| D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Wireless Router |
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Model: DIR-655
Brand: D-Link
Manufacturer: D-Link
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 305
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft), IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Delivers up to 14x faster speeds* and 6x farther range* than 802.11g means Greater Coverage for Your Entire Home or Office
Ideal for streaming HD video or streaming multiple applications simultaneously
Intelligent QoS technology prioritizes both wired and wireless Internet traffic to enable enhanced gaming and phone calling (VoIP) experience
Gigabit Ports for Incredible Wired Network Speeds
Dual active firewall protection (SPI & NAT) helps block malicious attacks on networks from the Internet. |
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| Description: |
Create a wireless network to share high-speed Internet access with computers, game consoles, or media players from greater distances in your home or office. Using D-Link Xteme-N wireless products makes it really easy!
The D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router is a draft 802.11n compliant device that delivers up to 14x faster speeds and 6x farther range than 802.11g while staying backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b devices. Connect the Xtreme N Gigabit Router to a cable or DSL modem and provide high-speed Internet access to multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. Create a secure wireless network to share photos, files, music, videos, printers, and network storage.
With some routers, all wired and wireless traffic, including VoIP, Video Streaming, Online Gaming, and Web browsing are mixed together into a single data stream. By handling data this way, applications like video streaming could pause or delay. With D-Link's Intelligent QoS Technology, wired and wireless traffic is analyzed and separated into multiple data streams. These streams are then categorized by sensitivity to delay, so applications like VoIP, Video Streaming, and Online Gaming are given priority over Web browsing. This enables multiple applications to stream smoothly to your TV or PC. Delivering best-in-class performance, network security, and coverage, this router is the ideal centerpiece for your wireless network in the home or office. Backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b devices including game consoles and digital media players |
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| User Reviews (305 total): |
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Fantastic Router!, April 27, 2008
By user
After a year with the Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster (that created an immense amount of frustration and anger due to constant disconnections to the internet), I went ahead and purchased this router after doing my research.
So far after a few months I have had a fantastic experience with this router. My PC constantly has a connection. I rarely lose my connection with my laptop. Most importantly, in my bedroom I always have a connection, whereas before with my Linksys router I was finding it less and less common to be connected there. Definitely make this purchase with confidence. Very easy to add security to your network, etc.
One last thing, I used the startup disk to connect my PC to the router, but did not use the disc for my laptop. Instead I just created my network first via my PC, then added my laptop to the network. I recommend you do the same.
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Deceptive, April 25, 2008
By user (Brooklyn, NY)
I bought this router so that I could give internet access to both my desktop PC and my new Macbook Pro laptop. After a few hours, and a call to my internet service provider, I accomplished this very basic task. (I use verizon DSL and discovered that I needed to go through some steps before the router would be recognized by my ISP.) Unfortunately, the installation software crashed several times and I had to reboot my Vista PC at least twice--not fun. Meanwhile, the instructions for Apple users indicated I should load the CD-ROM, but it turns out it only contained a PDF of instructions and offered nothing by way of explanation on installing for Apple computers. Why? It turns out my Apple laptop recognizes the wireless router right out of the box with no installation needed. I wish someone had told me that when I started this process! But getting the router up and running is just the first hassle - you also have to get your new network password protected, otherwise anyone can join it. Here I had major problems - no one should have to wade through complicated terminology like WEP and WAP and lord knows what else just to enable a simple password protection for a home network. It should just be a one-step automatic process, rather than requiring us to go boldly into advanced setup screens full of techno-gibberish. The final insult is that while this router comes with useful software to make sharing printers wirelessly a snap, it's only a trial version -- you have to download the trial software from the internet then pay an additional $40-60 to some unknown company to unlock all the features! Not only that, but you can't even use the trial demo on macs - in order make printer sharing work, you have to buy the full version for macs (but not for PCs). That is absurd and downright deceptive. Exasperated at 3 AM, I called it quits and will be sending this awful, deceptive product back. I only hope this review spares one person from a similar strife.
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Excellent... and here's why I think so.., April 25, 2008
By user (Atlanta, GA)
I've read lots of reviews for this and other 802.11n routers (which had a lot to do with my decision to buy the DIR-655). So, after using it for a bit... here are my $0.02:
Configuration: I found this as easy to configure as any I've ever dealt with (I've had several Linksys, Apple, Dell, and Netgear wireless routers in the past). The web UI is perhaps just slightly less intuitive than some I've seen, but is still clear and easy to work with. I have my router configured to do MAC filtering and, among other things, have my PS3, a desktop, several laptops, a PDA, and wireless print server all running on this router's wireless network. Everything worked exactly as expected... first time without issue.
