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| Date Reviewed: 01/04/07 |
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Strengths: Cheap! Gigabit switch! And Draft N including wireless G and B!
Weaknesses: None really. Still haven't figured out how to use the USB to a NAS USB HDD storage. Not sure if it really does
Summary: A great product. Other products that are similar are almost $200. I got this for only $109. Great deal. Works well. I had a Wireless G router and the wireless signal on this router works even better than my old one (signal strength and distance). I love the Gigabit ports too! A must have!
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| Date Reviewed: 16/03/07 |
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Strengths: Excellent throughput and Gigabit Ports.
Weaknesses: QOS as implemented can slow download speeds.
Summary: Bought this at Circuit City as a result of seeing the review on SmallNetBuilders. It has a very user friendly setup menu and the processor in it is extremely fast. I haven't tried out the Wireless portion yet. I did notice that when checking download speeds, they were about 20% less when QOS was enabled.
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| Date Reviewed: 27/09/08 |
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Strengths: Very Easy Setup (use CD if your new or plug it in and goto 192.168.0.1 if you know what your doing), Feature Rich, Fast Speed, Doesnt drop signal while downloading with Bitorrent, Bargain Price
Weaknesses: Overheats if you place it down on your desk horizontal causing the router to drop your internet connection (set it up Vertical using the stand they provide to stop this from happening).
Summary: It works wonderful with Encore ENLWI-N PCI Adapters which cost 30 bucks compaired to D-Links PCI adapters that cost 80 bucks just make sure to download the newest software from Encores website. When I first set up the adapters I was only getting a Signal of 57-63 with the router horizontal on the desk but when I put the router standing up vertically and pointed the tips of the antennas towards the rooms where I had the wireless adapters the signal went from 57-63 to 90-100 and I saved 50 bucks over the people who paid for the D-Link adapters lol.
Remember to Disable QoS as well, it cut my bandwith in half and causes extra stress on the Router so its not really worth it.
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| Date Reviewed: 26/11/08 |
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Strengths: Easy Setup, including with Vista, using Network Magic (free version); Great Range; Great Speed; Great Reliability!
Weaknesses: None I have found to this point.
Summary: Our SOHO purchased this to replace a NETGEAR router that we'd almost always had problems with. We were having to reset it on an almost daily basis -- sometimes multiple times per day. I finally gave up on Customer Support after many calls and no help. Anyway, back to the DIR-655. It worked right out of the box. I DID have to follow the instructions -- yes, actually read and follow the instructions to the letter. But they're simple and they work. Don't believe the reviews about having to buy the Network Magic software if you use it -- I've been using it for over 6 months and have never gone PRO. This router gives us markedly better downloading and uploading speeds with WPA2 enabled, with over double the range that we had before. Not only does it reach every part of our 3700 square foot home, but also reaches far out into our backyard as well. Where the signal strength is lower, it lowers transmission speed but doesn't drop signal. Torrent downloads at better than 500 kbps! AND: I have NEVER had to reset it once. Not a single time! What more do you want? BTW, we aren't using the GBit ports, but have three PCs connected wirelessly via the DIR-655. Way to go, D-Link.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/03/08 |
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 I wish I could go back to dgl4300 Strengths: Better wireless signal than dgl4300, easy to work with. Gigabit connection, low ping times, wireless N
Weaknesses: Glitches in firmware, Wireless N 1.0, runs kinda hot, range not that much better than wireless G. Customer support
Summary: 2008-04-03 10:08:55 I had this router for about 5 months and I think it was possitive exerience till I uprgaded to firmware 1.11 or maybe it started behaving oddly around then.
Here's one problem that was solved. Router was making slow connection to some sites, like 1min to display a site. That was solved by changing wan speed from auto to 100m.
Current problem under heavy network usage router disconnects allconnection ,wireless, network, internet and 5-10 seconds later it reconnects. To bad if you are playing a games you get kickout out of server. I don't think router showed more than 5 days uptime with my usage.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/03/08 |
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 DIR-655 Fails right along with Customer Service Strengths: NONE - poor quailty, dismal customer support
Weaknesses: The company, the DIR-655 and the people who work there.
