Price : Too low to display
Eliminate wireless dead spots and unleash comprehensive whole-home coverage on all your devices, all at once - the Whole Home Router 1000 is designed to handle large home networks. SmartBeam sends focused beams of bandwidth to individual wireless devices simultaneously, and delivers uninterrupted connectivity to any device, anywhere in your home. There's a SharePort Plus for streaming USB devices and with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can connect your favorite entertainment devices as well, and give them the 300 Mbps speed and advanced QoS bandwidth prioritization they need for seamless HD video streams, high-performance gaming, and VOIP calls without annoying glitches or lags.
This review is from : D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645)
Great range and speed for a wireless router . This is my review of the D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645). I will be comparing it to my D-Link DIR-655, which currently serves as my primary wireless router, and which has been working well for over two years now.
I consider the DIR-655 to be one of the best routers for wired or wireless networking. I was pleasantly surprised that the DIR-645 was on par with many features, better in some yet lacking in others. The router administration for this DIR-645 is almost identical to the DIR-655. A few minor changes, but overall the same features, functions, and controls. As a stand-alone wireless router, it worked flawlessly. I configured it manually (without the disk installer) via web browser, changed the Router IP address, range, and other settings. It took less than 10 minutes to complete the setup from unboxing to having a functional wireless router. Using the disk took a bit longer (a little over 15 minutes), but it got me to nearly the same state as my manual configuration, plus a few minor tweaks on the router setting. The disk setup is user-friendly, and works properly for setting up the router. I tested other features (QoS engine, advanced firewall, routing, WISH, etc.) for a few days only, but they all seemed to work just as well as the DIR-655. Data transfer when hard-wired (using Cat 5e network cables) was nearly identical between the two units. I won't get into this too much more. Next, I tested the wireless feature of the DIR-645. I used a separate DIR-655 as the main router (with the wireless off), and connected the DIR-645 and another DIR-655 for comparison, and configured these two as wireless access points. This is a relatively simple setting change, but I only recommend it if you are tech-savvy. Because the router functions are handled by a single router upstream of the test routers, I can test the wireless connections purely and separately from the router features. Both routers are connected using Cat5e cables (for gigabit connectivity). The two routers are on the main floor of the house, placed about three feet apart on top of the same bookshelf (to simulate the same conditions). I enabled 802.11 mixed mode (g,n), wpa2 security mode, set at channel 6, transmission rate set at "best", and channel width at auto 20/40 MHz (to test both n and g connections). I used several computers to test these units: 1) WinXP Pro Dell X1 laptop with internal 802.11g Intel wifi, 2) same laptop with D-Link DWA-160 Extreme N USB Adapter, 3) Macbook Pro 17-inch with Airport, 4) Dell XPS via D-Link DWA-140 (where I store my movies), and 5) an IBM Thinkpad T43.. I bypassed the disk installer for the computers and did a manual configuration. I searched the available wireless network, found the router SSID for both wireless "AP" units, typed in the password for network security (a definite must-do in San Francisco), and I was wirelessly connected. All connected well, and I get at least 24 Mbps speed in the farthest corners of my house, and well above 80 Mbps speed anywhere on the same floor as the router (using WinXP Pro wireless connection setting). Using large video files (150 MB to 2 GB large) I got about 10 MB/s transfer using wireless N (at Auto 20/40 MHz and mixed g+n wireless). With the DIR-655, I got about 8 MB/s, but this is with mixed g+n wireless connection. When the DIR-655 was set at wireless n only, it got up to speed with the DIR-645. Obviously I have a long way to go with testing, but I am pleased to see that this DIR-645 can perform just as well as my DIR-655. When I brought my laptops upstairs, the signal for this DIR-645 was just as strong (if not slightly stronger) than the DIR-655. Also, the theoretical speed calculated by WinXP Pro was faster when connected to this DIR-645 than the DIR-655. Again, these are theoretical calculations by the computers. Both wireless routers streamed DVD quality videos with no problems. However, the one major difference is in performance when streaming HD videos (1080 at 12+ MBps video rate), and I have to give it to the DIR-655 for performance. When streaming HD videos onto any of the computers in the living room, there was a little stuttering with this DIR-645 that was not seen with the DIR-655. I'm not really sure why this was the case, given that the DIR-645 had a faster raw data transfer rate. Bottom line is that this unit (the DIR-645) has equal or better theoretical wireless connectivity than the classic DIR-655. I sat in my living room (about 100 feet and a few walls from the wireless routers). This was true for a Macbook Pro laptop, a Dell X1 laptop, and an IBM Thinkpad. The download and upload rates were similar when connected purely as wireless G or wireless N. In mixed mode (G+N), this DIR-645 seemed to perform better. The DIR-655 dropped to wireless G throughput in mixed mode, whereas this DIR-645 seemed to better handle a mixed mode connection with theoretical connectivity (WinXP wireless tool indicator). I'm not really sure why this is the case, since this router does not seem to be dual band (although most dual-band routers run at 2.4 and 5.0). Overall, this DIR-645 performed just as well as my DIR-655 in terms of wireless connectivity. Highly recommended. (I will post some of the data in the comments section)
Great range and speed for a wireless router . This is my review of the D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645). I will be comparing it to my D-Link DIR-655, which currently serves as my primary wireless router, and which has been working well for over two years now.
