TrendNet releases dual-band, green router
TrendNet's TEW-673GRU, its new true dual-band wireless-N router.
(Credit: Dong Ngo/CNET)LAS VEGAS--True dual-band routers are not news anymore; but TrendNet, a networking vendor with many innovative solutions, introduced one at CES 2010 that offers some original features.
The company announced Thursday its brand-new true dual-band router, the TEW-673GRU. According to TrendNet, this new router uses up to 70 percent less energy than other routers with the same features.
The router achieves this by using TrendNet's power saving GreenNet technology that reduces port-based power consumption. It also uses an Energy Star Certified power adapter that reduces energy consumption by 30 percent compared with noncertified adapters.
The TEW-673GRU uses Atheros' XSpan AR9002AP platform that consists of the AR9220 and AR9223 XSpan dual-band radio chipset. This platform features Atheros' powerful 680MHz AR7161 wireless network processor and has all Gigabit Ethernet ports, to offer high bandwidth for wired and wireless clients.
The new router sports a color LCD management interface that provides real time performance, security, and device information without the need to log-in to the router. It has two USB ports that can be used to support multiple printers or USB storage devices at a time.
Other features of the routers include Multiple Input Multiple Output antenna technology that reduces wireless dead spots, has advanced wireless encryption to protect your network, and includes WMM Quality of Service technology that prioritizes Internet bandwidth for gaming, VoIP calls, and video streams. It also features Wi-Fi Protected Setup that connects WPS-compliant clients to the network at the touch of a button.
Of course, as a true dual-band router, the TEW-673GRU can operate in both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands at the same time, offering the support to virtually any wireless clients on the market.
The new router will be available in February and is estimated to cost $150.
Dong Ngo is a CNET editor who covers networking and network storage, and writes about anything else he finds interesting. You can also listen to his podcast at insidecnetlabs.cnet.com. E-mail Dong. 