Summary: 2008-03-13 15:48:06 DIR-655 was bad right out of the box. The bad unit defaults to factory settings on a regular basis. Wireless range less than optimal even on high power. Tech support was okay, but seemed liked they didn't care and didn't want to be bothered. Return service is even worse. Charged 197.00 hold fee on credit card, they promissed to send a brand new unit, but they sent an old refurbished one, have to send both back, one at a time so I can stay somewhat connected. Was on hold to speak to someone for over an hour. Had to call back and zero out to an operator to speak to someone in charge. So far there has been a total of about 11 calls to the company just to get poor service again and again.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/11/07 |
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Strengths: Solid range and bandwidth performance characteristics. Gigabit ports everywhere.
Weaknesses: The USB port on the back does not work for NAS. It wasn't designed to either.
Summary: I have had this for about 4 months now. I have not had to reset the router once. It's had 4 minutes of downtime in that 4 months. I have 3 Desktops, 1 server, 3 laptops and two wireless printers connected to this router 24/7.
I've been a Network Engineer since 1990 and never seen a more solid product in the wireless router category.
Price was a nice $119 at Costco.
It also has great reviews at Tom's Hardware.
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| Date Reviewed: 21/11/06 |
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Strengths: Dashboard, signal strength, configurability, autochannel selection, Wireless QOS, Built in Help (support). Niccccccce!
Weaknesses: Only because I feel bad about not saying anything: Tiny LED labels, Price.
Summary: 2006-11-21 16:20:49 I had recently been assigned the task of searching for a potentially scalable (upgradable to full N) small business router for my companies satellite offices. Having already purchased the Belkin N1, NETGEAR WNR854T, and the Linksys WRT350N I recently stumbled upon DLink's announcement of the DIR-655. Before I get to the qualities of the DLink I will share my findings of its predecessors. The Belkin N1 still amazes me with its range despite only having mixed mode. The dashboard is nice and simple and presents you with a rudimentary breakdown of your LAN without having to log in. It's LED display is the Bee's knees - way to go! This is a nice choice for your fundamental home user. The Linksys WRT350N looks cool but once you get into it everything seems to be the same ol, same ol. The neat-o USB feature is slow and unstable at best - perhaps a future firmware update will resolve this but I pretty much gave up on that the first night. As the following is just a rant I will (attempt) to keep it brief. When we were looking at G routers we reviewed and selected the WRT54G, however, our satisfaction was short-lived. After having tested the WRT54G we purchased literally MULTIPLE HUNDREDS of them - ours came with fancy Cisco labels to boot. One thing we failed to do was determine the difference between the v4(s) we tested and the v5(s) we purchased and deployed - oops. The NETGEAR WNR854T is as well equipped with 10/100/1000 which is great, however seems to be focused strictly on the home user - so what I said about the Belkin being great for the home user should be repeated here with the exception of price - this is a bit more cheese for the gigabit feature - so if you're looking at strictly wireless then buy the Belkin. Finally on to the DLink DIR-655!! So it's not as pretty as the rest, nor is it equipped with the large print Reader's Digest LED(s), BUT, it is by far the most comprehensive home/small business router (b, g, or n) that I have had the privilege of testing. The dashboard can be logged onto as an Admin OR as a User (read-only) - nice. It will email you your log files based on a schedule or when the log is full. Hell, it will email you to let you know a newer firmware version is available - nicce! One can actively monitor http sessions, delegate wireless bandwidth, assign IP Addresses based on MAC, and then some. My environment is dominantly 54G so I would not anticipate much / any of a performance increase with the exception of range.... but I got it. With 6 concurrent wireless connections and 2 wired (each having a VPN established to an external server) each PC was able to zip, copy, and verify 60+ MB of data simultaneously over the LAN/WLAN without dropping even one VPN connection - nicccce. This process took 3.4 minutes (average) whereas with the WRT54G it averaged 9.2 minutes and dropped all but the 2 wired VPN sessions. I only pray this performance remains consistant and DLink doesn't make a major OS (or otherwise) change without first notifying the consumer.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/12/06 |
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Strengths: Increadible speed and reach, fast fast fast, easy to set up, great interface
Weaknesses: none that I can think of
Summary: This is an amazing wireless router, I just replaced my aging Dlink wired router (worked great for 4 years) and my Linksys 54g access point ( what a nightmare!!!) with this unit. I have a desktop, a network printer, Dlink - Vonage adapter with 2 phonelines, Dlink HD media Center and 3 laptops connected to my network at all times and this router handles them like a dream. My VOIP is clear and fast, my Media streams at lighning speed to my home theater, my laptops VPN to work without a hickup and my dowloads continue to be as fast as always. amazing!
