CES 2009

The TEW-673GR true dual-band wireless-N router from Trendnet.

(Credit: Trendnet)

Better late than never, Trendnet unveiled at CES 2009 its first true dual-band wireless-N router, the 300Mbps Concurrent Dual-Band Wireless N Gigabit Router, or TEW-673GR. This is the upgrade to the company's TEW-672GR, which was released five months ago and is a non-true dual-band router.

The TEW-673GR is built with an Atheros chipset and Trendnet claims that it delivers unsurpassed wireless speed. Most importantly, the router offers concurrent dual-band wireless-N performance.

If you still don't know what this means, concurrent (or true) dual-band technology allows two wireless networks simultaneously, using both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies. This enables users to create an advanced hybrid network in which wireless clients can be assigned to either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band.

Most wireless networks use the 2.4GHz radio frequency, in which cordless phones, cellular phones, microwaves and Bluetooth devices also operate. The crowded nature of the 2.4GHz band can degrade your network's wireless performance and actually interfere with and slow your transmissions.

Dual-band networking offer users to connect to the wireless network via the supposedly "cleaner" 5GHz band, resulting in a better wireless experience.

The TEW-673GR is Wi-Fi certified, meaning it supports interoperability with other wireless products and backward compatibility with legacy wireless standards.

According to Trendnet, the TEW-673GR uses about thirty percent less power than the previous generation. A unique wireless on/off switch offers additional energy savings and security by turning off the wireless signal when it is not in use. The router also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup that allows for easily adding wireless clients to the network without having to manually enter the encryption key.

The TEW-673GR will be available shortly with the estimated price of $175.