Reviews - Channel Insider
Empowering the next generation Channel
 

Sponsored Links
  • Get up and running in as quickly as 30 days with BI. Learn how today.
  • FREE Securing Smartphones & Tablets for Dummies Book from Sophos
  • 5 New Technologies That Will Change Enterprise ITAdvertisement
  • Build an IT Infrastructure That Delivers the Future

  •  

    D-Link Refreshes Xtreme N Line with DIR-825 Wireless Router

    in Reviews



    Article Rating:starstarstarstarstar / 9
    Article Views: 24163

      Table of Contents:
    1. D-Link Refreshes Xtreme N Line with DIR-825 Wireless Router
    2. Problems and Improvements

    D-Link's latest entry into the wireless router arena, the D-Link DIR-825, refines some features and adds a few more to an already crowded market. Can small businesses benefit from the refresh of D-Link's dual-band Xtreme N Gigabit Router?

    Rate This Article:
    Add This Article To:

    D-Link Refreshes Xtreme N Line with DIR-825 Wireless Router - Problems and Improvements


    ( Page 2 of 2 )

     

    There is one nit to pick with SharePort: Currently the technology only works with PCs that must run a small piece of client software to access the attached device. A nice improvement would be the ability to use Windows shares natively to access attached devices. Perhaps D-Link could integrate Samba or some other network share technology into the device to eliminate the need for an additional client.

    Another important feature is the addition of Gigabit Ethernet ports to the DIR-825. The unit sports four of those ports and monitors the power requirements of wired connections to reduce the power needed. Although a little on the gimmicky side, the reduced power consumption aspect should appeal to the green crowd that does not want to sacrifice performance for energy savings.

    The combination of Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n technology helps make the unit a good performer and promises the ability to stream high-definition video and high-quality audio. High-bandwidth applications such as those are further enhanced by the implementation of QOS (quality of service) technology, which prioritizes traffic. D-Link's QOS goes one step further by segmenting wireless traffic, offering high-bandwidth applications over 802.11a, while relegating slower traffic to 802.11g. A nifty feature if one can use it—after all, it does require wireless clients to have support for both 802.11a and 802.11g.

    Of course, solution providers can expect to find all of the expected features on the device, ranging from encryption to dynamic DNS (Domain Name System) support, leaving very little more to mention about the device.

    One area that has been of concern with D-Link products is quality. Many have questioned the quality of the company's devices, along with its technical support services. While the DIR-825 sports plastic construction, the product's fit and finish seem to be quite good. Ample air vents should help to control heat generated, while an automated startup CD should reduce tech support calls. Although it will take time to determine if the DI-825 can withstand the rigors of small business use, early indications are positive. Unfortunately, the company only offers a one-year warranty on the product. A longer or lifetime warranty would show that D-Link is willing to back its quality initiatives.



     
     
    >>> More Reviews Articles          >>> More By Frank Ohlhorst
     


     



    channel chatter


    HTML PLAIN TEXT

    Keep on top of news for VARs and Resellers with CI's Weekly Newsletter and Alerts.


    [ci] feeds
    XML
    Add Channel News, Product Reviews, Trends and Analysis to your RSS newsreader or My Yahoo!


     


    CHANNEL SPONSORED RESOURCE CENTER
     
     
     
    Start the New Year with business intelligence—it’s a smart move
    Join us on February 1 for an encore rebroadcast at either 5 am or 12 noon EST and discover how business intelligence (BI) supports companies in uncertain business and economic climates. Get expert advice on how to create a strategy that fits your organization's needs and budget and see how quickly it can pay for itself.
    Click Here
     
    Security and Availability Essentials for Running Your Business in the Cloud
    Are you moving to the cloud? Find out what every IT professional should know about security and availability before moving to the cloud. Hear what a security provider’s own CSO has to say.
    Watch Video
    A new algorithm automatically identifies relationships between variables to help reduce researcher prejudice.
    Click HereAdvertisement