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80211n  d link  extreme n  router  wireless router  

D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage Router and Photo Frame, 2.5" Drive Bay, 3.2" LCD, Draft 11n

D-Link DIR-685 Xtreme N Storage Router and Photo Frame, 2.5 Drive Bay, 3.2 LCD, Draft 11n
Brand: D-Link
Category: CE

List Price: $249.99
Buy New: $159.99
You Save: $90.00 (36%)

Qty In Stock


New (18) from $159.99

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

Format: CD
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Operating System: N/A
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.4
Dimensions (in): 6.5 x 0.1 x 1.3
nv:Device Type: Wireless Router
Interface: RJ-45
Interface: USB
Interface: SATA
Form Factor: Desktop
Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.3u
Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11g
Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11n
Security Protocols: WPA
Security Protocols: WPA2
Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet
Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10Base-T
Networking Standards: IEEE 802.3u Ethernet 100Base-TX
Routing / Firewall Protoccols: Network Address Translation (NAT)
Warranty: 1 year warranty

MPN: DIR-685
Model: DIR-685
UPC: 007900693219
EAN: 0007900693219
ASIN: B002COJEOU

Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Features:
  • Sleek 802.11n storage router works as a backup hard-drive, wireless network, and digital photo frame
  • 3.2-inch color LCD for viewing photos stored on your network drive or favorite photo sharing sites
  • Stream digital content to A/V media players including PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
  • Downloadable Storage Router Widget makes uploading music, photos, and documents from your PC to the storage router easy and simple
  • Weighs only 0.5 lbs.; includes CD-ROM, power adaptor, and stand; 1-year limited warranty

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Xtreme N Storage Router

Amazon.com Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description At first glance, D-Link's Xtreme N Storage Router might be mistaken for a basic digital photo frame. Take a closer look, and you will find that this 2009 winner of the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award is more than a photo frame. It's also a high-performance router that lets you create a wireless network in your home, so you can share high-speed Internet access with multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. You can also use the Xtreme as a network-attached storage (NAS) device that stores your files and prints and shares photos, iTunes libraries, and more.



Behind the digital photo frame hides a network attached storage device and a wireless router. View larger.


Behind the photo frame hides Gigabit Ethernet and USB connections. View back.
High-Speed Connection and Full Wireless Coverage for Ease of Use
With an integrated 802.11n high-speed band and a 2.4GHz signal, the D-Link Xtreme lets you experience full wireless coverage throughout your network. The powerful MIMO antennae are internal, which means that you can enjoy faster speed and longer range without sacrificing the router's stylish appearance.

The Xtreme also includes Ethernet Gigabit ports for file transfer rates up to 10 times faster than the standard 10/100 Ethernet ports. And thanks to the router's touch-sensitive buttons that let you easily add devices to your network, multiple computers, printers, and even game consoles will be available at your fingertips.

Network-Attached Storage for Easy File Access
High-speed connectivity is only the beginning. The DIR-685 can also double as a network-attached storage device (NAS). It has the ability to hold a compact 2.5-inch hard drive. Simply pop open the cover and slide in the drive (sold separately), and the router's built-in NAS functionality will do the rest.

With the Xtreme N Storage Router, you can safely store files on your home network and access them wherever you go. Take your laptop with you, connect to the Internet, and then retrieve your files from the Xtreme using the router's built-in FTP server.

BitTorrent Support and Video Streaming for Versatility
The Xtreme includes the latest BitTorrent software support, so you can access and store digital media directly from the Internet without the need for your computer to be turned on or connected. For extra large files, you can get the download process started and then walk away with the confidence that your video clips or songs will be on the system's hard drive when you return.

The built-in Universal Plug-and-Play server allows you to easily stream video files through a compatible media player onto your television. You can even stream files from your Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 gaming systems.

Digital Frame Lets You Share Photos, Print Photos, and More
The Xtreme also includes FrameChannel software. Once you set up a free account, you can begin sharing your latest photos with family and friends using Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, and other popular photo sharing sites. With two USB 2.0 ports, you can even connect to a printer to print your photos.

