D-Link DIR-636L router review
D-Link introduced the DIR-636L router in 2012. It is powered by Ralink RT6856 @ 700 MHz chipset, 128 MB of RAM, and 16 MB of flash memory.
Excited to learn if the DIR-636L lives up to expectations? Read on!
Table of Contents
- D-Link DIR-636L specifications
- Body, dimensions, weight
- System, chipset, RAM, flash, power supply
- Network, protocols, WAN and LAN ports
- Wireless, antennas, speed, security
- Connectivity
- Administration, user interface, login information
- Links
- Verdict, Pros and Cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the D-Link DIR-636L, please let us know.
The DIR-636L is a basic Wi-Fi router. It provides reliable wireless connectivity for small homes. D-Link has established a solid reputation as a reliable and reputable networking brand.
D-Link DIR-636L specifications
| Brand | D-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | DIR-636L |
| Type | DIR-636L |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2012 |
Body
| Dimensions | 93 x 111 x 145 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 330 g |
If you live in a small apartment, the size of the router is crucial to deciding whether it will fit. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process.
System
| Chipset | Ralink RT6856 @ 700 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 128 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| OS | D-Link |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The Ralink RT6856 @ 700 MHz CPU affects the router's performance, working with RAM and firmware. The 128 MB of RAM helps the router manage many tasks concurrently
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The DIR-636L router is compatible with IPv6. IPv6 offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second. A Gigabit WAN port is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 2 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N150 |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 19 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The DIR-636L is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they're less suitable for larger homes or offices. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a safe wireless network with the push of a button or a simple PIN entry.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). A USB print server lets you connect a printer to your network. Then, computers can print to it without a direct connection. The DIR-636L router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | Admin |
| Default password | [blank] |
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.
Links
| Official site | https://www.dlink.com/ |
|---|
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. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- lightweight
- sufficient memory
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
D-Link DIR-636L photos
D-Link DIR-636L comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