I consider the DIR-655 to be one of the best routers for wired or wireless networking. I was pleasantly surprised that the DIR-645 was on par with many features, better in some yet lacking in others. The router administration for this DIR-645 is almost identical to the DIR-655. A few minor changes, but overall the same features, functions, and controls. As a stand-alone wireless router, it worked flawlessly. I configured it manually (without the disk installer) via web browser, changed the Router IP address, range, and other settings. It took less than 10 minutes to complete the setup from unboxing to having a functional wireless router. Using the disk took a bit longer (a little over 15 minutes), but it got me to nearly the same state as my manual configuration, plus a few minor tweaks on the router setting. The disk setup is user-friendly, and works properly for setting up the router. I tested other features (QoS engine, advanced firewall, routing, WISH, etc.) for a few days only, but they all seemed to work just as well as the DIR-655. Data transfer when hard-wired (using Cat 5e network cables) was nearly identical between the two units. I won't get into this too much more. Next, I tested the wireless feature of the DIR-645. I used a separate DIR-655 as the main router (with the wireless off), and connected the DIR-645 and another DIR-655 for comparison, and configured these two as wireless access points. This is a relatively simple setting change, but I only recommend it if you are tech-savvy. Because the router functions are handled by a single router upstream of the test routers, I can test the wireless connections purely and separately from the router features. Both routers are connected using Cat5e cables (for gigabit connectivity). The two routers are on the main floor of the house, placed about three feet apart on top of the same bookshelf (to simulate the same conditions). I enabled 802.11 mixed mode (g,n), wpa2 security mode, set at channel 6, transmission rate set at "best", and channel width at auto 20/40 MHz (to test both n and g connections). I used several computers to test these units: 1) WinXP Pro Dell X1 laptop with internal 802.11g Intel wifi, 2) same laptop with D-Link DWA-160 Extreme N USB Adapter, 3) Macbook Pro 17-inch with Airport, 4) Dell XPS via D-Link DWA-140 (where I store my movies), and 5) an IBM Thinkpad T43.. I bypassed the disk installer for the computers and did a manual configuration. I searched the available wireless network, found the router SSID for both wireless "AP" units, typed in the password for network security (a definite must-do in San Francisco), and I was wirelessly connected. All connected well, and I get at least 24 Mbps speed in the farthest corners of my house, and well above 80 Mbps speed anywhere on the same floor as the router (using WinXP Pro wireless connection setting). Using large video files (150 MB to 2 GB large) I got about 10 MB/s transfer using wireless N (at Auto 20/40 MHz and mixed g+n wireless). With the DIR-655, I got about 8 MB/s, but this is with mixed g+n wireless connection. When the DIR-655 was set at wireless n only, it got up to speed with the DIR-645. Obviously I have a long way to go with testing, but I am pleased to see that this DIR-645 can perform just as well as my DIR-655. When I brought my laptops upstairs, the signal for this DIR-645 was just as strong (if not slightly stronger) than the DIR-655. Also, the theoretical speed calculated by WinXP Pro was faster when connected to this DIR-645 than the DIR-655. Again, these are theoretical calculations by the computers. Both wireless routers streamed DVD quality videos with no problems. However, the one major difference is in performance when streaming HD videos (1080 at 12+ MBps video rate), and I have to give it to the DIR-655 for performance. When streaming HD videos onto any of the computers in the living room, there was a little stuttering with this DIR-645 that was not seen with the DIR-655. I'm not really sure why this was the case, given that the DIR-645 had a faster raw data transfer rate. Bottom line is that this unit (the DIR-645) has equal or better theoretical wireless connectivity than the classic DIR-655. I sat in my living room (about 100 feet and a few walls from the wireless routers). This was true for a Macbook Pro laptop, a Dell X1 laptop, and an IBM Thinkpad. The download and upload rates were similar when connected purely as wireless G or wireless N. In mixed mode (G+N), this DIR-645 seemed to perform better. The DIR-655 dropped to wireless G throughput in mixed mode, whereas this DIR-645 seemed to better handle a mixed mode connection with theoretical connectivity (WinXP wireless tool indicator). I'm not really sure why this is the case, since this router does not seem to be dual band (although most dual-band routers run at 2.4 and 5.0). Overall, this DIR-645 performed just as well as my DIR-655 in terms of wireless connectivity. Highly recommended. (I will post some of the data in the comments section)
