DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router
Most buyers nowadays do not need to buy Ethernet cards for connection to the Internet nor for transfer of files over networks.
Instead, the bundling of gigabyte Ethernet connection into the newer motherboards has now become a standard among PC manufacturers to give better network performance and better value-formoney motherboards.
D-Link™ DIR-655 four-port router is among the few in the market that offers gigabyte Ethernet connection, N-Draft wireless connection using its three antennas and a USB slot for connection to external printers or other USB-based devices.
The installation is quite simple. It comes with a step-by-step wizard that detects the computers on your network or if you feel confident with technical issues, you can connect manually through the assignment of the IP addresses.
I surfed to the D-Link Web site to understand the available firmware and the features. Generally, while the latest firmware offers added features and better value-for-money, they slow down the routing performance and Internet connectivity.
The DIR-655 comes with extensive applications and functions to give users an all-round performance and to meet the digital age expectations. Among the bundled features, I like the idea of running limited user access. If you wish to manage other users to access to the Web site, the DIR-655 has functions such as application rules, network and Web site filters to limit other users to access to certain Web sites and online video games.
The second most sought-after feature must be its Wireless N (draft). Wireless N is among the latest wireless technologies that offers up to 14 times faster speeds than wireless G. This stronger signal covers six times the range of a wireless G router and allows users to use their laptops and PDAs at much farther distances than previously possible and at the same time, it maintains backward-compatibilty with 802.11g devices. The bundled Intelligent QoS Technology is optimised to facilitate voice over Internet protocol over VoIP telephones or Skype phones and one-line gaming experience.
This means that while I am talking to a friend in the US using Skype, other users in the network can continue doing their task. For example, user A can continue downloading files and user B can transfer images with user C.
Overall, the DIR-655 is a much sought-after gigabyte router. Not only does it satisfy hardcore computer users and gamers, it offers tremendous entertainment value. It is ideal for streaming high-definition video or multiple applications simultaneously while offering dual active firewall protection to block malicious attacks on networks from the Internet. Universal plug-and-play (UPnP) support is included in the DIR-655 to allow peer-to-peer plugand-play functionality for network device such as Playstation or Xbox.
But there is one caveat: upgrading the router does not do justice for gigabyte connection. Though it is not necessary, users may need to upgrade their Ethernet cat 5 or cat 5e cable to cat 6 or higher to ensure all Ethernet connection on laptops and desktop computers have true gigabyte performance.