D-Link DIR-615 review

D-Link's DIR-615 looks very similar to the DSL-2740B ADSL router that comes with its DKT-810 kit except that it has just two antennas rather than three.

As with the DSL-2740B these can be removed and replaced with high-gain models with R-SMA connectors if you need better wireless range.

The DIR-615 uses a very similar CD-based setup wizard, which is no bad thing. D-Link has done a great job on it, and in just a few minutes it takes you through the entire process of configuring your internet settings and setting up a secure wireless network.

The DIR-615's web-based management pages are the same as for the DSL-2740B. You can use these to configure the router's advanced features, including QoS. As with the DSL-2740B there's a set of predefined applications you can prioritise, including VoIP, H.323 video conferencing and FTP. You still need to provide port numbers manually, though, so it's a little trickier to configure than it first appears.

Performance was excellent with our Centrino notebook, and the DIR-615 produced the second fastest throughputs overall. As well as being quick, with a throughput of 20.14Mbit/s at close range, it was powerful and managed 11.74Mbit/s at 25m. This means that you'll easily be able to browse the web from anywhere in your house.

Switching to the DWA-410 USB adaptor (£38 from www.pixmania.co.uk) wasn't as impressive. As with the DSL-2740B ADSL router, we had trouble getting the USB adaptor to work at high speed. Performance fluctuated between 23Mbit/s and 46Mbit/s at close range, giving an average of 32.1Mbit/s. At 25m we were disappointed to get a worse result than we obtained with our Centrino notebook.

While the Draft-N performance we experienced wasn't great and we wouldn't use this combination for file sharing or streaming HD video, the DIR-615 is still a good router. If you just want to share your cable internet connection, this cheap router with excellent Centrino performance will suit you.