OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

US Robotics USR9108 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£20Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)Wi-Fi speed:125 MbpsLAN port speeds:100 MbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

US Robotics USR9108 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and 1 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

40%

5.9

Technical score

25%

5.9

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 96% of routers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

26%

4.2

Wireless

20%

5.7

Ports

18%

7.1

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

4.0

Hardware

10%

6.2

Management

â–¼Worse than 93%
5.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models

5.9

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 96%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £20
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of router US Robotics USR9108

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

26%

4.2

Wireless

20%

5.7

Ports

18%

7.1

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

4.0

Hardware

10%

6.2

Management

5.9
Reviews score
5.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Brand name
US Robotics
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
This router uses Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g), which is less advanced than 97.9% of routers and equal to 0.2% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are less versatile than 76% of routers and equal to 21.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
125 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 125 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 99% of routers and equal to 0.4% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 95.8% of routers and the same as 1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 65% of routers and equal to 3.9% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
no
This router does not support IPv6. 91.4% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
yes
This router supports dynamic routing. 54% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 24.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
no
This router does not support VLAN tagging. 66.6% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 34.2% of routers and the same as 59.3% of routers.
LAN port speeds
100 Mbps
This router offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 74.5% of routers and on par with 25.1% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 40.1% of routers and the same as 41.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI, Utility, CLI
This router uses Web UI, Utility, CLI for management, which is more advanced than 96% of routers and equal to 0.2% of routers.
EasyConfigurator
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI
This router supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 75.5% of routers and equal to 23.9% of routers.
EasyConfigurator
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
no
This router does not offer a guest Wi‑Fi network. 92.9% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
0.256 GHz
This router runs at 0.256 GHz, which is slower than 99.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
32 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 32 MB of RAM, which is less than 84% of routers and the same as 11.6% of routers.
Internal storage
0.003906 GB
Market range: <0.0039 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.003906 GB of internal storage, which is less than 87.3% of routers and the same as 12.7% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
no
This router does not offer hardware acceleration. 75.3% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
1
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 1 external antennas, which is fewer than 59% of routers and the same as 3.5% of routers.
Show more

US Robotics USR9108 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Better management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, Utility, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    EasyConfigurator
    Web UI, Utility, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • More advanced integrated modem
    This router uses a ADSL2+ integrated modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required).
    ADSL2+ vs none (external modem required)
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Removable antennas
    This router has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.8% of routers have removable antennas.
  • 4.75x cheaper
    US Robotics USR9108 is cheaper than the average router (£20 vs £95).
    £20 vs £95
  • 4.75x cheaper
    US Robotics USR9108 is cheaper than the average router (£20 vs £95).
    £20 vs £95
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Supports dynamic routing
    This router supports dynamic routing, while the average router does not. 46.1% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • More advanced integrated modem
    This router uses a ADSL2+ integrated modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required).
    ADSL2+ vs none (external modem required)
  • Better management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, Utility, CLI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    EasyConfigurator
    Web UI, Utility, CLI vs Web UI, App
  • Removable antennas
    This router has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.8% of routers have removable antennas.
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    EasyConfigurator
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 92.9% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (125 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    125 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    0.256 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 66.5% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No IPv6 support
    This router does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 91.2% of routers support IPv6.
  • 23.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models

    5.9

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.1 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.9 vs 7.7
  • 8.1% worse value for money
    US Robotics USR9108 has worse value for money than the average router (7.47 vs 8.1).
    7.47 vs 8.08
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 92.9% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (125 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    125 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • Narrower channel widths
    This router has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • 2 fewer spatial streams
    This router has fewer spatial streams than the average router (1 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    1 vs 3
  • No band steering
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 57.6% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    This router does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 62.1% of routers support beamforming.
  • No WPS support
    This router does not support WPS, while the average router does. 89.8% of routers support WPS.
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 66.5% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No IPv6 support
    This router does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 91.2% of routers support IPv6.
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    EasyConfigurator
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • No guest Wi-Fi network
    This router does not offer a guest Wi-Fi network, while the average router does. 92.7% of routers offer a guest Wi-Fi network.
  • No DLNA support
    This router does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 50.4% of routers support DLNA.
  • Less capable NAS services
    This router includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, media server.
    none vs SMB, media server
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.3 GHz vs 2x1 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x1 GHz.
    0.256 GHz vs 2x1 GHz
  • No hardware acceleration
    This router does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 75.2% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
  • 96.9% less internal storage
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.003906 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 87.5% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (32 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    32 MB vs 256 MB
  • 14 years older release date
    This router is an older model than the average router (2005 vs 2019). The average router release year is 2019.
    November 2005
    2005 vs 2019
  • 1 fewer external antennas
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (1 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    1 vs 2

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
31/05/2007
Hands-on test · Range and setup
Verdict
The US Robotics USR9108 kit suits homes with weak range, but it runs older 802.11g wireless and gets the most benefit only when every device has an adaptor.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about US Robotics USR9108

  • Simple and easy setup process with clear documentation
  • Good wireless coverage, even in multi-level buildings
  • Effective NAT and virtual server configuration for applications like torrents
  • Integrated print server allows for network printer sharing
  • Robust security features including firewall, WPA support, and DoS protection
  • Relatively inexpensive for its feature set

What customers don't like about US Robotics USR9108

  • Integrated print server can be unreliable, occasionally stopping jobs mid-process
  • Device tends to run hot during operation
  • Poor manufacturer support with very infrequent firmware updates
  • Mediocre performance and wireless throughput over long distances
  • Lacks gigabit Ethernet ports, limiting wired speeds to 10/100 Mbps
  • Does not always retain certain ADSL settings (like T1.413) after a reboot

Verdict

The US Robotics USR9108 is a versatile Wireless MAXg ADSL2+ Gateway that integrates a DSL modem, an 802.11g wireless access point, a 4-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch, and a USB 2.0 print server. Its primary characteristic is the proprietary MAXg technology, which boosts wireless speeds to a theoretical 125 Mbps and enhances coverage by up to 50% compared to standard 802.11g devices. Main pros include its easy setup process, broad Wi-Fi range suitable for multi-level buildings, and a robust built-in firewall with SPI and DoS protection. However, notable cons include reported reliability issues with the print server, a tendency for the unit to run hot during operation, and the lack of Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster wired networking.

Compare US Robotics USR9108 with other routers

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of US Robotics USR9108 and other routers

No results found