Better still, you can use the Xtreme to subscribe to your favorite RSS feeds. Get the latest news, stock updates, sports scores, time, date, weather conditions, and more--all directly from your frame.

What's in the Box
Xtreme N Storage Router, CAT5 Ethernet cable, stand, power adapter, and CD-ROM with Installation Wizard and product documentation.



Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 12



5 out of 5 stars Does a lot and does it well!   September 30, 2009
*rose* (USA)
Setup went pretty smooth. No problems there.

Works very well. My favorite feature is the ability to store files on it which then I can share with any computer at home. I had gotten into the horrible state of having multiple copies of photos and files on all my computers and some files and photos were only on the 'small laptop', while others were only on the 'big laptop', or on the 'old laptop' etc. It got to be a mess of endless copies of files and a big confusion for me.

I was able to fix that situation by using this Storage Router. I was using a wireless router anyway, so why not take advantage of a product that handled my wireless AND helped me with storage? Perfect. And now I can access my files from all my computers.

The internal hard drive (2.5" SATA) doesn't come with this product, but those can be picked up for a very inexpensive price.

My next project with this is to play with the FTP server so that I can access my files from work, my sister's house or anywhere.

I had mentioned that setup was smooth. And it was. But, it did take me some time. I'm not a 'brain' about computers so I really need to take my time and read through things to get these kind of items to work for me. I just don't want anyone reading this to think it was just plug and play....it took me some time. But, I'm very happy with the results.

The color LCD screen on the router is just a bonus feature. Nice, but not really a big deal for me. It's a little small (3.2") but it is nice to see photos scrolling through.



5 out of 5 stars Fantastic Product for average home users   March 31, 2010
Nathaniel MacIver (Malta, NY)
Pros: Reliable, photo frame/ framechannel feature, Shareport, network scheduling, guest zone, WPS setup functions. Attractive design. Compact and easy to keep in a living room

Cons: Terrible touchscreen, Not a dual-channel radio router, not worth $300 MSRP. I was able to buy this from amazon new at half price, and I suggest you do the same.

I bought this router to replace an old/loud/overheating wireless G netgear MR814, and I was not disappointed. The router has served my 2 laptops, 1 desktop, and 2 mobile devices without a fuss once its been set up. Out living room is about half the size of a normal living room, so the small digital frame is still very visible even from the other side of the room.

Overall, I love the design direction that D-Link took with the DIR-685, and I hope more routers will follow the idea in the future.



5 out of 5 stars DIR-685 review   June 29, 2010
Andre S. Rodrigues (SP, Brazil)
This device is really good, I didn't notice the Guest WiFi, that works preaty fine and the main motivation to buy this device was the Bit Torrent manager that works perfect.


4 out of 5 stars A Unique Product   July 23, 2009
Nix Cadavre (Michigan, USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Where to begin? This product is just so many things at once, that it's hard to be sure what parts are most important in a review! Perhaps the best thing to do is to first consider the D-Link DIR685 as a wireless router? Or perhaps as a NAS? Maybe as a digital photo frame? Or should I discuss the FrameChannel features?

OK, first, as a router this is top-notch once you get it going. The LCD screen provides status, which is a nice feature, and as an 802.11n router, it's faster than you'll probably need. Connection can take some time, but the browser configuration panel is detailed, and really gives a lot of options; Many of which I may never need, but that just shows the range of use this thing has.

Printer sharing on this is handled well via the SharePort utility. It installs easily and works as advertised. Very nice.

As a NAS, or iTunes server, or any of the other uses related to the hard drive, it's decent. Once configured, the hard drive is readily accessible. Unfortunately, the fan that cools the hard drive is exceptionally loud; I thought I had a first-generation Xbox 360 in my room again! It was so loud, in fact, that I opted to skip the internal hard drive and have gone with connecting a drive externally via SharePort. Still, mounting the drive inside is as easy as sliding it in, and the device automatically mounts and detects the drive, even asking if you'd like to format it.

As a digital photo frame, this is a bit small. It works very well, but you do lose some detail in your photos on the 3.2" LCD. I suppose it would be great for people who like a lot of family pictures in rotation, but for me it's not a hugely-desired feature. Using the associated software, you can sync up with just about any social site or online photo repository; Facebook, Photobucket, Flikr, etc. They're all here.

