Pros:
1. extremely portable!;
simply configure the mode, whether router/hotspot/repeater, plug it into a power socket at a convenient location and there you go. no hassle of power cords/adapter and wires.. Neat!
2. usb port for wireless media sharing!
share contents of your flash drive through your wifi network. play media stored on the USB flash drive on any of your wifi connected device! you will need to install dlink's "shareport" app on your mobile device. and yes you can connect a USB hard disk too! I had no issue streaming a full HD video onto my tablet.
3. use the usb port for charging your mobile devices.
4. it has a decent range. good enough for 2 rooms. the range is definitely better than my 'g' type dlink
router (DSL-2640u)
5. the device runs cool!, gets slightly warm when powering a USB hard disk.
Cons:
1. Price
2. you may find the setup confusing at first.
Who is this device for?
given the cost of this device, which I think is on the higher side, and if you are using the older 802.11 b/g modem-routers, you might consider buying a 802.11 N150 or N300 type modem-router with a dual antenna buy spending a bit more (~ 2500 INR).
Neverthless, the DIR 505 is mainly intented for extending the wifi range (repeater mode or hotspot mode) so if you are running low on signal in a corner of your house and dont want to replace your existing router, this device works great and all it needs is a power socket. DIR 505 should provide ample signal for a 30x40sq.ft house assuming you locate it somewhere in the middle of your house.
USB media sharing and the dlink "shareport app"
Media sharing works in router/AP and hotspot mode. the hotspot mode works as repeater too along with media sharing. install the shareport app (available for OS and android) to your mobile phone or tablet. connect to the wifi network and launch the app. use the "folder" mode to browse the media file and wireless stream from your USB flash drive/HDD. "folder" mode is faster unlike "video" mode which tries to collect all the video files in one place and this takes lot of time.
Tip:
- always use a different SSID when creating a hotspot, you can keep the same password.
2. a 500GB usb HDD worked fine in my case. I am not sure whats the maximum HDD capacity the DIR 505 can handle.
Good day.
VN
