Yes, that is an
actual router.
One of the few things to really catch our eye at this year's
Gadget Show Live (so much so that we mentioned it here) was a uniquely designed
object that we first assumed to be a drone of some sort. It was suspended
within a glass bubble before a backdrop depicting outer space, and we would
have asked for a test flight, were it not for the bloody great D-Link logos
slapped all over the booth. Proving that networking tech can actually make a design
statement, we've finally gotten out mitts on the D-Link AC3200 Ultra WiFiRouter.
Come on, look at this thing! It is by far the most bizarre looking router we've ever reviewed, and certainly one of the most intriguingly designed objects we've seen. The spaceship angles, the racing car red paint job, the six(!) antennae... it's no surprise that we had to ask one of D-Link's staff at the show to confirm that it was a real router. But despite all those impressive looks (and the mammoth size - its 38cm wide), how does it actually perform?
Well... okay, we guess. After using it exclusively in Test
Pit Towers for over a week now, we can happily reveal that the D-Link AC3200
Ultra WiFi Router is a great router. After set up, which was a real breeze
thanks to the simplified router software, we have never had a problem with it
at all. WiFi signal throughout the house is constantly strong and speeds are
just as fast as they have always been. There has never been any reduction in
speed when several people are online at once, and on several different devices.
Everything works great. Just like it did with our regular router. So here's the
thing...
The D-Link AC3200 Ultra WiFi Router currently retails in the
UK for around £250. Yes, a quarter of a grand for a WiFi router, albeit a very
pretty one. Our regular router set us back just £80 and seems to be able to do
everything the D-Link can. So why the crazy cost?
In terms of hardware, the D-Link AC3200 Ultra WiFi Router
features four LAN ports and two USB ports, one of which is USB 3.0. We had a
1TB external hard drive connected to that particular port, and used the router
as a very effective wireless media hub. The six positional antennae are shorter
than most other WiFi routers we've seen but still manage to throw a decent coverage
area which incorporated the entire house and both front and back gardens. If
you were hoping to replace those with third-party alternatives to boost the
range, you're out of luck - they can't be removed.
One noticeable benefit of the D-Link AC3200 Ultra WiFi
Router (other than the two million chances you'll get to talk about it, when
every guest you ever have over asks "Oh, what's that?") is that it
effectively projects three separate WiFi networks when running; one standard
2.4GHz, but also two other 5GHz channels. Because of this, you have a great
choice of bands to connect to, depending on your task and device, or you can
just sit back and allow the Smart Connect mode to run, and the router will decide
for you.
At the end of the day, this is clearly a very well put-together
bit of kit which does exactly what it says on the tin. If you are looking for a
unique piece of tech, have the occasional heavy internet need on multiple
devices - but don't live in a multi-winged mansion - the D-Link AC3200 Ultra
WiFi Router could be for you... so long as you have the dosh to spend.
Which, ironically, people who live in multi-winged mansions
would.
Around £169