D-Link DIR-655

Draft N is all the buzz around the Wi-Fi circles, and manufacturers are pushing their early products onto store shelves despite the constant technical changes to the new unapproved draft. Although early product releases incorporating the 802.11n draft 1.0 were first seen in 2006, they did not seem to win over critics' opinion because of poor performance. The D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is a draft 802.11n compliant device which claims to be up to 14x faster and have 6x the range of 802.11g while staying backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b devices.

D-Link's Xtreme N router was rigorously tested and verified for compatibility with Intel's Next-Generation Wireless N, utilizing intensive real-world testing conducted in typical home and enterprise environment scenarios. In Intel's testing process, which was conducted over the period of several months, D-Link's Xtreme N router met or exceeded Intel's requirements for performance, extended range, co-existence with other 802.11b/g clients and access points, and the ability to eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots. The upcoming approval for 802.11n draft 2.0 will include 2.4 GHz legacy networks, but it is really intended for 5 GHz.

By connecting the Xtreme N Gigabit Router to a cable or DSL modem, you expand your Internet reach and provide high-speed Internet access to multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. Use the web interface to create a secure wireless network, and share photos, files, music, videos, printers, and network storage without compromising security.

Powered by Xtreme N technology and equipped with three external antennas, this router provides superior wireless coverage for larger homes and offices, or for users running bandwidth-intensive applications. The DIR-655 also includes a 4-port 10/100/1000 Gigabit switch that connects Gigabit wired devices for enjoying lag-free network gaming and faster file transfers.

About the company: D-Link

D-Link is an award-winning designer, developer and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice, data and video communications solutions for the digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments.

Visit the D-Link tv site for video footage of the D-Link company. Phone: 800-326-1688 Address: 17595 Mt. Herrmann, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Features & Specifications

With so many new technologies emerging at such a rapid pace, it becomes difficult to understand why the new products are so important. D-Link has taken advantage of the draft N technology by offering their famously versatile products with the new improvements and capabilities of this draft. Here are the technical specifications for the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router:

XTREME N Features and Benefits

• Intelligent Wireless Prioritization Technology.
• Xtreme N technology allows for farther home coverage*.
• Secure your wireless network using advanced WEP, WPA, or WPA2 encryption.
• Easy to get started with D-Link's new Quick Router Setup Wizard.
• Supports Good Neighbor Policy - will not interfere with other wireless networks.
• Backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b devices including game consoles and digital media players.

* 1-Year Warranty available only in the U.S.A and Canada.
** Computer must adhere to Microsoft's recommended System Requirements.
*** The software included with this product is not Mac-compatible.
**** Latest software and documentation are available at https://www.dlink.com/redirectorSupport.asp?supportLink=home.

This product is based on draft IEEE 802.11n specifications and is not guaranteed to be forward compatible with future versions of the IEEE 802.11n specifications. Compatibility with draft 802.11n devices from other manufacturers is not guaranteed. All references to speed are for comparison purposes only. Product specifications, size and shape are subject to change without notice, and actual product appearance may differ from that depicted herein.

Closer Look: DIR-655 Exterior

Reviewing technology products has always given me that Christmas morning anticipation, which thrills me as I open the package for the first time. Every product gives me a distinct impression the very first time I hold it, and each piece of hardware ultimately makes a personal connection to something which helps me to relate to it.

It may seem odd, but when I first examined the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router, for some strange reason it seemed "heavenly" to me. Soft snow white color, gentle curves, and antenna's sending signal through the airwaves; it immediately brought memories of cloud gazing. Or perhaps it was the soft white finish and splayed antenna array which made me think of an angle, I don't really know why, but one thing is certain: the dark pewter finish D-Link used for their previous product releases is long gone. I give thanks for that.

D-Link has launched the new draft-N series of products in a clean new look: white with black trim. Some critics would call this combination dull and boring, but I disagree. This is one of my favorite combinations, taking me back to childhood memories of sci-fi Storm Troopers. Space age technology, with science fiction results made real; How can you go wrong with that logic?

Whether you are an IT professional, Computer Consultant, or just a small-office home-office (SOHO) user, the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is very capable of providing a secure long-range Wi-Fi solution. I often have the opportunity to set-up single access point Wi-Fi networks for my clients, and there are always requests to have more range and faster network throughput.

In the past year alone I have sold and installed nearly sixty Wi-Fi routers, and in nearly every case that wireless router was the Linksys WRT54G. Not anymore, and most likely never again. Read on to discover just how well the D-Link DIR-655 performed.

Detailed Exterior Features

The standout feature obvious to most (or all) draft N routers is the array of antenna's. Essential for MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output), three short-length hard plastic antenna's adorn the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router. MIMO uses multiple transmitter and receiver antennas to allow for increased data throughput via spatial multiplexing and increased range by exploiting the spatial diversity.

At the other end of the network, on the wired side of the router, Ethernet connectivity is given the Gigabit treatment. All four of the Ethernet LAN ports and the WAN port all offer 10/100/1000Mbps auto-switching throughput, which makes the D-Link DIR-655 a perfect solution for everyone from smart and serious home users, to corporate environments.

