D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645
Manufacturer: D-Link Part number: DIR-645
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The unique-looking and compact D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) makes a very good investment for homes that need a fast wired network and good Wi-Fi signal coverage.
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CNET editors' review
D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645 price range: $89.00 - $119.99
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 12/02/2011
The good: The D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645 offers long range, built-in media streaming, and decent throughput performance. The router comes in a sleek, compact design and includes a nice set of features, such as Gigabit Ethernet, OpenDNS-based parental control, IPv6, guest networking, and USB SharePort Plus technology.
The bad: The DIR-645 doesn't support dual-band or the 450Mbps Wi-Fi standard. When set in N-only mode, the router's signal stabililty could use some improvement.
The bottom line: The unique-looking and compact D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) makes a very good investment for homes that need a fast wired network and good Wi-Fi signal coverage.
The D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000, model DIR-645 is quite a different beast compared with D-Link's previous router, the DIR-657, both in terms of design and performance. The new router comes in a completely different physical design and is also one of the routers that offers the longest range. Unfortunately, it supports only the 2.4Ghz band and the regular dual-stream Wi-Fi standard that caps at 300Mbps. More and more wireless routers now support true dual-band (both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) and the new 450Mbps wireless speed.
To make up for that, the DIR-645 offers Gigabit Ethernet, a SharePort Plus USB port that turns any USB device into one that works with all computers in the network, and other nifty features, such as OpenDNS-based parental control, guest networking, and support for IPv6.
At the street price of around $90, the DIR-645 will make an excellent router for homes that need a reliable and fast network that provides excellent Wi-Fi coverage. Those who want to stream high-def content from within the local network, however, might also want to check out dual-band routers that also support the 5Ghz band, such as the Linksys E3200 or the Asus RT-56u.
Setup and design
The DIR-645 has a completely new design with a sleek black housing and internal antennae. The router comes in a round, vertical shape, looking more like a computer speaker than a network device. Measuring 4.6 inches by 7.6 inches by 1.2 inches, it's actually not a small package but still manages to have very compact footprint, thanks to its cylindrical design. It's also very light at just 0.7 pound.
The router's front has two round, green LEDs that show the status of the connection the Internet and the Wi-Fi network and two buttons for the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPC) and the on/off button. These LEDs and buttons are stacked on top of one another in a vertical line to go with the router's design.
Also stacked in a vertical line are the router's five Gigabit network ports, including 4 LAN and one WAN, as well as one USB port on the back. The USB port supports D-Link's SharePort Plus technology. As with the DIR-657, this port, when coupled with D-Link's SharePort utility software, allows any USB device connected to the router to work with all computers in the local network, as if it were directly connected to them. Apart from hosting a USB device, the USB port can also be used with a USB thumb drive to create a Windows Connect Now (WCN) disk that allows you to transfer the router's encryption key from the router to a Windows computer, sparing you from having to remember it.
The DIR-645 comes with a CD that contains the aforementioned SharePort Utility and desktop setup software. Following the software's onscreen instructions, anybody who can use the mouse can get the router running in a matter of less than 10 minutes. Alternatively, advanced users can use the router's Web-based interface to further customize and take advantage of the router's features.
Features
Despite the different physical shape, the DIR-645 offers the same networking features as the DIR-657 that was released a few months ago. All of these features can be accessed via the router's Web interface. You can get there by pointing any connected computer's browser to the router's default IP, which is 192.168.0.1. The interface is similar to those of other D-Link routers made in the last few years. Nonetheless, it's well-organized, responsive, and self-explanatory.
Other than guest networking, which allows for creating separate wireless networks for guests, which has been available all of D-Link's wireless N routers, the DIR-645 now supports IPv6--the new Internet protocol that replaces the old IPv4 that's been running out of addresses, OpenDNS-based parental control, and an enhanced SharePort plus technology for its USB port.
The OpenDNS-based parental control feature allows users to manage Web filtering from anywhere over the Internet. It's very easy to set this up via the router's Web interface. Here you can choose among different levels of parental control and have the option to use OpenDNS to manage it. To use the router with OpenDNS, first you'll need to sign up for a free OpenDNS account. After that, from within the router's Web interface, pick to use OpenDNS as the method to manage the parental control feature; you will then be asked to associate the router with the OpenDNS account via a few mouse clicks and that's it; the cloud-based Web-filtering feature is ready. The router can now be managed from anywhere in the world when you log in to your OpenDNS account at OpenDNS.com.