D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645) Reviews
Didn't really work for me . I wish I had the same experience with this router as other reviewers here have. It started out great. The setup seemed easy, and I was getting a signal, though a weak one, in areas that I had a hard time getting any signal in. Then, about a half-hour later, I was getting no connection at all. I re-booted the router, still nothing. I then re set up the router using the method I had used initially, but no joy. Finally, I called tech support. They had me go through several different setup options, and finally, after about a half an hour on the phone with support, I got it working! However, the connection seems precarious. We have a couple of iPhones in the house, an iPad and a Windows laptop. We were constantly getting disconnected on all these devices, then having a hard time re-connecting. I finally just disconnected the router. It's frustrating not to have connection in some rooms, but it's less frustrating than constantly being disconnected, no matter where you are in the house.I probably should mention that the computer I'm using to set up the connection is a Mac. This shouldn't matter, but I have no other explanation for the difference with my experience as opposed to other reviewers here. Tech support seemed very unfamiliar with the Mac platform, and it's possible the setup was not correct, though I was assured the setup they directed me to do was correct. Could be nothing, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.
Didn't really work for me . I wish I had the same experience with this router as other reviewers here have. It started out great. The setup seemed easy, and I was getting a signal, though a weak one, in areas that I had a hard time getting any signal in. Then, about a half-hour later, I was getting no connection at all. I re-booted the router, still nothing. I then re set up the router using the method I had used initially, but no joy. Finally, I called tech support. They had me go through several different setup options, and finally, after about a half an hour on the phone with support, I got it working! However, the connection seems precarious. We have a couple of iPhones in the house, an iPad and a Windows laptop. We were constantly getting disconnected on all these devices, then having a hard time re-connecting. I finally just disconnected the router. It's frustrating not to have connection in some rooms, but it's less frustrating than constantly being disconnected, no matter where you are in the house.I probably should mention that the computer I'm using to set up the connection is a Mac. This shouldn't matter, but I have no other explanation for the difference with my experience as opposed to other reviewers here. Tech support seemed very unfamiliar with the Mac platform, and it's possible the setup was not correct, though I was assured the setup they directed me to do was correct. Could be nothing, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.
D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645) Opinions
Amazing Router Perfect For A Gadget-Filled Home . Before getting this we used a DIR-655 and had constant issues with wireless dropping and speed slow downs. It had to be rebooted constantly. How to solve the problem? Get The DIR-645. This little cylinder can handle all our devices, has not needed to be rebooted once and we now get the full extent of our internet speed. A great thing is that it actually has a power button and a refresh button so no more unplugging and re-plugging cables. It is sleek and fits in well. No more twisty antennas and no more choked up WiFi. We have a PS3, XBOX, DirecTV and a wired ethernet bridge connected directly to it. We also have 2 Macs using WiFi plus 3 phones. Never lags, never freezes up and never needs rebooting. Top of the line router and am super happy with it.
Amazing Router Perfect For A Gadget-Filled Home . Before getting this we used a DIR-655 and had constant issues with wireless dropping and speed slow downs. It had to be rebooted constantly. How to solve the problem? Get The DIR-645. This little cylinder can handle all our devices, has not needed to be rebooted once and we now get the full extent of our internet speed. A great thing is that it actually has a power button and a refresh button so no more unplugging and re-plugging cables. It is sleek and fits in well. No more twisty antennas and no more choked up WiFi. We have a PS3, XBOX, DirecTV and a wired ethernet bridge connected directly to it. We also have 2 Macs using WiFi plus 3 phones. Never lags, never freezes up and never needs rebooting. Top of the line router and am super happy with it.
