Looking to build a new Wireless AC network? Try starting with TRENDnet's new AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router (TEW-818DRU). This networking device is shipping to retailers and other TRENDnet partners now, costing a meaty $259.99 USD.
The new router is powered by a 1 GHz processor, and includes high-power radio amplifiers for an extended wireless coverage. The device provides up to 1300 Mbps Wireless AC speeds on the 5 GHz band, and up to 600 Mbps Wireless N speeds on the 5 GHz band. Naturally, you'll need a Wireless AC adapter or device in order to hit those speeds, which are becoming more common on the market.
"High performance wireless amplifiers maximize wireless home coverage and Beamforming technology directs the highest wireless signal strength to each user's specific location," states the company's PR.
As for the wired side, the router provides five Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN, 4 LAN), one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0, the latter of which would be ideal for sharing and streaming files across the network. A printer would be ideal for the USB 2.0 port, which requires a small download from TRENDnet so that it can be recognized by PCs on the network.
According to TRENDnet, the company has pre-encrypted the wireless networks and management interface with unique passwords so that hackers can't access the device using unchanged default login credentials. A new management interface quickly provides users with key information in a visually intuitive format.
A list of special features include QoS Management, IPv6 support, WDS support, Dynamic DNS support for dyn.com and no-ip.com, and Samba/FTP server support. The router allows up to two additional SSIDs per band, and one guest network per band with an option for Internet access only.
If the $260 price is too steep, TRENDnet provides the cheaper AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Router (TEW-812DRU) for $190.99. This model provides Wireless AC speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and Wireless N speeds up to 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Other features include a USB 3.0 port for sharing files or a printer, Gigabit ports and the means to establish an isolated guest network.
TRENDnet also sells the AC1200 Dual Band Wireless Router (TEW-811DRU), which provides Wireless AC speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and Wireless N speeds up to 300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This router features a USB port for sharing files, high power amplifiers to extend wireless coverage, and more. The cost of this router is $127.99.
For more information about the new AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router, head here.
