Looking for a way to extend your current wireless network? D-Link may have the perfect solution with the launch of its Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Range Extender, aka the DAP-1650. D-Link is asking $89.99 USD for the device, which will be made available throughout the company's e-tail and retail partners.
In case you're new to networking, this is not a router that connects to your broadband modem. Instead, this device connects to your current router wirelessly and re-transmits (repeats) those signals to areas that the router cannot reach. There are even four Gigabit Ethernet ports so that wired devices outside the router's reach will have Internet access too.
The company reports that the cylinder-shaped range extender relies on the latest 11AC Wi-Fi technology, providing up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and a mere 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Naturally, to get that higher speed, you'll need a compatible Wireless AC device, which are now becoming more common. Otherwise, you'll likely see only 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band when connecting via Wireless N.
"What sets the Wireless Range Extender apart from others on the market is its ability to also function as an access point or a media bridge, depending on user needs," said Ken Loyd, director of consumer product marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. "We know no one’s home setup is the same, so we're proud to offer a product that is flexible enough to accommodate a range of connectivity needs."
This device works as a range extender, as an access point, or as a media bridge. As a media bridge, the device won't extend the current network, but instead functions like a large wireless adapter for up to four wired devices like a console, HDTV, Blu-ray player and so on. Acting as an access point means it will bridge wireless devices to a wired network.
D-Link reports that setting up the DAP-1650 is relatively easy thanks to a one-button installation. For routers that don't have the WPS button, customers can use a web browser or D-Link's free QRS Mobile app to manually connect the range extender to the network's router.
For more information about the new range extender, head here.
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