The D-Link M30 AQUILA PRO AI Wi-Fi 6 Smart Mesh Router is a compact, stylishly designed, and feature-rich Wi-Fi 6 router aimed at delivering consistent wireless performance with smart mesh capabilities. It promises to meet the demands of households with multiple connected devices, thanks to its use of the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. But does it live up to these promises? Here’s an in-depth review exploring the design, performance, features, and potential drawbacks of this router.
Design and Setup
The D-Link M30 AQUILA PRO stands out for its sleek and minimalistic design. Its small size (only a few inches high and wide) makes it easy to place discreetly around the home, an advantage over bulkier routers. The clean white casing with a subtle LED indicator adds a modern touch, allowing it to blend into various interiors without being intrusive.
Setup is user-friendly and straightforward, guided by D-Link’s companion app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides a step-by-step guide, making the initial setup a breeze for most users. The app also allows for relatively easy network management, such as setting up guest networks, monitoring connected devices, and implementing basic parental controls. For those less familiar with tech setup, D-Link has done a good job of making the process as simple as possible.
Performance and Coverage
The AQUILA PRO M30 leverages Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering improvements over older Wi-Fi 5 routers in terms of speed, capacity, and network efficiency. It’s capable of handling a large number of simultaneous device connections, an essential feature for households with a mix of smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices. The Wi-Fi 6 standard helps reduce latency, improve speeds, and enhance overall connectivity for modern smart homes.
While single-unit coverage may be sufficient for smaller homes, the M30 is designed to work best as part of a mesh network. This feature is especially valuable in larger spaces where traditional routers might struggle to cover every corner. By adding additional M30 units, you can create a seamless network throughout your home, minimizing dead zones and maintaining strong signal quality across multiple floors or rooms. In terms of speed, users can expect decent performance for general usage and moderate streaming needs, but it may not be sufficient for very high-intensity users or gamers with demanding requirements.
When using two D-Link M30 AQUILA PRO units in a mesh setup (D-Link kindly sent us), the benefits of the system truly shine. With dual units placed strategically throughout the home, users can achieve seamless coverage that minimizes dead zones and signal drops, especially in multi-level homes or large spaces. The mesh system allows devices to connect to the nearest unit automatically, optimizing speed and stability without the hassle of switching networks. This setup is ideal for ensuring consistent Wi-Fi across every corner of a household, providing a cohesive network experience that can handle simultaneous streaming, browsing, and smart home connectivity with minimal interruptions.
AI-Driven Optimization
One of the standout features of the M30 is its AI-driven optimization. The AQUILA PRO AI technology analyzes network usage patterns and optimizes bandwidth allocation based on demand, aiming to ensure that each connected device receives adequate bandwidth. For example, if one family member is streaming a 4K video while others are browsing or working, the AI optimizes the distribution to prevent lags or buffering issues.
The AI also handles channel management to minimize interference from neighboring networks, which is especially helpful in densely populated areas like apartments or urban neighborhoods. Additionally, the router’s AI-based security feature provides basic protection against common cyber threats, helping to secure connected devices without needing to manually configure complex settings.
Smart Home Integration
The D-Link M30 AQUILA PRO AI router is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control certain network functions using voice commands. While this is not an essential feature, it can be convenient for tech-savvy households that already incorporate smart home devices. For example, you can pause the internet on specific devices or control guest network access by simply using voice commands, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Potential Drawbacks
One downside of the D-Link M30 is its limited LAN port availability. With only two Ethernet ports on each unit, the M30 can be restrictive for users with several wired devices. Those who need more wired connections may need to purchase a separate network switch, which can add to the cost and complexity.
Another consideration is its performance with high-demand gaming or professional-grade applications. While adequate for general streaming and typical household use, power users who demand ultra-high speeds or low latency for activities like gaming or video editing may find it falls short. Some users have reported occasional drops in connection speed during peak hours, although this issue seems to vary based on individual network environments and usage.
Lastly, while the AI-based security features are helpful, they don’t replace a full-fledged security suite. Those who need advanced security protections may find the router’s offerings basic and would likely want to consider supplementary software or hardware for enhanced security.
Verdict
The D-Link M30 AQUILA PRO AI Wi-Fi 6 Smart Mesh Router is a solid choice for small to mid-sized homes with a standard level of internet use. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly setup, appealing design, mesh capability, and the incorporation of AI-driven network optimization and security features. It offers reliable performance for average households, especially those looking to upgrade from an older Wi-Fi 5 setup.
However, it may not be the best option for homes that require multiple wired connections or for users who prioritize high-speed gaming and require ultra-low latency. Similarly, users who prioritize advanced security might need to add additional layers of protection. Overall, the M30 provides an attractive balance between price, performance, and features, making it an accessible option for the majority of homes aiming to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 with modern mesh capabilities.
£64.99 per unit
Available from amazon.co.uk