INTRODUCTION

   When the Wireless N (802.11n) compatible routers first came out in the market slightly over 5 years ago things were quite simple since the majority of manufacturers didn't focus in the development of many such models (with a maximum speed of 600Mbps that didn't come as a surprise really). Some models using two Wireless-N concurrent signals that topped up to 750Mbps did make their appearance but their number weren't enough to draw much attention. Well all that changed with the appearance of the much faster Wireless AC (802.11ac) standard just over a year ago simply because since then we've witnessed the appearance of not one but several different models with support for different total speeds. So although the very first models supported up to 750Mbps (433+300Mbps) the ones that followed supported (and still do) up to a total of 1200/1300/1600/1750/1900/AC2350/2400/AC3200Mbps via two concurrent signals (chances are we will see even more). Today’s review is about one such product so with us today we have one of the latest AC1900 compatible router models to hit the market, the TEW-818DRU by TRENDnet.

   Founded in Torrance, California, TRENDnet has grown to become a leading global networking hardware brand. From the network core to the periphery, TRENDnet's expansive product portfolio includes Wireless, Wired, Surveillance, Connectivity, and Peripheral device categories. An emphasis on continual improvement and our ISO 9001:2008 quality management certification (click here to view certificate) is an essential component of TRENDnet’s success. The TRENDnet brand is consistently recognized for exceptional quality, superior performance, and responsive support. TRENDnet's vision is to build innovative, easy to use, and reliable Networks People Trust™. TRENDnet solutions network the countless devices which enable your connected lifestyle and workplace. Building award winning networking solutions since 1990, TRENDnet connects you with what you value most.

   The TEW-818DRU is not much different compared to the TEW-812DRU which we reviewed slightly over a year ago but TRENDnet did upgrade it quite a bit so this time over under the hood we find the Broadcom BCM4708A (1 GHz dual-core ARM® Cortex™-A9 CPU) and the BCM4706 communication processors along with 128MB RAM, 16MB of onboard flash memory and three internal dual-band antennas (numbers which i have to admit are not as high as some other routers and thus may affect performance). The TEW-818DRU also supports TurboQAM to boost Wireless-N speeds (only compatible with Broadcom BCM4335 based receivers however), is compatible with DD-WRT (some custom firmware’s are already available) and features a total of 2 USB ports (USB 2.0 & USB 3.0). The how well it performs and what functions it offers well those are things we're about to find out.