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| Date Reviewed: 19/06/07 |
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Strengths: Has just about everything you would need for a SOHO or personal router
Weaknesses: Not to be too picky but the LED's are annoying. Also, there is a button on the side which is not documented, but seemed to 'clear' my initial problems.
Summary: 2007-06-20 17:06:11 I have 3 PC's on the Ports and 2 portable wireless connected. Bought for $118(total cost) on Amazon. Replaced my previous DI624 which I had for 3 years and was flawless. I just went VoIP so I was looking for a router that allowed QOS setup. I have SunRocket and two phone lines and therefore two gizmos. I stumbled in the beginning setting up the wireless and the QOS. It kept resetting the connection every 2-3 min. It appeared to go away when I 'properly' setup the QOS (I should read directions first)
Only grip (Minor) is there is an undocumented button on the side. Had a label over it called "Reserved" There is no mention in the manual nor the DLink web site. I googled and cannot find information on what it does. When I first played with it, It appeard to be very slow when I used UltraVNC for remote access... Not sure, but when I pushed that button, is seemed to fix the problem. Since then, I am very happy with the product. - Lights are very (too) bright in my bedroom, and the Icons are too small, I would prefer large text instead of the tiny Icon but hey, it does look cool... All in all you will be satisfied. Oh Yeah, cannot tell if the QOS helped my VoIP connection because I only setup QOS to add insurance to my VoIP because I have a small business, but it does appear to work properly.
UPDATE
I contacted Dlink support on the "RESERVED" button
Here is their response....
"The button is reserved for use in later firmware than the shipping firmware (1.00). In firmware 1.03 the WiFi Protected Setup was added that uses that button. The button is used to automatically configure your network for
wireless access and security"
... this makes sense because I was using 1.03 when I saw the improvements... so all is well... I suggest DLink make notes in the 1.03 download about this button and save everyone allot of time....
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| Date Reviewed: 17/01/07 |
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Strengths: D-link name, wireless N, Excellent range
Weaknesses: pricey
Summary: I bought this router to replace a Belkin wireless "pre N" router that was dropping IP addresses. I had purchased an updated Belkin router and returned it when the signal strength at my downstairs system was lower than with the old router. The D-Link router was easily installed with the set up software and easily configurable using the manual interface as well. I was pleased to find the range was so good that I no longer needed my d link range extender which I had used with the older Belkin router. Hopefully it will serve my needs for the foreseeable future. The cost has come down somewhat to around $130, and it seems better than the competition at present.
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| Date Reviewed: 20/03/07 |
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Strengths: Latest SOHO wireless router technology
Weaknesses: None Found
Summary: 2007-04-05 19:24:31 This device uses the latest DraftN and Intelligent QoS technology. It is competitively priced and so far has proved to be absolutely stable. It is easy to configure and the web user interface is very similar to other earlier generation Ubicom based products such as the DLink DGL-4300, Zyxell X-550 and Trendnet TEW611BRP. I am using it to route a Verizon 3m/768k dry loop DSL circuit to a 3 PC, 1 VOIP wired network and 2 802.11g wireless devices. If you are considering a DGL-4300, this device is priced similarly and is next generation.
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| Date Reviewed: 14/07/07 |
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DIR-655 HW v. A1/A2, Firmware v. 1.04. DWA-652, DWA-130 adaptors.
Strengths: Many features, High Speed wired/wireless connections work well. Cost is low. Firmware updates are frequent. Maintains Draft N compatibility.
Weaknesses: D-Link Documentation, support poor. No D-Link knowledgebase entry. Firmware updates not documented.
Summary: 2007-07-22 06:21:01 I am a computer desktop support professional. I planned upgrade from ancient 801.11B Linksys router because I wanted Gb wired, fastest wireless standard, and latest encryption (WPA2). I read many posts before deciding on D-Link DIR-655. Reviewers were complimentary, so I made the plunge.
Firstly, Draft N wireless is cutting edge: heed all the warnings before you upgrade. WPA2 encryption is relatively new , too, and if the intent is to use it with Windows XP, go to Microsoft and get the latest upgrade for wireless config for WPA2 -- not well published. Ensure you are using Draft N adaptors with the latest drivers.