Tech Support: They're all less than ideal... however, my one brief conversation with D-Link tech support (for my wireless print server) was actually better than any of my experiences with Linksys and far better than those with Dell (which has gone from once great tech support to among the worst out there).
Range: The range on this router is as good or better than the Linksys WRT54GX4 it replaced. I actually have 100% signal just about everywhere in my large 3 bedroom condo.
Speed: I routinely get AT LEAST 100Mbps with any of my 802.11n equiped devices. I've had no glitches.
Reliability: I've had this thing up and running now for about 3 months 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this time it has NOT needed to be rebooted, over-heated, or mis-behaved in ANY way. In this respect it has exceeded the performance of just about every router I've previously owned.
And honestly... for around $120, what more could you ask for in a router?
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Poor customer service, April 23, 2008
By user (Arlington, VA USA)
Very poor customer service, my correspondent was essentially impossible to understand. I wanted to configure this item as a wireless-n access point, but they were unable even to grasp my question. I eventually succeeded by myself: it worked fine with a 802.11g USB adapter but I couldn't get it to work reliably with D-Link's own 802.11n USB adapter so I'm returning everything. However, I sent them an email query and they answered within 24 hrs with the correct suggestions, after I had returned the stuff.
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Easy setup, great parental control features BUT ..., April 20, 2008
By user
I purchased this router because it was well rated by CNET and other review sites, but had to return it because it did not function well.
Plus: easy setup, great parental controls, fairly good wireless coverage
Minus: both the wired and wireless connections dropped intermittenly. D-Link technical support could not fix, either through firmware update, configuration changes or with a replacement router.
I truly wished it worked because I liked the features it presents, but I need a reliable router as I am a telecommuter.
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so far so good, April 18, 2008
By user
Just upgraded our old Linksys 802.11b router. I was wondering if I would have any issues with the installation, based on other reviews. Happily, installation was quick and painless. So far the performance is great. Web pages are loading significantly faster. For the wifi ubernerds, there are tons of settings which I will probably never touch, but that you can tweak to your hearts content.
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Easy to set up! Good performance., April 18, 2008
By user (Hidalgo, Tx)
I just have with this router like 3 months and since i setup it, it has been working well, with not losses and i don't even have to restart ir or something.
Has a good range, good performance and i recommend it.
Hope that this should help you to decide, good luck.
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Setup was ok, works great, April 16, 2008
By user (Washougal, WA)
My Netgear624 router, which had served me well for several years, finally decided it had handed out its last IP address. Since I had years of trouble-free service, I replaced it was a brand new Netgear624. This was a disaster. I finally put it out of its misery with a .357
I took a chance and bought the DLINK-655. I only use it for -g connectivity- none of my wireless nodes are -n, since I use wired connections for anything that I really need to be high speed.
The setup was a little hokey. Somehow or other DLINK managed to create an automatic router configurator which needs to be connected to the internet to work. I am sure it works great, but until my router is configured, I can't connect to the net...but at least it provided a good laugh.
My network is a little bit complicated. It has a 5 Windows XP compters, a Mac, a couple printers, a half-dozen NAS devices, a few SONOS boxes, network switches, subnets, a camera and an second wireless access point. It took only a few minutes to manually configure the router, and it seemed intuitive to work through the menus...although they are certainly organized differently than the Netgear interface I was used to. While I am an engineer by training, all of my network knowledge is self-taught, and I certainly don't consider myself an expert.
The router has been up about 12 weeks now, and has required exactly 1 reboot, and I think that was my ISP's fault. It has been rock solid, and I get good signal strength everywhere in my 2 story house, and about 100' out into the back yard.
The only flaws so far: The "list of attached devices" is really not a reliable source of info on what is connected, and the free Network Magic software that comes with the router seems pretty much useless, at least the free version. The manual also makes a big deal about adjusting the antennae, but it didn't seem to make much difference. It also seems to assign IP addresses "backwards", starting at .255 and going down. Not a problem, just one of those examples of creativity by some firmware designer that I could just as well do without.
Still, great product. Glad I bought it.
