Trendnet TEW 655BR3G priced just below $100 is cheaper than the routers that are been offered by Verizon and Sprint. Above all, the router has some interesting features like offering you to choose the carrier and data plan, able to work as a regular router apart from supporting devices at the same time. Its size is not encouraging as it is not that compact as the MiFi2200. However the router is small enough to be carried in your pockets despite excellent performance and range.
Design & Interface:
The router as said is small enough to be carried easily, measuring just 4.2 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches. The router gives a feel that its design is much concentrated on using it rather than look. However it doesn’t mean that it has the worst design. The USB port can be found on the right side of the router and supports variety of wireless carriers in U.S. including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint. Once the dongles are plugged to the USB port it is possible to share the internet connection with up to 255 clients which is 5 in the case of MiFi2200. The Trendnet can also work as a normal router providing faster connections.
On the back side are the on/off switch and an Ethernet port. The Ethernet port can be used as either a LAN port or a WAN port. When connecting a 3G dongle, the Ethernet port will act as a LAN port and hence you can connect a computer through a network cable and thus access the internet. The router automatically changes the Ethernet port to be used as WAN or LAN port. A power indicator at the top and three LEDs up front indicate the status of the network, network port and USB dongle.
Like any other Trendnet router, setup process is very simple. As the device is already configured for open wireless network, it requires you to only turn on and connect to the internet source. This is would be enough to have a basic set up. If you wish to customize the setting like altering the network name and protect it with encryption, it is possible through the router interface.
The router includes a well organized interface through which you can get access to all the features. There won’t be any problem in using the 3G dongle but if it happens by chance, there are detailed instruction regarding it in the CD that comes along with the router.
Features:
Trendnet TEW 655BR3G is a Wireless N router and it can connect up to 150 Mbps which is plenty fast when compared with Wireless G routers. The router despite very small in size has a Li-ion battery placed at the bottom which can run the router for a few hours on one full charge. It supports Wi-Fi Protection with the help of button at the side. It gives a two minute gap so that other WPS enabled devices can enter into the network without requiring any password.
Performance:
The router is sure to satisfy your expectations in its performance. The router connects at a speed of 44 Mbps which is faster than Linksys E3000 and slightly slower than the Cisco Valet Plus. At this speed it can transfer 500 MB in matter of a minute. One impressive feature about the router is its range. There will not be any disruption in its connection even when taken 180 feet away. MiFi2200 could cover only a distance of 30 feet.
Using the router with AT&T carrier might result with disappointment. This has nothing to do with the router but the 3G signal that is been offered by AT&T. It will depend upon the location of use. The router doesn’t seem to be a good option for long time use.
Trendnet TEW 655BR3G is backed up with a 3 year warranty, which looks to be generous when comparing with other routers. Technical support over phone is available all day and you can also get access to manual and firmware updates from the official website.
