D-Link DIR-628 RangeBooster N Dual Band Router
by D-Link Systems, Inc.
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: D-Link Systems, Inc.Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows Vista
Model: DIR-628
Product features:
- The dual band technology in the DIR-628 supports selectable 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless signals
- Supports the latest wireless security features to help prevent unauthorized access, be it from over a wireless network or from the Internet
- Unmatched wireless performance, network security, and coverage, the RangeBooster N Dual Band Router
- Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users)
- Norton Antivirus 2010 1-User [OLD VERSION]
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard [OLD VERSION]
- Nero 8 Ultra Edition [OLD VERSION]
- Roxio Creator 2010 [OLD VERSION]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of D-Link DIR-628 RangeBooster N Dual Band Router
Customer Review: Easy to install, great performance, flexible security features
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
D-Link DIR-628 RangeBooster N Dual Band Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch, 2 Antennas and Dual Band Draft 802.11n
Original firmware: 1.00 (Upgraded to 1.12)
Hardware version: A1
Bottom Line Up Front: Versatile WiFi router that offers maximum compatibility for most network devices and computers. I never ran into a problem using the Dell Inspiron E1505, Dell Studio 15, Dell Mini 9, or iPod Touch 1st gen on the WLAN. The only issue I encountered was with the VoIP modem, and was rectified when I changed the default IP for the DIR-628.
The D-Link DIR-628 Dual Band router is not capable of handling simultaneous 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz signals, but D-Link never claims this in the first place. Most of the common WiFi functions are typically handled (i.e. 802.11g) at 2.4 GHz, while 802.11n is in the 5.8 GHz frequency range. For the purpose of this review, I only utilized 802.11g devices consisting of an integrated Intel WiFi card in my Dell Inspiron E1505 and an Apple iPod Touch (Firmware 1.1.5). I evaluated the DIR-628 with a Motorola cable modem, Linksys 4-port wired router, and a D-Link switch as part of my LAN. In addition, I used the DIR-628 as a "master" router in a segregated network environment and as an additional switch. I upgraded the firmware to 1.12 (the latest official firmware as of this review) upon installing the router, but it came from the factory with 1.00. The reason I mention the hardware revision and firmware revision is that router manufacturers love to change suppliers throughout the lifecycle of a product.
In terms of security features, the DIR-628 offers all of the common security provisions for WLAN functions (Such as WAP/WAP2, AES, MAC filtering) and a NAT firewall. Since the built-in functions are not enough, network segregation is commonly recommended to protect sensitive computers within a wired LAN from potential WiFi access. One can find more information on network segregation by doing a Google search for this term.
D-Link makes numerous recommendations to using their CD to help set up the router. I consider myself an intermediate to advanced computer user, so I tossed the CD aside and manually installed the router. My LAN/WLAN was online within 15 minutes, so it is obvious the CD is not required. The DIR-628 has 4 Ethernet ports, 1 Ethernet "WAN" port, a USB port, and 2 antenna coaxial feeds. It also comes with a plastic stand that helps you mount the DIR-628 in a vertical position.
The DIR-628 menu interface is simple to manipulate, albeit slower than I would have liked. There are numerous options to play around with, such as setting up a schedule to turn your WiFi on or off depending on the day and time, as well as a MAC filter to allow or deny certain computers access to the router/network.
The WiFi and wired performance is exceptional. In a segregated network, I did not notice any network bottlenecks or connectivity issues operating my PCs from behind the Linksys router. The only issue that I did encounter was compatibility problems with a Sipura/Linksys SPA-2100 VoIP modem. It acted up when I configured both the DIR-628 and the Linksys in the segregated network. The SPA-2100 functioned when I had just 1 router in the network, but with both enabled it stopped working. After fiddling around with the configuration, I discovered the SPA-2100 only worked when connected to the "master" router and when no one else was using 192.168.0.1, which is its default gateway/IP address. The DIR-628 also happens to use that address as the default. Some people recommended manually configuring the SPA-2100, but that is not possible if your VoIP provider mandates automatic provisioning.
Pros: Easy to setup, no performance issues, flexible options for securing WiFi connectivity, attractive design. It comes with a useful router stand to facilitate vertical positioning of the router. The included Ethernet cable has the protective sleeves for the RJ-45 clips. The AC adapter is quite slim and does not take up any additional receptacles on a power strip or surge protector.
Cons: Menu interface can be sluggish, experienced some problems hooking up a Sipura SPA-2100 VoIP modem in a segregated network environment. The menu interface can also be threatening to a beginner, but offers enough options and selections to make it easy to use for an advanced user.
Overall: I was able to get the DIR-628 to function properly within a few hours operating in a slightly complex network configuration with over half a dozen computers/devices without experiencing any critical problems. I give it 4.5/5 stars. The ½ star deduction is for the menu interface speed (which seems to be prevalent among many routers) and the dozen or so warning stickers/diagrams "requiring" that I use the CD to install the router.
UPDATE: I am now using the D-Link with a Dell Studio 15 equipped with a WiFi abgn card, and I noticed that the Studio 15 has locked onto a "N" band signal at 2.4 GHz. D-Link's setup shows it as having a 104 Mbps connection at 100% while my E1505 just uses a standard "G" signal at 54 Mbps. Although the N band isn't at 5.8 GHz, the 104 Mbps speed surprised me. I have not experienced any problems with the D-Link since my original review.
Description of D-Link DIR-628 RangeBooster N Dual Band Router
The D-Link RangeBooster N Dual Band Router (DIR-628) is designed for users looking to create a high-performance wireless network. Connect the RangeBooster N Dual Band Router to a cable or DSL modem and provide high-speed Internet access to multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. Create a secure wireless network to share photos, files, music, printers, and more, from greater distances throughout your entire home or office1. Weżve also included a QoS engine that prioritizes time-sensitive online traffic to enable smooth Internet phone calls (VoIP) and responsive gaming.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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