If you don't want to opt for an OpenDNS account, you can also manage the router's access to the Internet within the router's Web interface by using its Web-filtering feature. This feature's tools include Network Filter, Access Control, Website Filter, and Inbound Control. These tools allow to you control the network and limit access to the Internet by specific criteria, such as preventing a particular computer from accessing an adult Web site or only allowing it to run instant messenger programs during a certain period of time. When hosting an external hard drive, the router can also work as a streaming server, making digital content, including music, photos, and videos, stored on the connected hard drive available to network DLNA-compliant media streamers and iTunes. You can also share documents with multiple computers the way you do with NAS servers. You can't restrict access the hard drive, however, meaning that everyone will have full read and write access to all data stored on the hard drive.
Similar to D-Link's USB-equipped routers, the DIR-645's USB port works with the included SharePort utility software to support any USB device. The software allows the computer to recognize a USB device plugged into the router as if it were plugged directly into the computer's USB port. This is a nifty feature that spares you from having to move the device around since most USB devices are generally designed to work with the only the computer it's plugged in. With certain USB devices, such as a printer or external hard drive, SharePort Plus even allows multiple computers to access the connected USB device at the same time.
The DIR-645 also has an easily customizable QoS feature that helps you prioritize your Internet and network traffic for different services. This is especially helpful for gamers or those who use VoIP services, such as Internet-based phone or video conferencing.
Generally, like with most D-Link routers, I love the way the DIR-645 Web interface is organized and functions. While it's not sleek, it's very clear and intuitive and helps savvy users to quickly set up and customize advanced networking features with ease.
Performance
The DIR-645 offered very good range in my testing, up to around 300 feet away at CNET's test facility, which is not exactly optimized for range. Needless to say, it's better to use the router within a shorter range if you want better throughput performance and minimized lag time. In my testing, the router offered its best at 150 feet or less. Further, it's only good for casual Internet surfing.
The reason is because it operates only in the 2.4Ghz band, which is very popular and tends to be interfered with by other networks and other devices, such as Bluetooth or even cordless phones. In my testing, the DIR-645 offered peak throughput speed of around 60Mbps at a close 15-foot range. When I increased the distance to 100 feet, this dropped to about 40Mbps. These numbers weren't the best but generally above average among single-band routers that I've reviewed.
While the router's throughput performance was within my expectations, its signal stability wasn't the best. When set in N-only mode, which means the router works at its top speed but allows only 802.11n wireless clients to connect to it, forgoing all other legacy clients, it would disconnect after 6 to 8 hours of heavy operation. In this case, sometimes I needed to restart the router to get connected again. However, when set to work in mixed mode, supporting all N and legacy clients, its stability was much better and it was able to pass the 24-hour stress test without any hiccups. Hopefully this will be fixed via new firmware. Note that by default the router is set to work in mixed mode, so most home users will be unlikely to run into the issue with the N-only mode that I experienced.
Since the router can work as a simple NAS server when coupled with an external hard drive, I tried this feature out and found the performance, via a Gigabit network connection, comparable to that of other routers with built-in network storage capability. It averaged about 6MBps for both writing and reading, fast enough for light document sharing and media streaming. If you want to stream high-def content, it's recommended that you get a dedicated NAS server.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
| Range | Throughput |
Service and support
Similar to the DIR-657 and DIR-655, D-Link backs the DIR-645 with a one-year warranty, which is short but standard for most home routers. At the company's Web site, you will find a wealth of support information including downloads, FAQs, and a searchable knowledge base. You can also seek help through the company's toll-free technical support phone line, which is available 24-7.
Conclusion
The D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645 could make an excellent router if its signal stability were better in N-only mode. At its current state, it's still a very good router for homes that need a fast wired network, good set of networking features, and excellent Wi-Fi coverage.
User reviews
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this router sucks. i kept loosing the connection.
by alisan31 on March 24, 2012
Pros: nananananana
Cons: nanananannan
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A great router for a large home
by cvanderlinden on February 2, 2012
Pros: - Range
- Speed
- Setup/configuration options
- Easy of useCons: - Setup may go well, or may go wrong
- Might need to update drivers for wireless cardsSummary: This is a great router, I gave it five stars based on a purchase of $89.99.
The setup process that DLink gives you can be tedious and annoying. It ...Summary: This is a great router, I gave it five stars based on a purchase of $89.99.
The setup process that DLink gives you can be tedious and annoying. It takes a while and if it doesn't work perfectly the first time through may require a little bit of trouble shooting. If you know your way around a home router, then I might suggest you just go into the router settings page from the beginning (192.168.0.1 in your browser) and configure it from there.
I set it up with WPA and WPA2 mode which allows for legacy connections to be made even though most devices can handle WPA2.
