TRENDnet TEW-672GR Review: Your Affordable Wi-Fi Solution for Seamless Home Connectivity

A reliable internet connection begins with a quality router. Whether you’re streaming movies, working remotely, or managing your smart home, the router is the backbone of your connectivity. The TRENDnet TEW-672GR is designed for users who want a dependable dual-band router that balances affordability with performance. With its compact design, stable speeds, and user-friendly features, it aims to cater to small households and offices.

We’ll dig into the design, features, and performance of the TRENDnet TEW-672GR, giving you a clear understanding of whether it meets your networking needs.

Design and Build Quality

Sleek and Compact Design

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR boasts a modern and minimalist design that fits well into any home or office setup. Its compact size ensures that it doesn’t take up much space, making it ideal for small desks or shelves. The matte black finish gives it a professional and understated appearance, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to move around if needed.

Port Placement and LED Indicators

On the back of the router, you’ll find four LAN ports for wired devices and one WAN port for connecting to your modem. The ports are neatly aligned, making cable management straightforward. The LED indicators on the front provide real-time updates on the router’s status, including power, internet connectivity, and wireless activity. These indicators are bright enough to be noticed without being overly distracting.

Durability and Ventilation

Built from durable plastic, the router feels sturdy and capable of withstanding regular use. The ventilation system is thoughtfully designed, with strategically placed vents to prevent overheating. This ensures consistent performance, even during long hours of operation.

Key Features

Dual-Band Connectivity for Performance

One of the standout features of the TRENDnet TEW-672GR is its dual-band functionality. Operating on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, it allows you to allocate tasks based on their bandwidth requirements. The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for basic tasks like browsing and emailing, while the 5 GHz band is perfect for high-speed activities like HD streaming and online gaming.

Wireless Standards and Speeds

The router supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps on each band, providing a combined total of 600 Mbps. While it may not compete with high-end routers, these speeds are more than sufficient for everyday use in small households or offices.

Advanced Security Features

Security is a priority with the TRENDnet TEW-672GR. It supports WPA2 encryption, safeguarding your network from unauthorized access. Additionally, the router includes a NAT firewall to protect against external threats. These features ensure that your data remains secure, whether you’re working from home or streaming content.

Additional Features like Guest Network and QoS

The guest network feature allows you to create a separate connection for visitors, keeping your main network secure. The Quality of Service (QoS) settings let you prioritize specific devices or applications, ensuring optimal performance for high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing or gaming.

Performance

Speed and Stability

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR delivers consistent speeds for everyday tasks. Whether you’re streaming a movie or attending a virtual meeting, the router provides a stable connection with minimal buffering or lag. The dual-band functionality ensures that your devices can operate smoothly without interference.

Range and Coverage

This router is best suited for small to medium-sized spaces, such as apartments or small homes. Its wireless coverage is adequate for most rooms, but users in larger spaces may need a Wi-Fi extender to ensure strong signals in every corner.

Handling Multiple Devices

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR performs well when connecting multiple devices. Whether you’re using a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV, the router manages bandwidth effectively to provide a seamless experience. However, connecting too many high-bandwidth devices simultaneously may impact performance.

Setup and Configuration

Plug-and-Play Installation

Setting up the TRENDnet TEW-672GR is quick and hassle-free. The included quick-start guide provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for even first-time users. Simply connect the router to your modem, power it on, and access the web-based setup interface to configure your network.

Web-Based User Interface

The router’s web-based interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. From this panel, you can adjust Wi-Fi settings, set up a guest network, and enable parental controls. The interface is accessible from both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring convenience for all users.

Advanced Settings and Customization

For advanced users, the router offers features like port forwarding, QoS customization, and firmware updates. These options provide flexibility for users who want to tailor their network to specific needs.

TRENDnet TEW-672GR Specifications

Here’s a detailed specification table for the TRENDnet TEW-672GR Dual-Band Wireless Router:

Compatibility and Connectivity

Device Compatibility

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR works seamlessly with a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Its backward compatibility with older standards ensures that even legacy devices can connect without issues.

Integration with Smart Home Devices

If you’re building a smart home, this router supports basic IoT devices like smart plugs, light bulbs, and security cameras. While it may not handle extensive smart home setups, it performs well for casual users with a few connected devices.

Wired and Wireless Connection Options

In addition to its dual-band Wi-Fi, the router includes four Ethernet ports for wired connections. These ports provide a stable and fast connection for devices that require consistent performance, such as desktops or streaming devices.

