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TRENDnet TEW-633GR Wireless N Gigabit Router (802.11b/g, draft 802.11n, 300 Mbps, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2)

84

Very Good
  • Pros
  • Very good short-range throughput
  • Comprehensive features and Web utility
  • Cons
  • Below-par long-range performance
  • No USB port for drive or printer sharing
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TRENDnet TEW-633GR Wireless N Gigabit Router (802.11b/g, draft 802.11n, 300 Mbps, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2) Review

by Becky Waring, PC World

This router has very good overall performance and simple setup, but it lacks extra features (such as USB drive sharing or printer sharing) that we expect in this price class.

This TrendNet router closely resembles the SMC Barricade N ProMax Draft 11n Gigabit Broadband Router SMCWGBR14-N, right down to their user manuals and Web configuration interfaces. Both of these Wi-Fi routers are based on the same U-Media reference design; they're just clothed in different paint colors.

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Despite their similarities, the TEW-633GR was a far better performer than the SMC Barricade, and it also has a far lower list price ($100 versus $120; both prices as of April 20, 2009). Even though it lacks the USB printer port found in the SMC model, it's a much better choice.

The TrendNet router's performance was similar to that of the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router, whose chipset it shares, with very good throughput overall, especially at short range.

Like the SMC's chassis, the TrendNet's case can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or on a wall, so you have flexibility in positioning it for best reception.

Though the TrendNet is certainly a capable router, it lacks some useful extra features (such as a USB port and a guest access mode) that we looked for, and because of that it doesn't seem as good a value as some competing $100 models, such as the Belkin N+ Wireless Router F5D8235-4 and the D-Link DIR-655.

User Reviews for TRENDnet TEW-633GR Wireless N Gigabit Router (802.11b/g, draft 802.11n, 300 Mbps, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2)

  • Reviewed by: tc17

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Ubicom Firmware for great QOS, with a ton of firmware options. Nice looking, and VERY stable.

    Weaknesses: NONE

    Overall Evaluation: This is easily the best router I have ever owned. Previous routers I have owned were the Linksys WRT-54G, Dlink DGL-4500, Zyxel X-550.This router is FAR more stable than any of the other routers I have owned. For example, in both the Dlink and Zyxel routers, the "User access control" would always eventually lock up the router if I turned on logging. This router never locks up when I do that.The firmware is actually written by Ubicom. I knew that before I purchased it, otherwise I would not have purchased a router from Trendnet. Its very similar to the very popular Dlink DIR-655 router. Only this router has larger antennas, more memory (according to an xblitlabs review).The lights on this router are also just the right brightness. One thing I always hated about the Dink routers was the super blinding blue lights... which were cool at first, but quickly you wanted to cover them up because they become annoying. The lights on this router are just the right brightness... orange and green. Also if the light is orange, it means its a gigabyte connection... green means its not a gigabyte connection.The wireless signal is even a little strong than my previous Zyxel router. Although I'm only using it in 54g mode (no mixed mode).If you do buy this router, make sure to update the firmware before you do anything. Mine shipped with firmware dated last year... and its the reason the router gets some negative posts. I didn't install any of the software, I just type the router address of 192.168.10.1 into my browser address bar and accessed the config from there. I have my router sitting in its included stand, sideways so that the heat escapes easier.This is easily the best router I have owned, and I honestly mean that. I am not a Trendnet fanboy either.

  • Reviewed by: bennychan49

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Cool appearance and easy to install. Compact and does not take up too much space. The Gigabit Ethernet works great.

    Weaknesses: Wireless signal strength is not consistent.

    Overall Evaluation: The installation process is painless, very straight forward. However, if you are a beginner to install a wireless network at home, I strongly suggest you go thru all the material that comes with the package. I have a MacBook Pro which has the draft 802.11n mode. However, after a few attempts, I could not get it going and needed to go back to 802.11g mode. I had a Netgear WGR614 router which had been giving a very good and consistent performance. However, to my disappointment this TrendNet TEw-633GR drops signal periodically on 802.11g mode. Even though I am only 10 feet away, the signal strength could drop from 54 to 36 Mbps once every 10-15 min. When I am in my other room which is 25 feet away, the signal easily drops down to 24 Mbps. I tried different encryption mode: WEP-128 bit and WPA Personal; the result is the same. However, the Gigabit Ethernet works great.

See all user reviews

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