D-Link DIR-850L router review
D-Link introduced the DIR-850L router in 2013. It is powered by Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz chipset, 128 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.
Wondering if this D-Link router is awesome? Keep reading to know!
Table of Contents
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. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the D-Link DIR-850L, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The DIR-850L is a popular router. It offers great networking. This is thanks to its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. D-Link has actively developed innovative networking solutions.
D-Link DIR-850L specifications
Brand | D-Link |
---|---|
Name | DIR-850L |
Type | DIR-850L |
Rating | |
Launch | 2013 |
Body
Dimensions | 86 x 112 x 147 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 295 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
Chipset | Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz |
---|---|
RAM | 128 MB |
Flash | 128 MB |
OS | D-Link |
Power supply | 12 V / 2 A |
The Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. You cannot expand the router's memory (128 MB). When choosing a router, it is important to consider the RAM specifications. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The D-Link provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 2 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
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 router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The DIR-850L router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. The router has Gigabit Ethernet ports. They allow for faster communication between devices on your local network. A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.
Wireless
Antennas | 2 x 2 dBi internal |
---|---|
2.4 GHz | yes |
5 GHz | yes |
60 GHz | no |
Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Class | AC1200 |
Speed | 300 + 867 Mbps |
Transmit power | 19 dBm |
Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
Guest network | yes |
The 2 x 2 dBi, internal antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The router supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This Wi-Fi router supports multiple spatial streams, typically up to 4 streams. The top speed, 300 + 867 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.
WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. 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
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 adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The DIR-850L 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.
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.
Pros
- lightweight
- sufficient memory
- adequate flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
D-Link DIR-850L photos
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