Though wireless technology has substantially changed computer networking in homes and offices, lack of speed and limited range still plague devices already available in the market.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Based on MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) Technology, the DI-634M makes clever use of the way radio waves bounce-off walls, floors, furnitures, and other solid objects to boost the amount of data transferred between wireless devices each second.

MIMO devices can broadcast from multiple antennas simultaneously. The data from each antenna bounces off solid surfaces, reaching the final destination at slightly different times depending on the path taken by the signal. The recipient MIMO device then re-assembles the data into its original form at the other end.

MIMO is set to be a part of the upcoming 802.11N but most major networking companies have jumped the gun and is offering MIMO hardware now.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If you are already familiar with routers, you would know that they don't vary much in the looks department. About the same size and weight as most D-Link routers, the D-Link DI-634M sports 2 paddle-like antennas at the back. Completely deviating from D-Link's usual blue/grey motif, the unit looks elegant in gun-metal finish. As with most routers, the WAN, LAN, and power ports are located at the back while the indicator lights are conveniently located in front.

As with other D-Link routers, setting-up the DI-634M is one of the easiest networking experiences you will ever encounter. The web-based configuration screen is very straightforward. It only takes a few minutes to set it up and get it up and running with its default settings.

If you have never setup a router before, D-Link comes to the rescue with easy to use built-in wizards for configuring both the wired and wireless connections. All that is required is to follow the prompts and answer a few easy questions. Based on your response the router will configure itself to your personal preference.

CUTTING-EDGE FEATURES

Aside from the now-standard features like built-in firewall, access control, static and dynamic routing, and WPA and WEP security, the DI-634M includes the same award-winning Packet Prioritizing engine found in D-Link's gaming routers. It ensures that bandwidth sensitive applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and online gaming are given priority over other programs like email, chat clients, and web browsers. Advanced users can also tweak the DI-634M to prioritize programs other than games. It can also be configured to follow specific network rules that will give priority to a single or multiple PC’s.

The DI-634M also utilizes a Quad-Smart Antenna Design featuring four antennas (of which only two are visible) which provides greater coverage and the fastest possible wireless transfer rates (up to a theoretical maximum of 108 Mbps if used with other D-Link products that incorporate the company’s Xtreme G technology). It also works with older and more common 802.11b hardware but at much slower data-transfer rates (up to 11Mbps).

As impressive as its features may sound, its wireless capability is not really something to rave about. In spite of using a compatible D-link 802.11g wireless adapter at distance of less than 2 meters, the Internet connection kept dropping after brief periods of inactivity. While the signal strength was still near maximum at around 80 feet across and three concrete walls away, the DI-634M's signal was nowhere to be found at two floors down (approx 30 feet).

Although D-Link guarantees the DI-634M's backward compatibility, forward compatibility with the future true 802.11N products is another matter. There's really no telling now exactly what technological nuances we'll find under 802.11N or whether MIMO will even end up in the final IEEE specification. In other words, not waiting for a ratified standard means that there's no guarantee that the DI-634M's MIMO will work with with other ratified 802.11N products when they emerge.

BOTTOMLINE

Overall, the D-Link DI-634M Wireless 108G MIMO Router has all of the functionalities a home network needs – an award-winning packet prioritization engine, built-in security features, and an easy-to-understand setup console. By default, it prioritizes VoIP and gaming packets to virtually eliminate lag.

While MIMO technology has given the DI-634M an advantage over non-MIMO routers, its “Xccelerated Rates at Xtended Ranges” are only sufficient to cover small to medium sized homes. For larger homes and offices, it is best to look at other MIMO options already available in the market.