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5 Star Product - Worth Its Praises/Raves!!!, April 16, 2008
By user (Jacksonville, FL USA)
I was originally hesitant on purchasing such an expensive router for my multimedia needs around the house, but after setting this router up, I am glad I purchased this!!! I am still astounded by its reliability, range, speed, ease of installation, user interface, and configuration options!!!
I had originally purchased a Linksys WRT160N Router and I had to return it after two days primarily because it kept dropping the wireless signal around the house every 4-6 hours not to mention it screwed up my internet connections the first time I had set-up the router which prompted me to call Linksys Tech Support for "manual" installation!
Well, with this router, I have yet to encounter such problems!!! My laptop is a HP Pavilion dv6780se which comes with a a/b/g/n network card factory installed. When the Linksys WRT160N Router did work, my laptop had speeds around (70-120)Mbps at about 20 feet away from the router with usually around 4 to 3 bars or signal strength. Well, with this D-Link DIR-655, not only is my laptop being used at the same distance, but the speeds are now a CONSISTENT 130Mbps hovering at around 5 bars signal strength!!! In addition, I have another desktop PC in the master bedroom which is about 25 feet away using a Linksys Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter which got 54Mbps with the Linksys WRT160N at around 60-70% signal strength. Now with the D-LINK DIR-655, not only is it getting 54Mbps, but it has a consistent 90% signal strength!!!
Another thing I found great about this particular router is that its user interface (installation screen and self-configuration menu) is user friendly compared to those of my experiences with Linksys and Belkin.
Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this particular product/model due to its speed, range, ease of installation, reliability and a bevy of other features. The only drawback to this was the exuberant price. However, if you want something solid that should be future proof, THIS IS IT!!! I am definitely a D-Link customer now and do not even think of Linksys anymore!!!
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D-Link's DIR-655 - An Excellent Router!!!, April 14, 2008
By user (Fairfax, VA)
Replaced my WRT A+G wireless router after it died. Having read good reviews about the DIR-655, I decided to get it as my replacement wireless router over the weekend. Installation and set-up was a breeze - the router was working in less than 15mins. I immediately noticed increase B and G coverage and constant data rates of 48-54mbps almost all over my house (2-floors) and garage. I have 2 desktops (wired), a PS3, 360, Wii, PSP, Touch, and 5 notebooks connected to this router. I paired this to D-Link's wireless N card - the DWA652 and works even GREAT! I got constant 300mbps connection all over my house!
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Right on the money..., April 13, 2008
By user
Just a promised. Delivers a strong connection without any hassle. If you are looking for an N router for a great price, you need not look any further. Just buy it...
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Lots of features, stable, fast, easy to set up., April 10, 2008
By user (Red Bank)
Preface: I've been working in information technology business for 10 years. I've been a technology hobbyist for 16 or more years... I've always had a bit of a "bad taste" in my mouth for D-link after much of their equipment failed or had compatibility issues with other manufactures. This router changed all that.
Packaging: Excellent. Protected the equipment but wasn't wasteful.
Setup: I had a Linksys WRT54G and wanted to go to Wireless N for large file transfers and HD content streaming. I promptly ignored the "run CD before installing router" stickers and removed my old router. Plugged into one of the ports and went to 192.168.0.1 from my desktop's browser. The router displayed the log-in screen but I couldn't log in after repeated attempts (UN "Admin" and PW blank by default). Turns out it was something with Firefox (which has been admittedly buggy since I went to the newest beta release). It worked just fine in IE. Set up was a breeze with my cable modem. I used the manual process but you can choose to use setup wizards for internet settings, LAN and wireless LAN settings. The firmware seems solid and the interface is intuitive, even to a long time Cisco/Linksys guy.
Performance: Excellent. There are many detailed performance reviews online and I've been pleasantly surprised how well it performs in my mixed environment. I highly recommend it- even if you are a long time Linksys user. I love their B and G products, but the Linksys wireless-N routers I've used have been sub-par at best. This unit and the Apple AirPort Extreme are the only two N routers I've been impressed with. Either one is a solid buy. This one costs a little less and outperforms the Apple unit at close distances. The AirPort Extreme is more consistent and performs better/faster if you have any devices that are a good distance from the router. Read more online if this is a concern for you. My devices are all within 20 yards of my router so it was not a factor for me.
Suggestions: Use IE to interface with the router, Firefox (could just be a beta thing) didn't work with it (although it was listed as supported in the docs). Of course Firefox works just fine as a browser after the setup is complete, I just couldn't get it to actually log in to the router. I didn't test Opera. Download the latest firmware from D-link and install it before you bother configuring your new router, it will save you a few minutes. The firmware I updated to erased all my settings (which is not at all uncommon) and some of them transfer when you backup/restore, others don't.
