Review on 📶 TRENDnet TEW-692GR Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Wireless N900 Mbps: Improve Your Internet Connection by Victor Rodriguez

I have been building wireless networks for over 10 years. I've used all the usual suspects (Belkin, Linksys, Netgear, etc.). I used to use TRENDnet routers for friends and family and for myself I was using the TEW-651BR (for $12) for over 3 years (permanently connected) when I decided I needed an upgrade. BENEFITS - Easy to set up. This may not be fair as I'm familiar with setting up TRENDnet, but I don't think anyone would have any trouble setting it up. Modem to router, router to PC. Open browser, enter IP, log in (default password), click on wizard, follow the instructions, restart (more on that later), done. - Low price. TRENDnet's prices are usually lower than the competition, but they always fluctuate. From ordering to writing this review, the price went up $22. I have no idea why. - It works out. It does what I expect. Range has never been an issue in my two story home. In fact, the router is in the opposite corner on the first floor and I can still easily stream movies to all of the upstairs bedrooms. No need for a "central" location. It even works in the front and back yard. minuses. It seems that TRENDnet products ship with outdated firmware. Every problem I've had with TRENDnet (so far. More on that later) has been fixed with a firmware update. This is very easy and will probably solve most of the issues other reviewers had. IPv6 support was added to the current firmware but was not included in the shipped firmware. The router restart time is too long. I can restart my computer in almost less time than restarting my router. (Others have long mentioned). However, if all settings are made at the same time and all changes are made at the same time, a reboot is only possible ONCE, as opposed to a reboot after each change. You can change your login password, SSID and password, and other settings, and restart your computer when you're done, even if you're prompted to restart after almost every change - there's no reset/power button. This can be useful if you reboot the router when the connection drops. I didn't lose the connection so it wasn't necessary, but there is no "real" reset or power button on the router (unlike the TEW-651BR which had a restart button). There is only one "hole" button on the side. There may be quality problems. I had to return the first 692GR I received because it gave off a faint but all too familiar smell of burnt electronics a few seconds after I plugged it in. This is not TREND. It's cheap for a reason. It looks light and was probably assembled in a sweatshop. I had no problems with the exchange (thanks AMAZON). GENERAL - No issues (except the one that almost caught fire lol). I have purchased TRENDnet before and will purchase again. I have no idea what's on the disc that came with it as I never use it. I have no idea what their customer service is like as I never call them. They're cheap, but they work. Just be prepared if you get a lemon and need to exchange it.