Really works as described. Super connections! . I have been a D-linker ever since its inception, or as long as I can remember. My last wireless router is their DIR-655 which has been a loyal wireless router for about 4 years now. Now, we live in an old house, plus everything computer is in a back house / office, so getting a link to the front of the house has never been easy. Also walls are thick and well built, so the wireless signal, of course, was hard to get to the rest of the house. Even after I bought a wireless repeater it wasn't the best. Okay! HERE COMES THE DIR - 645.The signal still did not transmit to the places that the DIR-655 could not reach, HOWEVER, the direct link between the DIR-645 and the Wireless Repeater, AMAZING. We have whole house coverage and the signal strenght are again, AMAZING! The router sets itself up with the CD that is included, no manual settings at all. it worked out of the box. AND, now the netflix movie streaming is blazing fast in the front house where the TV is located!Thanks D-link for always providing the best for your customer and not your bottom line (IE) promote something as excellent when parts and technology is crap.
Good signal but not "whole house" . This router replaced another D-Link Router (D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Gigabit Wireless Router that had significant signal problems in our house.The DIR-645 is an improvement but I wouldn't call it "fantastic." In our average-sized home, the office is on one end of the house, living room in the middle and bedrooms on the other side. The 645 has a better signal for the TV/kids computer in the living room (with much less signal dropping) than the 655. I can also now get a weak signal in the bedrooms where I couldn't get one before. However, given the "whole home" advertising on this router, I expected a bit more than a very weak signal just a few rooms away. If your office is centrally located, this router will probably work well for you but if your house is like mine, don't get your hopes up. You might need a wireless signal booster rather than a different router.
Got 2 different brands so my review is a contrast . The two brands I got were this and the Netgear N900 (which is 3x as fast and costs double). Now given the Netgear is a beast of speed and costs significantly more (but totally worth it to me as a geek), I take this into account. What I am more concerned with for this review are decent signal strength, ease of setup and features. The D-Link Whole Home Router certainly delivers on all of these fronts. I replaced an aging Dlnk with this one and it was a definite boost in signal strength throughout the house, my old one would have bad spots in the home. This seems to cover them much better. The setup was easy and walked you through the setup painlessly, albeit slower than the Netgear. From the Dlink I had from years ago, the menus haven't improved when you get into the administration. They allow you control everything, but are more arcane than the latest Netgear. One thing that disappointed me on this high end router was the inability to use it as am access point if I so desired. I did want to but this is simply not a feature of this router even though it is a fairly higher end router. Most other routers do have this feature, that is my one star ding. The router itself is a beautiful package. All in all, the Whole Home Router is a quality piece.
I've had a lot of routers... . I've configured lots and lots of home routers in the past for home and for friends and family.In our current home, we've had a few with varying brands, and have had no trouble with setup.I was excited to get this router for the extra speed (which it does have), but I almost gave up when setting it up.All the other routers we've used at home have followed the same setup, the most basic setup with DHCP settings in place...no problem at all.With this router, it just wouldn't work. I tried all sorts of different options.Finally setting a static IP from what the IP was for the previous router (the previous router got it's IP through DCHP), it worked.I tried with/without the software, all sorts of options to try to get it to work. It seems silly that something so basic, that the other routers I've used at home could do (obtain an IP through DHCP), this one couldn't do.Once we got passed that, the router works fine, but talk about a headache for something that is usually the default setup!Other than that...it looks cool.
Whole House in Range Again . I used to have a D-Link DIR-655 in my basement. It's signal covered the entire house, which consists of 2 floors above the basement. When the DIR-655 died after a year and a half, I switched to a Netgear WNR1000 v2. The Netgear only covered the basement and second level floors well. It was weak on the farthest floor. After installing the DIR-645, I was able to receive an excellent signal through the entire house again. I can't comment on the reliability of the DIR-645 yet, but I'm hoping it last much longer than the DIR-655 did.
Product Image
Feature D-Link Whole Home Router 1000, Wireless N Router (DIR-645)
- Uninterrupted whole home coverage
- Up to 300 Mbps speed
- Advanced QoS bandwidth optimization eliminates glitches or lags
- 6 element beam forming antenna
- 4 high-performance Gigabit Ethernet ports
- It has 4 high-performance Gigabit Ethernet ports
- It has 6 element beam forming antenna
- It has up to 300 Mbps speed
- SharePort Plus Technology for sharing USB 2.0
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Product Details
EAN : 0790069351877UPC : 790069351877
MPN : DIR-645
Brand : D-Link
Color : Black
Weight : 3 pounds
Height : 5 inches
Length : 11 inches
Width : 9 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : D-Link Systems, Inc.
Model : DIR-645
Publisher : D-Link Systems, Inc.
SKU : DB95%DIR645
Studio : D-Link Systems, Inc.
Where To Buy
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