One problem I did run into was a friend's older laptop could connect to the router, but wasn't able to access the Internet, after some normal Windows troubleshooting I found an updated driver for his wireless card and that fixed the problem. Other than that, the router is working perfectly. The SmartBeam technology seemed like it could be some sort of marketing ploy but it actually works. A device of mine on a floor below started out with three bars of connection and within a few minutes made it's way to 5 bars, then using SpeedTest I was able to reach my maximum download speed.
The other thing that is great was the USB port. I hooked up an external hard drive and then download the DLink SharePoint Utility and there was my hard drive, I mapped it to a letter and now everyone connected can access the files. The speed of reading and writing wasn't too fast, but that has nothing to do with the router just the speed of the drive.
This router is giving me everything I need for a decent price. I definitely recommend this device and hope you have as great of a success as me. -
Give a second try on D-link's router after 4 years.
by bhaalhunter on January 16, 2012
Pros: Strange and cool rocket look design,not like other traditional flat router.
Pretty stable NG Mixed wireless connection so far, and the Signal Quality does increase as advertised.
User-friendly and self explained interface useful features, Qos, IPv6.Cons: Hard to do cable management as the LAN ports are vertical behind.
Easy to get finger print on the router.
The shine-less plastic and light weighted feels 'eco' and cheap.
Not 5Ghz support ( I don't care that, but someone may.)
Hope can flash DD-WRT.Summary: I brought after suffering Buffalo's WHR-HP-G300N wireless dropping issue on DD-WRT. I have to stay with DD-WRT for my VOIP, the router is pretty good with stock user friendly ...
Summary: I brought after suffering Buffalo's WHR-HP-G300N wireless dropping issue on DD-WRT. I have to stay with DD-WRT for my VOIP, the router is pretty good with stock user friendly firmware.
After comparing ASUS RT-56U; Netgear WDR3800 ( thanks for all reviews, Dong Ngo), decide to get the D-link DIR-645. I have a G wireless router by D-link 4 years ago, after falling flash DD-WRT, I put it in my "collections". Give D-link a second chance, so far so good, still in 30 days' returnable period from BEST BUY.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: D-Link
- Part number: DIR-645
- Description: D-Link's Wireless N Home Router with SmartBeam technology DIR-645 extends the coverage of your wireless network, giving you a strong and stable Internet connection in every corner of your house even where concrete walls, successive floors in multi-storied buildings, or other architectural impediments may weaken a wireless signal. With Wireless N technology, this router gives you the very best in speed and coverage around your home. Build a wireless home network capable of delivering the bandwidth to handle HD video streams, large media file downloads, and online gaming to multiple devices, simultaneously. SmartBeam uses 6 multi-directional antennas to find and track individual devices, then focus beams of bandwidth to those devices, ensuring a seamless connection anywhere in the home even in corners where wireless access was previously not able to reach. Eliminate wireless dead spots and unleash comprehensive whole-home coverage on all your devices, all at once, providing you with uninterrupted connectivity to any device, anywhere in your home. The DLNA-certified Media Server in the Wireless N Home Router with SmartBeam technology allows you to stream media content directly onto computers, game consoles and media players like the Boxee Box by D-Link. You can even share any USB device (like a Printer or Hard Drive), courtesy of D-Link's SharePort Plus technology across your network with friends and family. This router is ready for the future of the Internet with support for the upcoming move from IPv4 to IPv6. It carries the IPv6 Ready Gold Logo, meaning that it not only supports the IPv6 protocol, but is also compatible with IPv6 equipment from other manufacturers. D-Link's Wireless N Router with SmartBeam technology is part of D-Link Green, D-Link's program for providing eco-friendly alternatives without compromising performance. The DIR-645 supports WLAN Scheduler, which switches off the wireless network when not needed, for example at night or during working hours. Also the power consumption is further reduced with its Energy Star power supply.
General
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Data Transfer Rate 300 Mbps
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP ,
PPTP ,
IPSec - Encryption Algorithm WPA2,
WPA,
128-bit AES - Features IPv6 support ,
VPN passthrough ,
SmartBeam technology ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
IEEE 802.11b ,
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED ,
UPnP ,
IEEE 802.3u ,
IEEE 802.3 - Status Indicators LAN,
WLAN,
Port status,
Power Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces WAN : 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
USB : 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A - Expansion Slot(s) None
Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Miscellaneous
- Width 4.6 in
- Depth 7.5 in
- Height 3.8 in
- Weight 11.2 oz
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards FCC Class B certified,
IC,
WPC Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.4,
Microsoft Windows XP SP2,
Microsoft Windows 2000,
Microsoft Windows Vista / 7 Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse D-Link products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:D-Link
- Address:
17595 Mt. Herrmann Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 - Phone: 1-800-326-1688


