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.
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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