I had problems getting the router to work draft N with its published compatible DWA-652 adaptor, and with older DWA-130 -- would never authenticate faster than G. D-Link doesn't document this, but you must use WPA encryption to get draft N speeds. I found this in posts after struggling with it. At the time, no documentation existed. That may be part of Draft N standards which I didn't read.
At the time of the upgrade, I could not find Draft N wireless print servers, so I settled on Netgear WGPS606 which is not compatible with WPA2. It does work with WPA encryption, so the router is set in dual WPA/WPA2 encryption mode. Works well. Forced WPA2 encrypted connections work fine.
Problems exist through upgrade to 1.03 firmware and 1.04 firmware with intermittent resetting of the router. Posts for 1.04 upgrade notes bugs that it has with resetting, saved config settings from older versions incompatible with 1.04, and SPI firewall disablement. Expectation is 1.05 upgrade will solve this, as DLink frequent firmware upgrades are intended to maintain Draft N status, I suppose. The problem is, they don't publish any details. The best/only help available for this router’s settings are the Help link within the interface, and other users' posts. DLink is apparently silent.
As for the 24/7 helpdesk. In a word: Fageddaboudit! Asian helpdesk hosed me in 15 minutes when I called them, and I had to tell him what to do to fix it. He referred me to 2nd level support with an incident number for Day hours M-F ONLY. The return call was helpful, but I solved my own problem (WPA2 encryption to get Draft N speed) before the guy called me a few days later. I was given his direct 2nd level support phone number, but he didn't return my calls after his initial call to me. Bottom line: YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN with support. If you don't like doing these upgrades get a subscription rate from GeekSquad or build a good relationship with that geek brother-in-law.
I'll probably try another company's hardware when I do another upgrade (3 years or so from now). I like having some documentation to go with equipment.
Satisfactory rating is due to fact that Draft N is just that: Draft. I'm on the edge of rating this lower, but I'll give DLink the benefit of that doubt.
Most thorough review to date is at XBIT LABS: www.xbitlabs.com/artic...
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| Date Reviewed: 01/07/08 |
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Strengths: LOVE the awesome blue LED's!!! Finally--LED's that are bright enough. I am ashamed to say I bought it partially for those... When it works, it works awesome.
Weaknesses: If you have Vista computers and an XP computer hooked into the wired plugs get ready for HEADACHES!!
Summary: 2008-07-01 18:04:32 I have 3 desktops and 2 laptops hooked into the router. 2 of the desktops have Vista and work fine. The 3rd desktop and the 2 laptops (wireless on laptops) have XP. The XP desktop does NOT WORK. The wireless laptops both work. VPN tunneling to work at home works fine. The one XP desktop has been offline for 2 months and I still cannot get it to connect to the internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm giving it 5 stars for the blue LED's and the fast wireless anyway.
ATTENTION!!!
Update!!! I got it to work!!! The XP computer had been hardware upgraded and old driver remnants kept it from working. I uninstalled the Ethernet card in hardware manager and then re-started the computer. Problem solved. I LOVE THIS ROUTER!!!!
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| Date Reviewed: 09/03/07 |
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Thumbs up and thumbs down
Strengths: Good looking design. Appears to have good signal strength. Good build quality.
Weaknesses: Setup disk did not work in my system. Is not compatible with b devices in mixed n, b, g mode. Customer support has very limited knowledge and goes through a typical script for resolution.
Summary: Bought this router for a great price and installed it with a little bit of difficulty. The setup disk did not recognize the router as a D-Link router so had to call customer support to get going. Router was installed upstairs and a desktop with a g card is downstairs. Signal strength was good and but was only getting 1 Mbps until I installed an updated driver for the g card. Was then able to operate at speeds ranging from 48-54 Mbps (previous Netgear router that had failed maxed at 36 Mbps). Noticed that my Palm Tx (with b capability) had intermittent connection and sometimes did not even see the router. After spending over an hour with customer support, they told me that there is a known issue with this router's compatibility with b devices in mixed n, b, g mode. Works fine in mixed b, g mode though. They are working on a solution but have no timetable for a resolution and do not know if the solution will be a hardware or firmware fix or even if one will be found. I am not even sure if this is a generic problem with all n routers. Had bought an n adapter to test out capability but need the router to work with my Palm as well so I returned both the router and adapter (unopened). This router may work very well for those who do not need b compatibility. I liked it enough that I would consider buying it in the future if the issue is resolved.
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