We recently reviewed the
D-Link COVR 2202 Tri-Band WiFi Mesh System, which was a good option for those that have medium sized homes and relatively few wired devices (or you already have wired switches to use on your network). At a recent trade show we met up with D-Link and they were showing off some new routers in their EXO line. While discussing some of the models we were told that all new EXO models would support mesh networking. This was very interesting since most routers that support mesh have been very limited in the way of wired Ethernet connections available. So when they offered to send one over, we were happy to take a look.
As mentioned, the EXO line will now support mesh networking, but they are still sold as individual pieces. So in this case we will be looking at two different components, one is the router, the D-Link EXO DIR-2600 AC2600 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi Router (@
Amazon) and the other is the D-Link EXO DAP-1820 AC2000 Wi-Fi Range Extender (@
Amazon). Since you will need multiple pieces to create the mesh network we will be reviewing these as one unit so to speak.
Features and Specifications:
I will start with the DIR-2660, which is more of your traditional looking router. It is a fairly small unit with four adjustable antennas. You can control it with Google Assistant and/or Amazon Alexa, and it comes with a free subscription to McAfee for 5 years. Via the free app you can configure your settings, set parental controls and test your internet speed. Below is a more comprehensive list of features and specifications.
» Model: EXO AC2600 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi Router
» Wireless Speed: 2600 Mbps (800Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1732Mbps on 5GHz)
» CPU: 880 MHz dual core
» SDRAM: 256 MB
» Flash: 128 MB
» Antenna Type: External Fixed Antenna (4x4+4x4)
» Wi-Fi Mesh: Yes
» MU-MIMO: Yes
» D-Link Wi-Fi: Yes
» McAfee Protection: Yes
» Voice Control: Yes
» WAN: 1(10/100/1000)
» LAN: 4(10/100/1000)
» USB: 1 (3.0) + 1 (2.0)
» Static IP: Yes
» Dynamic IP: Yes
» PPPoE: Yes
» L2TP: Yes
» PPTP: Yes
» Static IPv6: Yes
» PPPoE (IPv6 over PPPoE): Yes
» Quick VPN: Yes
» WPS: Yes Push button only
» WPA2-PSK (Personal): Yes
» Guest Zone: Yes
» USB Sharing (FTP): Yes
» USB Sharing (SAMBA): Yes
The D-Link EXO AC2000 Wi-Fi Range Extender (DAP-1820) is a white, somewhat oval shaped device with integrated plug. It too is relatively small, in this case measuring (2.6" x 3.3" x 5.5"). The DAP-1820 is designed to allow you to quickly add a node to your existing EXO router to create a mesh network and eliminate dead zones in your home. It is rated for a total bandwidth of 2000 Mbps which comes from 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1733 Mbps on 5GHz. The signal strength indicator provides quick feedback to enable you to find the best placement in your home. Below are some additional specs from the D-Link site.
» Model: AC2000 Wi-Fi Range Extender
» Wireless Speed: 2000Mbps (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
» SDRAM: 128MB
» Flash : 16MB
» Antenna Type: External Antenna (2x2+4x4)
» Beamforming: Yes
» MU-MIMO: Yes
» Wireless: a/b/g/n/ac (Concurrent dual band)
» LAN: 1(10/100/1000)
» WPA/WPA2-Personal: Yes
» D-Link Wi-Fi: Yes