Conclusion: For the money, it's by far the best cost/value in wireless-N routers at the moment. That can easily change before I can hit publish on this review, but at this time (April '08) only the AirPort Extreme rivals it. So check out both of them, even if you're not an Apple fan, the AirPort is a great unit as well. Also, FYI- I hear that D-link's support is horrible but I haven't needed to call so that's just hearsay.
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Good Router - But problems setting up, April 9, 2008
By user (Wisconsin USA)
Took me a while to get the router to work. There's a problem with Surfboard cable modems made by Motorola. It would not acquire the IP address. After googling I discovered that there is a problem with the firmware version 1.10. Needed to upgrade to 1.11. The cable modem also has to be turned off for a least 5 minutes before you connect and turn on the router. After I did this it worked fine. It seems that I've had a few wireless disconnects, but I haven't had to recycle the power like I had to do with my old Linksys.
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D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Wireless Router., April 9, 2008
By user (Orlando, FL)
Thus far, this router has been fantastic. Its small enough to hide out of the way, and has enough range to cover our 2000 square foot house. The set-up for the router was easy, actual settings are somewhat daunting but the directions and customer service made tweaking all the settings to my liking a breeze. If your looking for a router to replace your broken one, or simply to update with the times then look no further.
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Excellent Product!, April 7, 2008
By user (Jacksonville, FL)
This product was very easy to install. I pluged in, entered secuity info, user id, and pw and the solution was up and running within min. I had the gamerlounge and was having issues with VoIP and connectioin issues. This router is the bomb!! Great job and good product!
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D-Link Router, April 6, 2008
By user (Pittsburgh, PA)
Excellent router; much easier to set up than LinkSYS; good range -- greatly improved my WiFi access throughout the house and outside
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D-Link DIR 655 Extreme N Wireless Router, April 6, 2008
By user
Product was easy to install and worked great. I would highly recommend this product. Arrived in 2 days.
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Strong, dependable, gamer friendly, April 6, 2008
By user (Wisconsin, USA)
The DIR-655 worked as promised. I wanted it to be hidden, provide strong wireless connection for me and my wifes' laptops, and provide strong wired connection for Gaming for my kids. I placed it in the rafters in my basement and I'm happy with the wirelsss reception I get throughout the house (I have a ranch style - one floor). My kids were able to set up and host online gaming easily and I was able to configure it pretty good. Although I have not converted to Cat6 cabling, the wired computers reported they were connected at 1000Mb and it seems large files like movies and backups go quicker with the gigabit wired connection on my internal network - even with my old CAT5 cords. The only downside was that nobody could answer what the USB port was used for on the router. The best answer I got was from a tech support guy who said that USB support was "to be enabled with a future Firmware Uddate". Guess I still have to plug my USB mass storage into my box until then.
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Great Product, April 6, 2008
By user (Farmington, MN)
After careful review of all the major draft n wireless home networking routers I decided on the D-Link 655 as it seemed the best bang for the buck. The product had a great quick start guide and software that made the install very easy. The only hang-up I had was with the Network Magic software that is included. It is great software for a beginner but it does use quite a bit of memory and it had a small problem with sharing large folders (with lots of files) that I had to fix at the registry level (after reviewing the FAQ problems section). I have CA for a software firewall and the suggestions from Network Magic worked perfectly.
I have been using the DIR-655 for almost a month without problems or needing a reboot. It is very fast with my wired and wireless devices. I highly recommend it.
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Dlink DIR-655 Best Router I have found, April 5, 2008
By user
I purchyased the DIR-655 along with the various D-Link adapters (DWA-652 for notebooks and DGE-530T for desktops). Prior to that I had a Netegear 624 G running at 108 mps. Before that I ran a Netgear B router so I have run a number of routers. Plus I have set up other types of routers for other people. This Dlnk equipment is giving me great speeds. My 2 notebooks going through about 4 walls gives me 300 mps. The desktops are giving me 1 gbs. I did have to update the firmware when I got it because it was not displaying my wireless devices correctly. Very easy to do this upgrade with this router. Function is built in. Setting up wireles security, which you absolutely neeed was also a snap. It was very easy to install.
I would absolutely recommend it, but buy the entire package including the adapters. It did work fine with my G adapters, but you get so much more speed from the N adapters.
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