Upcoming Events

Cloud Connect
Santa Clara
Feb 13-16, 2012

Cloud Connect brings together the entire cloud eco-system to better understand the transformation we're experiencing and promises to be the defining event of the cloud computing industry. Learn about the latest cloud technologies and platforms from thought leaders in Cloud Connect’s comprehensive conference.

Register Now!

F E A T U R E

WaveBase: A Gateway to Wireless Heaven

October 29, 2001
By Dave Molta

D-Link Systems DI-713P Wireless Broadband Router with 3-port Switch and Print Server

The D-Link DI-713P is similar to the SMC Barricade. When we popped the covers off both units, the similarities of the board design and radio interface were notable, but the systems were not identical. For example, the D-Link includes a broader array of LED indicators, though we didn't find that they added to the product's appeal.

The software feature sets are also slightly different. The security logs on the DI-713P report port scans, while the SMC Barricade does not. On the other hand, the Barricade's support of MAC (Media Access Control)-based access restrictions is absent in the D-Link offering. As far as performance and range are concerned, the products were comparable. The DI-713P had the best range of any product we tested, but its performance trailed that of the SMC device, though the difference was less than 10 percent.

We had reliability problems with the DI-713P, as we did with the Barricade. The first two units we received from D-Link would not complete our performance tests. We had received earlier versions of this product from D-Link before starting our tests, and those units had reliability problems as well. We now have quite a collection of failed units in our lab, and though D-Link was generally responsive to our requests for support, we never got the sense that it had a firm understanding of what caused our problems. Persistence paid off, however, and the latest unit we received from D-Link worked well.

DI-713P Wireless Broadband Router with 3-Port Switch and Print Server, $279. Available: Now. D-Link Systems, (800) 326-1688, (949) 788-0805; fax (949) 753-7033. www.dlink.com