The D-Link DIR-868L follows the latest trend of design from D-Link. It’s cylindrical in shape and comes in white, black, red and blue. On the front of the router, there are two green LEDS that indicate power and internet status. There are no other status lights which is sure to annoy some people. On the back, there are four LAN ports, one WAN port, and a USB 3.0 port. There’s also a power button and a WPS button. Included in the box is the router, easy install guide, ethernet cable and AC adaptor.
The DIR-868 features dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz. For those that aren’t aware, a 5 GHz signal that has low interference can carry up to 450mbps whilst a 2.4 GHz connection can carry up to 300mbps but at a much larger range. It’s a well known fact that 5GHz works well when the device is in clear range of the router, but does not pass well through solid objects. D-Link give you the option to run both alongside each other or you’re able to turn them on and off individually from the back.
As with all of the latest D-Link routers, setting up the DIR-868L was incredibly easy. I was able to do this wirelessly from my computer but was also able to set the router up and also update it from an One-Touch iPhone app without the need for any computer. This was extremely beneficial to me as I don’t have any computers with ethernet ports.
I was able to use the DIR-868L with my NBN connection with absolutely no issues. Obviously the router is more than capable of working with a standard cable connection but getting connected with the NBN was as easy as plugging my ethernet cord into the WAN port.
The speeds from this router were some of the best that I have ever experienced. This is to be expected as the router uses AC1750 technology. In my smaller house, the router was absolutely more than necessary. Range was always at 100% and local speeds were at the fastest possible.
D-Link have also recently released a few other iPhone apps for their users. The mydlink Lite app allows you to connect monitor your network remotely as well as check current internet speeds. The D-Link SmartPlay app allows you to play videos off a connected USB or hard drive. Both apps work well without doing anything too extraordinary.
Gaming with the DIR-868L was an absolute joy. I had faced some problems with port blocking and disconnections with previous routers but I was extremely happy with the reliability of the router. Speed and range were never an issue.
The D-Link DIR-868 is one of the top of the line routers on the market. It’s a great looking router that I’d highly recommend to anybody who’s facing issues with range and speed when using there current router. It’s probably more than what most smaller households will need but if you’re looking for a router without having to worry about the technical side, the DIR-868L is definitely for you.
