D-Link DIR-836L router review

The DIR-836L is a popular router model from D-Link. Many users have given it positive reviews. This router has USB connectors. They add features and expand your network's capabilities. D-Link incorporates energy-efficient features in their products, promoting sustainability and reducing power consumption.

D-Link DIR-836L specifications

Body

If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.

System

The Ralink RT6856 @ 700 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the DIR-836L router. The 128 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface. The D-Link packages the DIR-836L router with 12 V / 2 A PSU.

Network

Like many modern routers, the D-Link DIR-836L supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The router also supports IPv6. This allows you to use the latest Internet Protocol. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.

Wireless

A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. The 5GHz band provides faster data transfer speeds compared to the 2.4GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 router, with slower data transfer speeds. This can result in slower downloads, video buffering, and reduced performance.

The top speed, 300 + 450 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.

Connectivity

The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). By connecting a USB printer to the DIR-836L router, you can make it accessible to all devices on your network. This router has a USB file server. It lets you connect external storage devices to your network. For example, you can connect USB flash drives or hard drives.

Administration

Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.

Pros and Cons

Every router, including this D-Link one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.

D-Link DIR-836L photos

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Robert Miller

For over 15 years, I've immersed myself in the world of networking devices as a tech aficionado. I've dedicated myself to thoroughly testing and analyzing routers and other networking gear. I aim to provide thorough reviews. They will give you the knowledge needed to improve your network.