By Ki Grinsing

Overview

D-link introduces two types of business class wireless dual band access point, DAP-2590 and DAP-2690. Both are designed for indoor deployment in businesses. You may be wondering what the main differences are for Dap-2590 Vs Dap-2690?

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D-Link DAP-2590 main features:

• N300 selectable dual band AP
• Multi-operation mode AP designed for indoor businesses deployment
• Metal chassis with plenum-rated chassis
• Advanced security

The main features of this DAP-2590 when you compare with DAP-2690 is that Dap-2690 support dual band simultaneous meaning the AP can operate in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands at the same time to support both types 0f wireless clients. As shown in the table, the two business class access point devices are nearly the same except the number of antennas and the maximum transmit output power are slightly different.

Both Dap-2590 and Dap-2690 are designed with multi-mode of operations including wireless client, access point, wireless bridge (WDS), and WDS with AP.

Multiple Operation Modes

Both Dap-2590 and Dap-2690 are designed with multi-mode of operations including wireless client, access point, wireless bridge (WDS), and WDS with AP.

1. In wireless access point mode you connect the Gigabit port to your network to create high speed wireless network. for optimum data rate throughput you should connect to the same gigabit port of your network switch. In locations where power outlets are not available you can connect to any PoE-enabled switch. Both Dap-2590 and Dap-2690 support POE to let you place the device in the ceilings.
2. Wireless Distribution system (WDS) with AP mode. In WDS mode, both AP devices can be deployed for large network by installing multiple devices without connecting to the backbone cable.
3. WDS with bridge mode, as opposed to the WDS with AP mode – no need of broadcasting as the AP
4. And the wireless clients. You can connect any types of Ethernet-based device as the wireless client to the network

In wired network, broadcast storm can be generated in deployment of switches if spanning tree protocol (STP) is not enabled. In wireless network with WDS mode, the broadcast storm can also be generated; however both Dap-2590 and Dap-2690 support STP protocol you must enable to avoid this broadcast storm phenomenon.

NAP

In Windows server 2008, it has a NAP (network access protection) that let you define multiple levels of network access based on individual client’s need. Each client will be in its access area, and in case of the client is identified outside of its access area, the system will be brought back to its permitted access level.

 Comparison table

To support your business WLAN, both Dap-2590 and Dap-2690 are ideal solution for indoor deployments. To cover longer distance area, you may consider TP-Link TL-WA5210G High Power Wireless Outdoor CPE.

Another solution you may consider is Netgear WNDAP360 dual band wireless access point. Like DAP-2690, this WNDAP360 support dual band concurrently. And the good thing is that this AP can be managed centrally through WC7520 wireless controller should you require deploying multiple devices in large network envrironment. And you can also authenticate the clients with your RADIUS authentication infrastructure.

Other alternatives you may consider Dap-1525 Wifi Booster or WA12 Wireless Signal Booster for Best Wireless Network and Amped SR300 hi-gain wireless range extender with four Ethernet ports.