Comparisons with Competitors

TP-Link Archer C50

The TP-Link Archer C50 is another budget-friendly dual-band router, boasting speeds of up to 1200 Mbps, which is double that of the TRENDnet TEW-672GR. It also supports MU-MIMO, allowing it to handle multiple devices more efficiently. However, the Archer C50 is slightly more expensive and may require a bit more expertise during setup. The TRENDnet TEW-672GR, while offering lower speeds, is more affordable and easier to install, making it an excellent choice for first-time users or households with light to moderate internet needs.

Netgear R6080

The Netgear R6080 provides faster speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and better coverage for larger spaces. However, it comes with a higher price tag and lacks the intuitive interface of the TRENDnet TEW-672GR. For users who value ease of use and a budget-friendly option for smaller spaces, the TRENDnet router stands out as the better choice.

ASUS RT-ACRH12

The ASUS RT-ACRH12 offers advanced features like MU-MIMO and app-based management, catering to users with more complex networking needs. However, it costs nearly twice as much as the TRENDnet TEW-672GR. While the ASUS router is better suited for gamers or larger households, the TRENDnet TEW-672GR is perfect for users who want a simple, reliable solution for everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and emailing.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of TRENDnet TEW-672GR

1. Affordable Pricing: Great value for budget-conscious users.
2. Dual-Band Performance: Separates high-bandwidth tasks from basic activities.
3. User-Friendly Setup: Simple installation process and intuitive interface.
4. Compact Design: Space-saving and lightweight.
5. Parental Controls: Ideal for managing internet access for children.
6. Guest Network Support: Keeps your main network secure while allowing visitors access.

Limitations of the Router

1. Limited Speeds: Capped at 600 Mbps, which may not be sufficient for heavy users.
2. Restricted Coverage: Best for small to medium-sized spaces; may struggle in larger homes.
3. No MU-MIMO Support: Less efficient for handling multiple high-bandwidth devices.
4. Basic IoT Support: Lacks optimization for extensive smart home setups.
5. No Mobile App: Configuration limited to a web-based interface.
6. Outdated Design: Could benefit from a more modern aesthetic.

Use Cases

Ideal for Small Homes

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR is a fantastic option for small households with basic internet needs. Whether you’re streaming movies, browsing social media, or attending video calls, this router delivers consistent performance. Its compact design and dual-band functionality make it especially suitable for apartments or single-story homes.

With features like parental controls and guest networking, it’s a great fit for families who want to monitor their children’s internet usage or provide visitors with secure internet access.

Applications in Small Offices

For small businesses or offices with light networking demands, the TRENDnet TEW-672GR is a cost-effective solution. It can handle basic tasks like emailing, accessing cloud-based applications, and light file sharing. The four Ethernet ports make it easy to connect wired devices like desktop computers, printers, and point-of-sale systems. However, offices with heavier internet requirements may need a router with faster speeds and broader coverage.

Price and Value

Features Compared to Cost

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR offers exceptional value for its price. While it may lack the advanced features of more expensive routers, it provides all the essentials for everyday internet use. Dual-band connectivity, parental controls, and guest network support make it a versatile choice for users on a budget.

This router strikes the ideal balance between price and performance for those who prioritize affordability without compromising on reliability.

Long-Term Value for Users

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR is designed to last, with a durable build and energy-efficient operation. Its low power consumption helps reduce electricity costs over time, and its solid performance ensures you won’t need to replace it frequently. The TRENDnet TEW-672GR is an excellent long-term investment for users seeking a reliable router at an affordable price.

Maintenance and Support

Keeping the Router Updated

Firmware updates are essential for maintaining your router’s security and performance. TRENDnet makes it easy to download and install updates directly from their website. The router’s web-based interface also includes an option to check for updates, ensuring you’re always running the latest version.

Customer Support and Troubleshooting

TRENDnet provides robust customer support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Their website features an extensive support section with user manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. For users who encounter issues, the support team is responsive and helpful, ensuring that your router performs optimally.

Conclusion

Is TRENDnet TEW-672GR the Right Router for You?

The TRENDnet TEW-672GR is an excellent choice for users who need a simple and affordable router for basic to moderate internet usage. Its dual-band functionality, user-friendly setup, and reliable performance make it ideal for small households, students, and small businesses. While it may not cater to heavy users or those with advanced networking needs, it delivers consistent speeds and essential features at a budget-friendly price.

Overall, the TRENDnet TEW-672GR stands out as a dependable router for everyday tasks. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or managing light office workloads, the TRENDnet TEW-672GR delivers reliable performance without any unnecessary frills. If you’re looking for an affordable and straightforward networking solution, the TRENDnet TEW-672GR is a solid investment.