Networking Gear by stefan @ 2011-05-25
The new Wireless N USB Adapter from TRENDnet (TEW-684UB) is Dual Band and supports the latest 450Mbps technology. Its shape is very similar to the 450Mbps Gaming Adapter, also from TRENDnet, but its much smaller and does not require extra power, coming with USB connectivity.
At first I would like to thank TRENDnet for offering me one of their latest product for review, the TEW-684UB 450Mbps Dual Band Wireless N USB Adapter.
"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™."
- 1 x USB 2.0 connector
- Wi-Fi compliant with IEEE 802.11n/g/b/a standards
- One-touch wireless connection with external Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button
- Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology
- Maximum reliability, throughput, and connectivity with automatic data rate switching
- Supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2-RADIUS, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Quality of Service (QoS) data prioritization
- Easy user setup and intuitive diagnostic utility
- Coverage of up to 100 meters indoor (330 feet) and 300 meters outdoor (980 feet) *
- 3-year limited warranty
The latest Dual Band Wireless N USB Adapter from TRENDnet features the newest 450Mbps technology and is packed inside a small cardboard box, with lots of information on the outside; on the frontal side, we can see a photo of the product, along with a chart which compares speeds between different WiFi technologies:
On one of the laterals, we can see the complete list of product features, along with the package contents:
Even if the box is very little, TRENDnet succeeded to include the full list of product specifications on it:
On the back, we can see some of the product components explained, along with a proposed Wireless Networking Solution, some of the related products with the same supported technology, and a product description, written in different languages:
Inside the box, we can find a cardboard frame, in which the adapter along with its bundle are held (in this case the USB cable):
The box also contains a CD with the Drivers and Utility, along with the User's Guide; the Quick Installation Guide is also offered in printed format:
Inside the Quick Installation Guide, we can find enough information for starting using the product right away:
The new TEW-684UB is much, much smaller compared to the TEW-687GA model, which also needs to be powered by an external power adapter (but has other advantages, like the ability to connect any other device with a spare RJ45 port, not only PC, to the Wireless network):
The TEW-684UB has a very similar shape compared to the previously reviewed 450Mbps Gaming Adapter from TRENDnet; on both sides we can find a Dualband N 450Mbps technology logo, along with the TRENDnet logo debossed and the product code name:
On the bottom, we can find a rubber ring, to keep the product steady on the surface we sit it on, some ventilation holes and a sticker with the product MAC and serial number:
On the frontal side, we can find some activity LEDs, one of them representing Power, the second one WiFi signal (which lights up white while detecting networks and then green after the connection has been established), but also one for WPS technology, if detected:
On the top we can locate other ventilation holes, along with a small WPS button:
In the back, we can find only the Micro USB port:
Here is how the frontal side of the product looks when connected to a WiFi network. The central Wireless button will also blink depending on the activity:
The test setup was composed from the following hardware:
CPU: Intel I7 Retail @ stock
Motherboard: Foxconn BloodRage with G42 BIOS
RAM: 3x2GB Patriot PVT36G1600LLK 1600MHz
Video: Sparkle GTX 470 with stock and OMNI A.L.C.
Power Supply: Nexus RX-8500 850W modular
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200.11
Case: Thermaltake Armor+ LCS, stock cooling
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Wireless Router: TRENDnet TEW-691GR 450Mbps
For the client wireless tests I used an Asus X55SV Laptop. For testing the USB Wireless LAN adapter throughput, I have connected the server ( I7 PC ) to the router with a UTP wire and the client ( ASUS X55SV ) had installed the Wireless LAN adapter.
The application I have used to test the speeds was Performance Test 7.0, fully compatible with Windows 7.
Before performing the tests, we have picked up the latest drivers from the TRENDnet website:
When the setup is started, we will be greeted with a menu, which prompts us to choose between installing the Driver/Utility, reading the User's Guide or registering the product:
This USB Wireless adapter comes with a completely redesigned software application; we have a main interface which opens when clicking the icon in the tray; this one shows information regarding the current connection, but we also have some clickable buttons for accessing rest of the configuration options:
In the Site Survey window, we can see information regarding the detected WiFi networks:
In the Profile List window, we can define different connection profiles, with their respective authentication, encryption types and keys:
When defining a Profile, we can select the type of authentication and encryption type of the network we are connecting to:
The next step is to enter the required key:
After the connection has been fully established, we will get the info in the main interface:
We can also get some extra information regarding the established connection in the Link Information window:
In the Advanced menu window, we can select the Wireless operating mode (2.4GHz + 5GHz, 2.4GHz only or 5GHz only):
Finally, in the About window, we can find information about the versions and build dates of the utility, driver or SDK; here we can also find listed the MAC address of the device:
The new 450Mbps Dual Band Wireless N adapter from TRENDnet does not disappoint and has offered good transfer speeds in the performed tests; on Wireless N, it even succeeded to surpass the performance of the previously tested 450Mbps Gaming Adapter.
Compared to the Gaming Adapter, this device does not need extra power from an external power adapter, so we have less cables and similar performances; however, if we need to connect the adapter to other devices except PCs and laptops, the Gaming Adapter could be a better choice.
The software application has been completely redesigned and it is very easy to use; after doing the initial configuration, when switching between b/g/n, b/g and n, no extra configuration in the application was needed and the connection was done instantaneous as soon as the router finished switching between the wireless modes.
Testing on the 5GHz band was not possible because TRENDnet haven't released their 450Mbps Dual Band router to the public, but we will take a look again on this adapter when it will happen.
The TEW-684UB 450Mbps Wireless USB Adapter can be found in shops for about 38.5 Euros.
I would like to thank again to TRENDnet for making this review possible!