It doesn't sit above others, but
D-Link's Cloud Router offers a novel networking experience.
You've probably never heard of a Cloud
Router before. Neither did we, that is, until D-Link came along to introduce
the DIR-605L Wireless N 300 Cloud Router. To clarify on the term, a Cloud
Router essentially lets you access and manage the router over the Internet.
Yes, other routers can be configured so, but the process to do so is severely cumbersome.
The Cloud Router, on the other hand, makes it easy to a fault.
It
doesn't sit above others, but D-Link's Cloud Router offers a novel networking
experience.
The Cloud Router looks just like any router
does. It's small, slightly larger than your palm, is light and comes in
obsidian black. At the back you get two un-detachable antennas, which flank a
crowded line of Ethernet ports.
There are no bundled software CDs for the
Cloud Router, but setting it up is simple enough. You connect it to an Internet
source and access the router over an IP address. A few clicks will get the
router running. To complete the experience, however, you'll have to sign up for
a free myDlink account.
Once you have it running, the Cloud Router
can be accessed from virtually anywhere. You can log into the router using a
web browser, but mobile users can download the myDlink app for their iOS or
Android devices. From there on, you can manage the Cloud Router to a
surprisingly robust and varied degree. With the app alone, you can change the
routers' name, reboot it remotely, manage user activity and even receive
notifications for any intrusion attempts. The entire Cloud Router experience is
wholly unique and refreshing - something we hope to see more.
Performance-wise, the Cloud Router does a
fairly decent job. We managed a solid 40Mbps in our near-range throughput test,
while further distances drop it to 36Mbps. It's something we expect from such
an inexpensive router, though we do wish that it comes with better features
that other routers share, especially Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band support.
Sadly,
the Cloud Router doesn't support Gigabit Ethernet.
Chip conclude
D-Link's DIR-605L Cloud Router may not be a
great performer, but its wholly unique and well-executed cloud-based features
cannot be ignored. For anyone looking for a refreshing networking experience,
we can easily recommend them this
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Info
Price: $33
Website: www.dlink.com
Pros
Easy to use and configure, Remote management, Affordable
Cons
No Gigabit Ethernet
Specifications
·
Standards (Wireless): 802.11n,
802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11ac
·
Bands: 2.4GHz
·
LAIM Ports: 4 x
Gigabit Ethernet
·
Antennas: Fixed 5dbi
antenna x 2
·
Security: 64/128-bit
WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES,
WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
·
Others: myDLink
enabled
·
Dimensions: 112 x 152
x 28 mm
·
Weight: 246g
Ratings
·
Performance: 3/4
·
Features: 4/4
·
Design: 3/4
·
Value: 4/4
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