Additionally, there's something the D-Link DIR-655 offers which most every other routers produced before now have not offered: WCN (Windows Connect Now) configuration through USB. Windows Connect Now (WCN) is the name of Windows Rally technologies for quick and simple wireless device configuration. With Windows Connect Now, users running Windows Vista or Windows XP can create network configuration settings and transmit them to the access point. Alternatively, users can also print the configuration settings for reference for manually configuring the device.

Windows Connect Now offers the following methods for configuration:

• WCN-NET is Microsoft's implementation of the Wi-Fi Simple Config standard. It provides for configuration of devices using out-of-band Ethernet and in-band wireless networks. In Windows Vista, WCN-NET can discover an un-configured router, access point, base station or a device such as a Media Center Extender by using UPnP, authenticate with the device by using a personal identification number (PIN), provide wireless settings that are based on user selection and set up a wireless network over a wired Ethernet connection. Windows XP and earlier Windows versions do not support WCN-NET.
• WCN-UFD uses an API and an XML format that works with a wizard to write configuration files to a USB Flash Drive for more secure wireless networks. Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later Windows operating systems supports WCN-UFD.
• WCN-MTP includes a Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) extension that enables an MTP initiator to provide an MTP responder with configuration parameters for joining a wireless network and supports more secure configuration of MTP-capable devices on wireless networks. In Windows Vista, a temporary USB cable connection can be used for MTP-class devices such as portable media, digital cameras etc.

The underside of the D-Link DIR-655 has four soft rubber feet for resting on a smooth surface, or the router can be wall-mounted using the two molded knock-outs. Additionally, basic layout is rendered in a simple diagram along with serial number and MAC address information.

At the side of the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router there is a rather peculiar port which appears to be about the size of an USB-B connection similar to the printer-end of a USB cable. There is a clear plasic label which is a little thicker than tape marked "for future use". I'm not sure what D-Link has planned for this port, but there are only a few things capable of fitting into this space.

D-Link Enhanced Security Features

The new IEEE 802.11n draft standard has brought a few new security features along with the boost in wireless performance. With some routers, all wired and wireless traffic, including VoIP, Video Streaming, Online Gaming, and Web browsing are mixed together into a single data stream. By handling data this way, applications like video streaming could pause or delay. With D-Link's Intelligent QoS Technology, wired and wireless traffic is analyzed and separated into multiple data streams. These streams are then categorized by sensitivity to delay, so applications like VoIP, Video Streaming, and Online Gaming are given priority over Web browsing. This enables multiple applications to stream smoothly to your TV or PC.

The Xtreme N Gigabit Router supports the latest wireless security features to help prevent unauthorized access, be it from over a wireless network or from the Internet. Support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 standards ensure that you will be able to use the best possible encryption regardless of your client devices. In addition, this Xtreme N router utilizes Dual Active Firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential attacks from across the Internet.

The D-Link DIR-655 supports WISH, which is short for Wireless Intelligent Stream Handling. WISH ia a technology developed to enhance your experience of using a wireless network by prioritizing the traffic of different applications. Enable this option if you want to allow WISH to prioritize your traffic.

There are a few key features which indirectly improve the security such as advanced firewall features and filters. The Web-based user interface displays a number of advanced network management features including:

• Content Filtering - Easily applied content filtering based on MAC Address, URL, and/or Domain Name.
• Filter Scheduling - These filters can be scheduled to be active on certain days or for a duration of hours or minutes.
• Secure Multiple/Concurrent Sessions - The DIR-655 can pass through VPN sessions. It supports multiple and concurrent IPSec and PPTP sessions, so users behind the DIR-655 can securely access corporate networks.

Website Filters are used to deny LAN computers from accessing specific web sites by the URL or domain. A URL is a specially formatted text string that defines a location on the Internet. If any part of the URL contains the blocked word, the site will not be accessible and the web page will not display.

Delivering best-in-class performance, network security, and coverage, the Xtreme N Gigabit Router (DIR-655) is the ideal centerpiece for your wireless network in the home or office.

D-Link DIR-655 Testing & Results

D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumer and business, has the fastest Draft 802.11n technology on the market for its home networking products, according to recently filed industry tests.

These tests were performed by octoScope, a Boston-area consulting firm that conducts competitive product performance testing, and were staged in real-life home and office environments. According to octoScope, the Draft 802.11n equipment from several vendors was enabled with the most current software available from the vendors at the time of the tests. Extensive short and long-range tests verifying the throughput and video performance versus a range of Draft 802.11n equipment concluded:

"The measured data reveals that the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme NTM Gigabit Router is the top performer in its 3x3 (antenna) class and across the board."

Test results also noted "the DIR-655 will let you watch high-quality HDTV even at 150 feet since it maintains about 20 megabits (Mbps) of throughput at that distance."

