D-Link on Tuesday announced the launch of four Wireless AC routers to address everyone from the hardcore data hog to the casual Facebook lurker. Prices start at $79.99 USD, and speeds range from a maximum of 433 Mbps via the 802.11ac standard to the full-blown 1300 Mbps. All four silo-shaped routers will be available at local retailers soon.
First up is the Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router, which costs $169.99 USD and serves up Wireless N speeds at up to 450 Mbps and Wireless AC speeds at up to 1300 Mbps. This is the group's top-of-the-line model, providing premium wireless networking speeds at a premium price. Next is the Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router, which costs $149.99 USD and provides Wireless N speeds at up to 300 Mbps and Wireless AC speeds at up to 867 Mbps. These two routers also feature four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back.
The next two routers are more mainstream, offering the benefits of Wireless AC technology for a more reasonable price. The AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router offers Wireless N speeds at up to 300 Mbps and Wireless AC speeds at up to 650 Mbps, and costs $119.99. The Wireless AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router provides Wireless N speeds at up to 300 Mbps and Wireless AC speeds at up to 433 Mbps, and costs a mere $79.99. These two routers also feature four "Fast" Ethernet ports (non-Gigabit) on the back.
Granted, all four routers are dual-band and these reported maximum speeds are likely on the 5 GHz channel, as Wireless N on the 2.4 GHz channel only has a max speed of 300 Mbps. To achieve the highest Wireless AC rates, customers will need a dual-band Wireless AC dongle, network card, or a mobile device with built-in dual-band Wireless AC connectivity. All four models are backwards compatible, and all speeds listed here are "theoretical" and don't guarantee actual networking results.
D-Link said that the new routers offer easy remote network management thanks to the free mydlink Lite app for iOS and Android. This app allows users to see what websites are being visited, block unwanted connections, and set up automatic email alters when unauthorized connections are made. Other features include a built-in USB port that works with the company's free SharePort mobile app for streaming and sharing files, and easy router setup via a mobile device using the free Quick Router Setup (QRS) app.
"Today’s average home now has more than 15 devices, oftentimes with multiple iPads, iPhones, as well as Android phones and tablets, and consumers are looking for the best in wireless connectivity to help deliver uninterrupted HD video streaming, online gaming and multiple user capabilities," said Daniel Kelley, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc.
"With the introduction of the new 11AC Router line, D-Link provides next-generation wireless speeds to meet the needs of the digital home coupled with advanced remote management and sharing capabilities to better suit mobile lifestyles."
The new line of AC routers will be available throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in the United States. Here are the links to the individual product pages:
Wireless AC1750 Router (DIR-868L) -- $169.99
Wireless AC1200 Router (DIR-860L) -- $149.99
Wireless AC1000 Router (DIR-820L) -- $119.99
Wireless AC750 Router (DIR-810L) -- $79.99
