image: trendnet TEW-631BRP router
Get 802.11n Wifi with Trendnets TEW-631BRP

Review: Trendnet TEW-631BRP networking

Get 802.11n Wifi early with this simple-to-use home router

Written by Tim Smith

Larger Image

The relatively slow speed of wireless networks is set to change with the upcoming 802.11n standard (also known as Draft N). Although the new Draft N standard hasn’t been finalised, this Trendnet router should increase Wifi speeds, the range and overall reliability.

The Trendnet TEW-631BRP has four network sockets and one for connecting to the internet. The latter is important as there's no built-in broadband modem. For this reason, the TEW-631BRP is more suited to those using cable internet.

Advertisement

Setup is simple, with wizards for connecting to the internet, setting up a wireless network and activating security measure such as a firewall. There are also options within the menu to set times when people can access the internet.

Wifi speed and range definitely improved, but nowhere near the claimed speed of 300Mbits/sec. Although it's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Wifi adapters, its superfast potential can only be realised when using a 802.11n adapter.

Compared to some routers, the Trendnet TEW-631BRP is expensive, especially when the lack of a modem is taken into account, but if you want the fastest and widest reaching Wifi network in your home, it's worth the extra cost.

Also consider
Asus WL-566gM MIMO
Can’t wait for faster Wifi? Then why not go the Asus MIMO route?

BT Home Hub and Hub Phone
Make internet phone calls around the house

Netgear Rangemax Next WNR834B
A stylish and cheap router, although not the best performance on offer

All router reviews

Tags:

Product overview

  • Price: £130
  • Manufacturer: Trendnet
  • Specifications:

Best prices

Ratings

  • Overall rating: 4
  • Features: n/a
  • Performance rating: n/a
  • Value for money: n/a
  • Average user rating:
Rate this product

Verdict

Good points

  • Fast
  • Easy to set up
  • Long range

Bad points

  • No built in broadband modem
  • Expensive
  • Need other 802.11n equipment to get the full speeds

Overall Although Draft N Wifi hasn't been standardised, the Trendnet TEW-631BRP router is (currently) as close you'll get to the real thing.

See also:

image: Wireless Extender Starter Kit

Review: Devolo Dlan Wireless Extender Starter Kit networking

Extend your wireless signal and benefit from Homeplug in one fell swoop   More...

Picture of the Draytek Vigor 2820Vn router

Review: Draytek Vigor 2820Vn router

More than your average internet router   More...

Advertisements

Do you agree?

IT white papers

Search vnunet IThound

Top categories

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Enter email address to edit your newsletter preferences

Poll

Google Android

Google Android

Are you intending to try out a Google Android mobile phone?

Previous poll results

Spotlight

ISSE 2008

Sharing information key to cracking e-crime

Reluctance to report breaches only adding to the problem   More...

AMD logo

AMD expected to split into two

Separate entities to focus on chip design and manufacturing   More...

CA logo

CA pushes into virtualisation management space

Data Center Automation Manager looks after virtual and physical resources   More...

Hacking

Europeans charged in US hack attacks

British man facing 15 years in prison   More...

Primary Navigation