Thread: D-link extreme n dir-685

The latest entry to the D-Link wireless router family is the Extreme N DIR-685, which enables a wireless network to share high-speed Internet with all the computers in a fairly large home or office, game consoles and media players too. What actually makes the DIR-685 distinctive is that it includes a hard drive bay that can support a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive to create an NAS system. One can store files, print and share photos with all the computers on the network as this router doubles as a network storage device too.

The DIR-685 features a BitTorrent client (download directly to internal HDD), FTP server and iTunes server. It also features a built-in UPnP AV server, which can stream videos to compatible players such as a PS3 or an Xbox. A 3.2-inch, 1.6 million color LCD display doubles as a photo frame. You can also view streamed video content, weather forecasts and RSS feeds using content from the FrameChannel website. Setting up the router is quite easy and simple. It features the usual settings of a regular router but has a few more advanced and important features. For example, guest zone network is possible through which one can give access to a new computer (guest) on the network. It will keep its network isolated to prevent intrusion into the local network unless required.

The DIR-685 has a good build quality with a rugged and aesthetically appealing body. It features two USB ports on the back panel for sharing external storage and printers on the network. The router's power saving feature helps save power when the display, hard drive and internet are not in use. You can also schedule the router with specific timings to start or shut down the router and/or internet.