D-Link networks routers' USB ports

I reviewed D-Link's DIR-855 wireless router recently, and complained that it didn't offer NAS or print-serving capability. On Wednesday, the company fixed that by introducing the Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit DIR-825.

(Credit: D-Link)

Like the DIR-855, the DIR-825 is a true dual-band gigabit router, meaning it can spontaneously offer Wireless-N signals in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The DIR-825, however, comes with SharePort technology, which allows for turning the USB port of the router into a virtual-network USB port that supports external hard drives for NAS functionality and other USB devices, such as printers.

The new router also features D-Link's HDFuel technology, and belongs to D-Link's green family of routers. The former optimizes the wireless bandwidth for HD content, while the latter means the power used for the router's wireless signal and wired-network ports are adjustable (either automatically or manually) to conserve energy.

The best news is that SharePort, as well as other technologies mentioned above, are going to be made available this week via a firmware update to certain existing D-Link USB Wireless-N routers, including the DIR-628, the DIR-655, the DIR-855, and the DGL-4500. If you are the owner of one of these, remember to update the router's firmware.

The new Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit DIR-825 is available now for an estimated $200.

[kevsmail]

Good news and good article! When I started reading, I actually said "bastard!" out loud when I read about the improvements to the 825 (having just bought an 855 a month ago). Glad to hear the 855 will get a firmware update to be on par to make the rear USB port more useful!! Hooray! This router is the best I've ever used, and the signal strength is amazing. Admittedly, the antennas are a bit out of control and not as sexy as the new Linksys wireless routers...

[NeoJingo]

Explain to me, then, why would I buy the 825 new for $200 when I can buy the 655 for less than $100 (Newegg right now for $95) and then upgrade the firmware?

[NCTARHEELS]

great, but I can't use it unless I'm hardwired. damn...

[webterractive]

This utility has great promise, but as of now it's pretty much a Windows only service for the supported devices. There is a Mac version 1.0.1 but it doesn't work with the supported firmware 1.21non-securespot. The initial description says Sharepoint Utility for Mac, but when you go (in my case DIR-655) firmware/applications downloads page it will say that you need version 1.30 to use the services. And the 1.30 firmware is very very beta, and it won't let you downgrade once it's installed.