D-Link DIR-628 IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE802.11n Draft RangeBooster N Selectable Dual Band Router - Retail

Don't buy for dual bands; too much trouble.

Reviewed By: on 11/25/2009

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 day to 1 week

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: 1. Once set up, seems to work OK (not enough experience yet.
2. D-Link Tech Service is pretty helpful.

Cons: 1. Setup very complicated and difficult.
2. Changing bands requires much time & trouble.
3. Only reason to buy this one (i.e., dual bands) is defeated by difficulty in changing bands.
4. Some computer W/L adapters don't work on 5GHz band; so you may not be able to take advantage of this router's only real benefit.

Other Thoughts: Bought 628 for it's dual bands after reading reviews that this is "must have".
1. It would not install using the setup CD; spent 2-hrs working on it; then called Tech Service, who spent another hour with me. I have set up at least 6 routers previously.
2. Tech Serv first had me download new firmware (1.22NA) which took time. Then, they got my first computer (4-yr old IBM laptop, "g" adapter)connected. Set it up on the 5GHz band to gain the "less interference" benefit.
3. Then tried to connect new ASUS Netbook ("n" adapter); it could not "see" the 628 (but could see neighboring networks & even connect with a distant one). D-Link; they said it was the computer. Called ASUS, they said netbook adapter worked on both frequencies.
4. Finally gave up and manually switched back to 2.4 network on new router. Could not connect either computer. Had to get D-Link TS back & completely set 628 up again manually. HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY TIME YOU SWITCH BANDS. NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE.

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Don't update your fireware!

Reviewed By: great_money_flusher on 10/18/2009

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 month to 1 year

Pros: Works great if you don't update your firmware.

Cons: Do not update your firmware!

The firmware programmers have $crewed up something because after update the speed hits about 0%. If you go to there forum you'll see how bad things are with firmware updates.

Other Thoughts: I've had mine for almost a year now if very low usage, after doing the "recommended" thing and keeping the firmware up to date, my DIR-628 is almost a paperweight now as well others who've updated.

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Reviewed By: Pandion on 10/6/2009

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 month to 1 year

Pros: Good range, Fast 300Mb connection through wireless but you might have to read through the forums to figure how to configure it for that speed. Looks nice. Software is easy to use.

Cons: No dual band simultaneously, but not what I bought it for.

Other Thoughts: Good price for what you get, I use a DWA-552 wireless card that i purchased from right here on newegg and I have no problems at all.

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