Wireless Reviews

Wireless Performance - Comparative - more

I find looking at the variation among the four test runs provides some good insight into overall performance. The 2.4 GHz downlink plot shows that I selected the 270° orientation run (bolded) for entry into the charts. Note the throughput drops at low attenuation / high signal levels. This could indicate a lack of transmit power adjustment that I've been told some designs employ to avoid receiver overload.

Four test runs - 2.4 GHz downlink - TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

The 2.4 GHz uplink plots show better behavior and surprisingly similar results in the mid-signal range. But once we hit 36 dB of attenuation, the plots diverge. Unfortunately, the 270° plot that was best with strong signals, turned out worst at lower signal levels.

Four test runs - 2.4 GHz uplink - TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

The 5 GHz test runs were easier to choose the best plots from, which this time turned out to be at the 0° orientation for downlink.

Four test runs - 5 GHz downlink - TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

And the same for uplink.

Four test runs - 5 GHz uplink - TRENDnet TEW-812DRU

Closing Thoughts

It's pretty late to be coming to market with a top-of-line AC1750 class router based on last year's design. But, for whatever reason, that's what TRENDnet decided to do with its TEW-812DRU. Using Broadcom's older CPU shouldn't be a problem in itself, however, since the top-ranking ASUS RT-AC66U, as well as other AC1750 routers ranking above the TRENDnet do just that.

TRENDnet's problem is more in the execution of the design, which brought it in at the bottom of the current AC1750 router ranking. As the ranking detail below shows, the only bright spot was 5 GHz downlink throughput, which managed a #2 sub-rank.

TRENDnet TEW-812DRU Router Ranking Summary

There are just too many negatives to recommend this router, in spite of its aggressive pricing. Unimpressive range, low file sharing throughput, problems with 2.4 GHz 40 MHz mode connections and even its inability to properly communicate its Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) status are all reasons to leave it on the shelf.