Description
The D-Link® Wireless N 8-Port Router (DIR-632) provides a better wireless signal for your network than previous-generation Wireless G* technology. Upgrading your home network to Wireless N provides an excellent solution for sharing an Internet connection and files such as video, music, photos, and documents. D-Link Wireless N products use Intelligent Antenna technology to transmit multiple streams of data which enables you to receive wireless signals in the farthest corners of your home.
Not only does the D-Link Wireless N technology extend your wireless range, it also works with previous-generation wireless devices. The DIR-632 also includes basic QoS (Quality of Service) Prioritization Technology that analyzes and separates multiple data streams based on sensitivity to delay, enabling multiple applications such as VoIP, Video, and Gaming to stream smoothly across your network.
Features
The key feature of the router is the large number of 100Mbps Ethernet ports. The router has eight of these which would typically be handy for a SoHo or a small internet café. For most home users, these many ports will be of little use. WiFi 802.11n capacbility should give it an edge over other routers as well. All of the usual features you find in a good router are available – QoS, web site and access filtering. There is also some emphasis on IPv6 in the advanced menus.
The USB port function at the rear of the router can be used to share data and it can also be used to connect to the internet using a 3G modem. There is also support for something called WCN which is something Microsoft deviced to make configuring wireless network simpler. This feature also needs a USB flash drive to function.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you notice about the DIR-632 is that it’s noticeably larger than most other WiFi routers. The reason for that are the 8 wired 100Mbps ports at the rear of the router. In terms of build quality, it’s a pretty lightweight router and a little flimsy at the bottom. The front face of the router has the activity indicators for each one of the wired ports clearly marked. There’s also an indicator for the USB port. Provision for wall mounts is present on the back of the router and there is space for two antennas.
Performance
The performance of a WiFi 802.11n router should be considerably better than standard 802.11g routers. We setup the router in the Tech2 Labs close to where the router was and tried copying two data sets of 2 GB each. There were two test zones that we used. The first test was performed in the same room as the router. The second test was done in the room adjoining the labs. During our test run, we saw speeds of sequential data in the first zone peaking at 5.52MB/s, which is roughly the same theoretical speed of WiFi 802.11g (54Mbps). The assorted data set took a little longer with an average speed of 4.64MB/s. In the second zone, sequential data sets averaged 4.13MB/s and the assorted data folder 3.63MB/s.
User Reviews
“So far, so good.” by griffin2811
Pros: Great range, signal strength and stability. 8 ports and energy saving features.Interface for setup is clear, has many useful features my D-Link di524 didn’t. So far, no signal drops. Reserve I.P’s and has a central shareport,two things I wanted.
Cons: 60 seconds for this router to save changes every time you make one, but should only be one time during the setup.
Summary: I like it. I wasn’t able to read many reviews before I bought, but am pretty happy with this router.
Price
$80-90
