Hardware

Published on September 3rd, 2014 | by Admin

D-Link DAP-1650 Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender Review

D-Link DAP-1650 Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender Review Admin
Features
Installation
Performance
Value

Summary:

5


DAP-1650 Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender
Product: Range Extender
Company: D-Link
Reviewer: James Wright

The DAP-1650 Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender from D-Link is like the behemoth of range extenders for home and office networks that boasts concurrent dual-band (2.4/5Ghz) technologies to give you a super strong internet connection. Besides the range extender (aka Repeater Mode), the product also serves as an access point and also media bridge. It’s a one-stop shop for the home or office user!

Features:

  • 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless LAN for a complete range of wireless compatibility
  • Four Gigabit LAN ports for high-speed wired connections
  • USB 2.0 port to connect storage drives and printers for sharing
  • Four internal antennas with 11ac technology to ensure comprehensive home coverage
  • Shareport Mobile app enables you to stream and share media files and documents across your network
  • Use the QRS Mobile app to set up your network using a mobile device without a computer
  • WPA and WPA2 wireless encryption protects the network from intruders
  • Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) securely adds devices to your network at the push of a button
  • Can be deployed as an access point, a media bridge or a repeater.

DAP-1650-L

Connectivity

  • 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless LAN for a complete range of wireless compatibility
  • Four Gigabit LAN ports for high-speed wired connections
  • USB 2.0 port to connect storage drives and printers for sharing
  • Four internal antennas with 11ac technology to ensure comprehensive home coverage

Apart from improved wireless, it also gives the user access to four wired connections that may be a gaming console, VOIP telephone system or any other device that needs to be linked to your network which boasts speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. With our testing, we definitely reached these speeds with no issues whatsoever. Also, it has a USB port that allows you to connect a printer or another media device for sharing which is definitely a bonus to the end-user.

Security

  • WPA & WPA2 wireless encryption protects the network from intruders
  • Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) securely adds devices to your network at the push of a button
  • User Limit

In terms of design, the range extender is a well designed product and looks like a small black column. On the front of the device, there are two LED icons that include power and network. On the back of the unit is where you find all your connections that include a USB 2.0 port, WPS button, four Gigabit LAN ports and a Power Button. The dimensions of the extender is 93 x 116 x 145 mm with a weight of just 330 grams. It’s the perfect size, without it getting in the way.

Another great aspect about this device is the installation process which is CD-less. If you own a D-Link router, you can use the one-step WPS button to connect the DAP-1650 to your existing network. Although this worked like a treat on our network, we also accessed the range extender directly to its IP address which does allow you to tweak the product but for us, the WPS is definitely the way to go.

Network Standards

  • IEEE 802.11ac (draft)
  • IEEE 802.11n
  • IEEE 802.11g
  • IEEE 802.11b
  • IEEE 802.11a
  • IEEE 802.3
  • IEEE 802.3u

You can also use the QRS (Quick Router Setup) Mobile app to setup the device if you don’t have access to a computer which is actually more common these days. Another handy app is the Shareport Mobile app which allows you to stream data and media across your network. Both are two excellent apps that are quite easy to setup and use, especially the Shareport mobile app. I must admit that plugging in a USB drive to share movies across my entire network was a great function to have, especially using the product as a faux media server.

Final Thoughts?

If you need to increase your WiFi connection in your home or office than the D-Link DAP-1650 Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender is that product. It boasts an easy installation process and allows you to share files across your network and even printing. Add in WPA & WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) PIN/PBC security and you can rest assured that D-link have you covered with this very clever device.

Highly Recommended!


About the Author

andrew@impulsegamer.com'



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