Doing so requires setting up an account with FrameChannel, which is quite worth it. Once established, it will send data to your DIR685 that works similar to desktop widgets/gadgets. Weather, news, social networking, photos, stocks, or pretty much anything you'd want will cycle on the router's screen, making it kind of like a "smart clock". You can customize the timing, priority, and other details. It doesn't seem to hinder the device or slow things down at all, and most of the Frame Channels look very nice on the screen.

The device itself has plain controls, but the on-screen menu works for basic functions; settings, status displays, etc.

Mine came with a small defect in the screen border, though. The rubber gasket around the screen was bent down at the top and covered part of the screen, requiring me to peel off the cover panel (not recommended) and reposition it. Everything went back together fine, but I shouldn't have needed to do it in the first place, so I would urge D-Link to step up the quality control on the LCD screen.

I should also note that the sticker on the back that is meant to prevent you from plugging things in before installing software is a real sticker and not a static-cling peel-away. It leaves gummy residue and peels off only with some effort. It's a bad choice for the function it fulfills.

These are minor complaints, of course; Hardware-wise, this is an awesome device. It's definitely worth consideration if you're looking for an advanced router, NAS, and digital photo frame.

PRO:
Great router! High speeds!
Easy connection, if you know what you're doing.
Decent screen.
FrameChannel works flawlessly, and is very useful.
Controls are simple.
Lots of advanced features.
USB SharePorts work perfectly for printer & hard drive.

CON:
iTunes server/NAS works, but the hard drive fan is too loud.
Quality control issues with LCD placement.
Rear panel had a sticker which, when peeled, left gummy residue.
LCD is a bit too small to be a perfect digital photo frame.

FINAL VERDICT: A very cool device that fills several roles, and is certain to please those experienced with networking. Those who aren't as skilled with networking may need to seek a little help with installation and set-up, however, and this will not replace a digital photo frame in your grandma's living room. It's a router first, and a good one. Consider the other stuff the whipped cream and cherry on top.



4 out of 5 stars The Swiss Army Knife of Routers   August 19, 2009
Susan (Pahrump, NV)
Unfortunately, not all of the blades are working. I think this is because I had to use this router as an access point. I have an AT&T 2wire modem/router, so this was the only option I had. It has been about three weeks since the rep at D-Link told me that the team who developed this router would contact me and see if we could resolve some of the issues. As of yet I have not heard from them. If I do, I will update this review.

One of the issues is that I cannot connect to FrameChannel. The router tells me that the "network is unreachable". Another issue is that I cannot get the bit torrent client to work. It will load the necessary folders in the NAS drive but will not connect. I've tried port forwarding on this router, and also the 2wire modem/router but so far no luck. The problem might be mine, because this is the first time I have ever experimented with port forwarding. For me these are two minor issues.

Now for the good news on this router. Setting it up as an access point was a piece of cake. The PDF and the addendum that comes with this router are excellent. After setting it up as an access point, I manually set up the wireless portion of the router and connect to some of my PCs. One of the computers I use is a Eee 10 inch, and if you have one you know there are no restrictions to where you can go in your house. ;-) The conductivity was excellent wherever I went.

For me though, the biggest benefit of this router is having a NAS box (other reviewers have mentioned that the 2.5" SATA Hard Drive is NOT included). Again, using the addendum that came with the router, the setup for the NAS drive was easy. So now, I can share information with all my computers through the NAS drive. I also installed SharePoint just to make sure that it worked. And it does. I connected a portable external hard drive to the router.

Though I am unable at the present time to use this router it as it was meant to be, it gave me the opportunity to have network storage for all my computers. That in itself is worth the price of the router. And as a bonus, I also have a picture frame. ;-) If the day comes when the 2wire modem/router quits, I will replace it with just a modem and be able to take full advantage of this router. I have to give this at least four stars for its ingenuity. If you were to buy the pieces separately in order to have what this router has, I think you would be above the asking price, or at least close to it.


Showing reviews 1-5 of 12


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