The D-Link EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router delivers new technology to produce the most exceptional Wi-Fi experience to be able to date. It holds the latest WI-Fi technology with a reliable router with stable performance, elegant yet underrated chassis, and a fair price tag. This D-Link router includes multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) data streaming and smart connect band steering and beamforming. So let us look at the D-Link EXO AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router.
D-link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router Review
PROS
- Affordable price
- 4 spatial data streams
- USB port for media sharing
- Easy to setup
- QoS engine
- Able to cover a 4200 sq ft 2 story house without speed loss
CONS
- Deficient flash memory
- Only 4 Gigabit ports
- Scheduling/parental controls are broken
- QoS is limited by system
- High power antenna
- Band steering
- AC2600 speeds and MU-MIMO technology provide faster downloads and smoother streaming
- Powerful Dual core processor and advanced Qos experience the lag free gaming
- Dual band wireless performance (800 + 1733)
- Advanced AC SmartBeam
- 4 x 4 data streams
- SmartBeam forming
| Brand | D-Link |
| Product number manufacturer | DIR-882 |
| Available color | Black |
| Depth | 177.8 mm |
| Height | 44.5 mm |
| LED indicators | LAN, Power, USB, WLAN |
| Product type | Tabletop router |
| Weight | 565 g |
| Width | 254 mm |
| Antenna type | External |
| Number of antennas | 4 |
| USB 2.0 ports | 1 |
| USB 3.1 type-A ports | 1 |
| Input frequency | 50/60 |
| Input voltage | 100-240 |
| Output current | 2.5A |
| Output voltage | 12 V |
| Frequency band | Dual-band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) |
| Network speed (LAN) | 10,100,1000 Mbit/s |
| Network standard | Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a,IEEE 802.11ac,IEEE 802.11b,IEEE 802.11g,IEEE 802.11n,IEEE 802.3ab,IEEE 802.3u |
| Wi-Fi standard | IEEE 802.11a,IEEE 802.11ac,IEEE 802.11b,IEEE 802.11g,IEEE 802.11n |
| WLAN data transfer rate (max) | 2533 Mbit/s |
| Number of cores | 2 |
| Supported network protocols | IPv4/IPv6 |
| Firewall security | NAT |
| Supported security algorithms | WPA,WPA2,WPS |
| VPN support | PPTP/L2TP/IPsec |
The D-Link Exo has a compact design, 177.8 mm depth, 44.5 mm height, 254 mm width, and about 565 g weight. It is available in black color with LAN, power, USB, and WLAN LED indicators.
It claims 800 megabits per second 2.4 gigahertz mode, and 1733 megabits per second when operating in the five gigahertz range. It uses four by 4 data streams for high-performance antennas supporting multi-user Mimo and smart beaming. The Exo also claims dual-core processors to support QoS WPA and wpa2 encryption DLNA and 2 USB ports.
The Exo supports MIMO, which stands for multiple input multiple outputs means that there are numerous independent channels capable of handling data streams from several sources. Its 4 x 4 MIMO allows for four separate data streams, all operating at different speeds, and these streams mean that your higher-speed devices give you an autobahn.
Beamforming allows those streams to be combined for a more excellent speed range, but that’s well beyond what I’m getting into here. It has a quality of service engine, which is stands for the quality of services.
It has a dual-core processor for a faster network speed for a more powerful router. It has a high performance for antenna delivering maximum range around your home. It has 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 2 USB ports 2.0 and 3.0, an advanced AC smart beam, just another name for beamforming.
880 megahertz dual-core processor, but it only has sixteen megabytes of flash memory and 128 megabytes of RAM. Its AC 2600 rating means theoretical speeds of 800 megabytes per second on the 2.4 gigahertz band and 1733 megabits per second on its five gigahertz band.
Installation & Testing
The D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi router setup was straightforward, yet saving a brand new setting took up to half a minute each, and every time it felt like forever for many people. However, this won’t end up being a problem because the default settings on the D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router will be just beautiful. However, customizing this router that takes some extra time.
Devices used for testing the performance of the D-link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router are:
- Samsung 4K Ultra HD tv
- Apple iphone 11
- Samsung galaxy S20 ultra
- My gaming pc (custom made)
- Acer predator triton 900
For the comparison, I use speed smart as the tool for benchmarks connected to the same server from the same and other rooms as the wireless router.
So let’s get into it.
As you can see new Samsung 4K Ultra HD TV from my living room on the ground floor achieved 94 megabits per second down and 37 megabits per second up. In my Apple iPhone 11, I get a speed of 92 megabits per second down and 37 megabits per second up. So to give a graph comparison, we can see that Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra connected to the router achieved in the speed test of 90 megabits per second down and 36 megabits per second up.
My custom-made gaming pc achieved speeds of 96 megabits per second down and 37 megabits per second up. Last but least, Acer Predator Triton 900 reached 95 megabits per second down and 37 megabits per second up a pretty respectable speed.
I used five devices simultaneously to see if they handled local streams or not. I could use up to 5 devices without stutter or delay, but I’m sure I could use many more devices without issues, and even 4K streaming wouldn’t be a problem. The D-Link Exo AC 2600 handled exceptionally well with range and performance were even through brick walls, I wasn’t losing connectivity where I would have previously with my old Wi-Fi set up. Also, to go as far back as my garage surprised me.
Should I Buy MU-MIMO Routers?
If you have four, five, or more devices in your home, it could be the right choice. One of the significant drawbacks of the MU-MIMO router is that both the router and receiving devices have MU-MIMO compatibility to connect simultaneously.
Can MU-MIMO Increase Speed?
Yes, MU-MIMO can increase the network’s speed.
Conclusion
The D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO is a pretty strong contender in a dual-band AC category due to its affordable price and overall performance. It is less expensive than other routers in this price range and has useful features.
So if you are looking for a great wireless setup for your home, I’d suggest this wireless router if you have a large home and you’re concerned about range and performance. It is one of the better deals in the router if you rely on 4k streaming online gaming on multiple devices.
Now, if you have any questions about what you just read, feel free to ask in the comment box. Right Now!
