TRENDnet revealed on Tuesday the latest addition to its Wireless AC portfolio, the TEW-800MB AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Media Bridge. This is a much-needed component in your Wireless AC network, as it connects up to four Ethernet-based devices like Smart TVs and gaming consoles, seemingly serving as one large network adapter that sends data directly to the router.
The company actually has two groups of Wireless AC products: the more expensive, higher-end AC1750 Dual Band group capable of 1.3 Gbps (802.11ac) and 450 Mbps (802.11n), and the semi-mainstream AC1200 Dual Band class capable of 857 Mbps (802.11ac) and 300 Mbps (802.11n). This new media bridge, launching in July, falls within the latter group.
According to the company, the TEW-800MB installs in under five minutes. It also features high power amplifiers to extend the wireless coverage, four high performance Gigabit Ethernet ports for the fastest stream of data possible between it and a connected device, and Beamforming technology which directs the strongest wireless signal back to the Wireless AC router.
Of course, the new media bridge also works with Wireless N routers too, only you won’t have the max 857 Mbps throughput. However if you live in a house full of Netflix leeches, every megabit gained is pure gold. The ideal routers for this device is the $209.99 AC1750-class TEW-812DRU or the $157.99 AC1200-classTEW-811DRU. They're obviously not cheap, but will be the solid foundation for your new Wireless AC network.
Just recently TRENDnet introduced a $59.99 AC1200-class Wireless AC adapter that's compatible with USB 3.0, the TEW-805UB. This dual-band networking stick measures just 3.1 inches long, and provides a one-touch network connection with a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button. It supports advanced wireless encryption up to WPA2-RADIUS, and coverage of up to 330 feet indoors and 980 feet outdoors.
That said, the upcoming media bridge marks as the fourth device in TRENDnet's Wireless AC family. It will be made available next month from online and retail partners for $159.99.
