TRENDnet TEW-687GA 450Mbps Wireless N Gaming Adapter Review

Others/Networking Gear by stefan @ 2011-02-27

The new Wireless 450Mbps TEW-687GA from TRENDnet is not USB anymore like the previously released products, but offers a Gigabit network interface between itself and the computer we are connecting the adapter to; this way, we don't have to install drivers anymore and is compatible with any platform (we can even configure it through the Playstation3 Internet Browser). We will perform some data transfer speeds to see if it is really better in terms of performance.

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Introduction

 

At first I would like to thank TRENDnet for offering me one of their latest product for review, the TEW-687GA 450Mbps Wireless N Gaming Adapter.

 

About TRENDnet:

"TRENDnet is a global provider of award winning networking solutions to small and medium size business and home users. Building networking solutions since 1990, TRENDnet enables users to share broadband access, multimedia content and networked peripherals for true anywhere connectivity. TRENDnet's diverse product line includes Wireless, Fiber, Switch, Gigabit, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM), Internet Camera, Print Server, Powerline, Bluetooth, Storage Server, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and Multimedia Accessories.

Based in Torrance, California, TRENDnet maintains branch offices in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia. TRENDnet’s management system is ISO 9001:2008 certified (click here to view certificate). TRENDnet emphasizes continual improvement as an essential component of its quality management system. This ensures rigorous process standards across the entire organization with respect product development, product quality and all other pertinent enterprise functions. TRENDnet's 250-plus product portfolio is distributed in over 125 countries. The TRENDnet brand is consistently recognized for high quality, exceptional performance and professional support.

At Home with TRENDnet

TRENDnet‘s award winning products bringing your digital home or small office to life. The broadband Internet is becoming the primary conduit for people to communicate and be entertained. With billions of devices to connect worldwide, everything from computers to phones to Internet cameras are becoming part of the network. Whether stored locally or streamed from the Internet, digital content now needs to be available anywhere in the home on any device at any time. TRENDnet networks allow you to seamlessly talk Online, share files, exchange photos, play games and communicate with other networked devices, all at the same time. Easy to use and reliable, TRENDnet allows you to stay connected and share what you value most.

Business with TRENDnet

TRENDnet offers a complete line of reliable award winning end-to-end networking solutions for the most demanding business and mobile environments. Businesses of all sizes are leveraging the power of TRENDnet networks to increase productivity, reach new customers and lower costs. From fiber at the core of the network to Internet cameras at the edge, TRENDnet offers scalable and secure enterprise class solutions.

With the introduction of networking innovations like seamless wireless connectivity, smart switching and Internet based management controls, small to medium business are building better ways to work. TRENDnet’s robust enterprise class portfolio allows small to medium business create a secure networked environment that can grow with their needs. Dedicated 24/7 technical support, low RMA and over 20 years experience collaborating with networking peers result in TRENDnet’s price-to-performance leadership for Networks People Trust™."

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Comment from jmke @ 2011/02/27
What use exactly would you give this product? Add highspeed wireless to a system at $100 ( http://www.google.com/search?q=TEW-6...874725 dc45b7 ) which doesn't have wireless network card? A PCI wireless network card is about $50 for high end one, how does this stack up? How many times do you switch around network between devices?

PS3 and XBOX 360 have wireless network integrated, so maybe for other devices like Popcorn Hour? That one only has LAN, with this you can give it a fast wireless access? It does come at a premium price though, to be honest
Comment from Stefan Mileschin @ 2011/02/27
These devices with the new speed are still at the beginning and I am sure that a lot of speed improvements will be made with firmware upgrades to both router and adapter.

I see this product as a great device to add Wireless LAN and Internet access to any device in our homes with a RJ45 connector, without the need to configure anything else after the main setup wizard has been completed.

The PS3 comes with Wireless B/G so this adapter is a great upgrade to the internal wireless solution.
Comment from jmke @ 2011/02/27
Would this setup be possible?

In a room where you don't have wired connection to your network
- PC1
- PC2
connected with RJ45 to a switch in that room
switch connected to TEW-687GA.
Does the 687GA provide DHCP to more than one client?
Comment from Stefan Mileschin @ 2011/02/27
That would be an interesting test to perform, but I do not have currently a switch handy.
Comment from jmke @ 2011/02/27
a router with 4 UTP ports and its internal DHCP disabled should work too
Comment from Stefan Mileschin @ 2011/02/27
Yes, that is a solution too, but with a regular switch it would have been much more simpler

 

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