We benchmarked the Gigabyte GN-B49GU using NetIQ to test the average throughput and response time of the wireless connection, as well as the transfer of an 11.8MB file to test real-world performance.

For the following benchmarks, we used an 802.11g card (Gigabyte's GN-WMAG ) and an 802.11b card (SMC's SMC2632W) both installed into a laptop situated about 20 feet from the access point on a different floor, to simulate typical home and business conditions.

We also tested the performance of the GN-B49GU with WEP enabled, as we wanted to see how the encryption impacted the performance of the device. We also tested the performance of WPA-PSK (Wireless Protected Access - Pre-shared Key) mode, connecting to the Gigabyte card.

Our final wireless networking data transfer benchmarks revolved around the 108mbps proprietary 'turbo-G' mode.

802.11g Wireless Network NetIQ Tests
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router to:	802.11g WiFi Card
Average Throughput	19.6 Mbps
Response Time	1 ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer	~6 sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router with 64-bit WEP to:
WEP Average Throughput	19.5 Mbps
WEP Response Time	2 ms
WEP 11.8Mb Test file transfer	~6sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router, 128-bit WEP to:
WEP Average Throughput	19.3 Mbps
WEP Response Time	2 ms
WEP 11.8Mb Test file transfer	~6sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router, 152-bit WEP to:
WEP Average Throughput	18.6 Mbps
WEP Response Time	2 ms
WEP 11.8Mb Test file transfer	~6sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router, 128-bit WPA-PSK to:
WPA Average Throughput	17.5 Mbps
WPA Response Time	2 ms
WPA 11.8Mb Test file transfer	~7sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router, ‘Turbo-G’ enabled to:
Average Throughput	25.8 Mbps
Response Time	1 ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer	~5sec
Gigabyte GN-B49G Router to:	802.11b WiFi Card
Average Throughput	5.3 Mbps
Response Time	3 ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer	~16sec
Ethernet Reference:
10/100 Wired Ethernet (typical)	61.5 Mbps
Wired Response Time	1ms

The B49GU performed well in these tests, though a hair slower than its sister product, the GN-A17GU access point. It still put up very solid numbers for a wireless 'g' product though, and the 'turbo-g' mode helped things even more, though this is restricted to use with only certain wireless network cards.

Conclusions:

We were of two minds about the Gigabyte GN-B49GU. We loved its performance and the wide array of features, but we had some fairly serious concerns about its documentation and software.

Our major concern with the GN-B49GU rests with the inadequate documentation. The printed manual is very poorly written, and though a help menu is available within the router's configuration software, it is too sparse and technical to be of much help to users without prior networking experience. This would not be so much of a problem if the GN-B49GU was not such a complex and flexible product.

As it is, getting to grips with this router's many features is initially more difficult than it needs to be. Given the excellent software and adequate documentation included with the GN-A17GU access point which appears to be the GN-B49GU's sister product, there is little excuse for this issue. The mandatory 30 second reboot cycle each time you make a change to the setup does not help things. As it stands now, using this router will be a rather trying experience for those not experienced with networking.

On the bright side. The Gigabyte GN-B49GU possesses unparalleled flexibility for a 'home' routing device. It fulfills its main role well, and its wireless performance was flawless. It possesses a big upside for the business market both with its ability to co-operate with the GN-A17GU access point to extend its wireless range and with its ability to act as a router between internal networks.

To sum up then, if you are experienced in networking and are looking for a solid wireless routing/sharing device with a wealth of extra features, the Gigabyte GN-B49GU is definitely recommended. Likewise if you are a networking enthusiast looking for a bit extra in a home router, this is an excellent choice. If you consider yourself a beginner and are looking for a simple wireless home Internet sharing device, best to look elsewhere first.

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