The video test was designed to demonstrate video prioritization performance of three gigabit-capable routers chosen for evaluation: the D-Link DIR-655, the Linksys WRT350N and the Netgear WNR854T. All three feature Gigabit Ethernet local-area network (LAN) ports with sufficient bandwidth to support a multimedia server sourcing multiple video streams. "Among this group the D-Link DIR-655 came in first," the study concluded.

The 802.11n standard, currently in draft form, is the new generation of WLAN technology delivering significant improvement in throughput and useful range over legacy 802.11b and 11g equipment. In the home, Draft 802.11n provides triple play coverage including video distribution through a typical house to multiple TV sets.

In the enterprise/office environment, once ratified, 802.11n will support mission-critical applications with throughput, QoS and security rivaling 100Base-T. Coupled with current security protocols, Draft 802.11n's performance makes it an easy-to-install alternative to computer cabling. The D-Link Xtreme N products are based on XSPAN draft 2.0 802.11n technology from Atheros.

"We're committed to provide consumers with the optimal Draft 802.11n experience," said AJ Wang, chief technical officer for D-Link. "octoScope's findings validate the hard work of the engineering and product design teams behind our Draft 11n solutions and are a welcome endorsement of our commitment to home networking leadership."

*Based on June 19, 2007 octoScope Report. To get a copy of the full report, visit www.dlink.com/11n_test_report

Final Thoughts: D-Link DIR-655

At the time of this writing, the 802.11n standard was still awaiting final considerations and had only just established draft 2.0. The upcoming approval for 802.11n will include 2.4 GHz for legacy networks, but because of increased HD multimedia content it is really intended for 5.8 GHz. Additionally, since there are only 11 channels in the 2.4GHz range compared to 16 at the 5.8GHz range, it seems likely that the higher frequency will be the choice of new networks built from Wireless N network appliances. The D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router operates at the 2.4GHz legacy frequency, which makes it an ideal stepping stone for pre-existing 802.11g appliances until the 802.11n standard is finalized in one year.

Ultimately, the desire to stream video content will make the 5 GHz band dominant, which is exactly what Apple has signaled by including both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support in its Apple TV's Draft N adapter. This may also mean that many (and nearly all) of the current "draft n" products will become technically obsolete the moment the 802.11n standard is completely ratified. By September 2008 the patience many have been forced to practice while operating on eleven shared channels may disappear in favor of a wider band of frequency with less chance of dropped connection or bumped channels.

Without question, the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is a powerful product. When compared to previous Wireless G products, the performance is nothing short of impressive. Although Benchmark Reviews relied on an independent industry testing, our own in-house (or rather on-site) testing at three different office locations has really swayed my opinion of 802.11n performance. Where range was previously at its limit, the D-Link DIR-655 managed to double the full-speed range; even with Wireless G adapters at the other end.

Conclusion

Colorful, informative, and detailed product packaging will help clear the air of any potential confusion shoppers may have regarding D-Link DIR-655 when they pull it off of store shelves. The presentation is perfect for retail outlets, and gives everyone from home users to corporate buyers a positive feeling towards an informed purchase.

If my Star Wars Storm Trooper analogy wasn't enough to win you over, perhaps the simple black and white design will. I like this new color scheme far more than the old silver and aqua-marine, so this will certainly raise the appearance level of future products.

Built for use in nearly every indoor environment, the D-Link DIR-655 is constructed of high-quality plastic. No part on this router seemed weak or fragile, to include the antennas. I suspect that the D-Link DIR-655 will endure the tortures of under-the-desk installations as well as wall mounting.

The performance and functionality were impressive. Nothing like the early reports of 802.11n draft 1.0 products, the new D-Link DIR-655 offers new and improved draft 2.0 enhancements.

Presently, the 802.11n draft 2.0 technology is still new. Despite this prices have remained rather affordable, especially considering you can purchase the DIR-655 at merchants like NewEgg.com for $94.99. For bargain shoppers, our price comparison tool lists the DIR-655 on sale at several other retailers. The value may not be realized until your application and environment demand it, but for the money there are a lot of features and impressive performance bundled inside the box.

With all of the testing and features to back the performance, it is very easy to give the D-Link DIR-655 my full recommendation. Although I will demand 5.4GHz products on new wireless networks once the 802.11n standard is finalized around September 2008, the current selection of 2.4GHz Xtreme N devices delivers a perfect upgrade solution for A, B, and G wireless networks. As a network administrator for several small and medium size corporate networks with Wi-Fi access, I have already begun replacing old Wireless G products with the Xtreme N line of equipment. So far there has been nothing but positive feedback.

Pros:

+ Extremely fast throughput
+ Excellent wireless range
+ Gigabit LAN ports
+ Convenient mounting accessories
+ Windows Connect Now USB port
+ High-quality construction
+ Durable antennas
+ Attractive black & white finish

Cons:

- Price is above average
- Poor cooling ventilation
- Legacy 2.4GHz frequency range
- Included patch cable is old CAT 5 standard

Ratings:

• Presentation: 9.25
• Appearance: 9.0
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 9.5
• Value: 8.0

Final Score: 9.0 out of 10.

Achievment: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

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