version 2 comes with 2dbi antenna. You can
obviously look the difference only by comparing the size of the antenna. version 1's antenna is bigger and taller than the V2's.
Range perfomance:
This is how I test this. I put all the three router side by side, so that at least it doesnt have static to one another, seperated about 1 meter each. I put
them all at the same table, so they had the same height. And, I use Boingo software to test the signal. Boingo software will tell me the strength of the
signal. The maximum is 5 bars.
The apartment is pretty much all wood rather than steel. My room is located on the 3rd floor.
I did 4 tests altogether using my notebook with SMC (SMC2635W) and also xterasys wireless card (xterasys.com).
Using SMC WIRELESS CARD:
On the same floor, right outside my studio unit.
V1:5 out of 5 bars
V2:4 out of 5 bars
DLINK: 4-5 out of 5 bars
On the same floor, 25 meters from my studio unit
V1: 4 bars
V2: 4 bars
D-Link: 4 Bars
When I go to the 2nd floor (30-35 meters if you draw a straight line from the routers to my position)
V1: 5 bars
V2: 2 bars (sometimes it detects 4, so..not too stable)
D-Link: 4 bars (it has been doing a pretty good job)
Then I went to the 1st floor (50 meters straight line from the routers)
V1: 3 bars
V2: NOTHING (0 Bars)
Dlink: 1-2 bars (mostly one bar)
Then the last one, I tested to the parking garage, 80 meters straight line from the routers)
v1:NOTHING
V2:NOTHING
DLINK: NOTHING
Now, I redo the whole test again, using a different PC Card. This time, I use Xterasys wireless card.
On the same floor, right outside my studio unit.
V1:4 bars
V2:5 bars
DLINK: 4 bars
On the same floor, 25 meters from my studio unit
V1: 4 bars
V2: 2 bars
D-Link: 3 Bars
When I go to the 2nd floor (30-35 meters if you draw a straight line from the routers to my position)
V1: 4 bars
V2: 3 bars (this time, it's pretty much stable at 4 bars)
D-Link: 3-5 bars
Then I went to the 1st floor (50 meters straight line from the routers)
V1: 3 bars
V2: NOTHING (0 Bars)
Dlink: NOTHING (mostly one bar)
Then the last one, I tested to the parking garage, 80 meters straight line from the routers)
v1:NOTHING
V2:NOTHING
DLINK: NOTHING
Conclusion:
In terms of performance V1 has the best signal I have received even though DLINK and the V2, cannot transmit any signal at all. Dlink just comes right after
the V1. However, I havent configured D-link at all. So, after I have twekaed the D-link, I might get a better signal out of the router. I believe it's a good
router. Just FYI, the Dlink has a 110-240V adaptor, so..it's good for all of you who want to give this to somebody outside the country.
In terms of design, go with the V1, it has sleek design. It is small, and compact. You can just hold it with your palm. It's fast also. However, the signal
is not as good as the other two.