Conclusion:

For someone who is looking for a new router and wants to have the ability to get all of their current and (foreseeable) future wireless devices connected with ease, the D-Link DIR-880L AC1900 Wi-Fi router is a great choice. You get support for wireless b, g, n, a, and ac - as well as four Gigabit wired ports. The user interface is visually appealing and easy to navigate, and getting any of your devices connected to each other and the Internet should be simple. For a typical user who doesn't require many advanced features from a router, this one will not overwhelm you, while giving you a bit of flexibility. On top of the typical routing functions, the DIR-880L also lets you create your own networked storage solution by adding a drive to either the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port. With a portable hard drive connected to the USB 3.0 port, you will have high speed storage that can be shared to any device on the network.



While the D-Link DIR-880L AC1900 Wi-Fi router is not a match for my needs, I recognize that I am not quite the typical user. The simple interface seemed limited to me, and many options I would want and/or need were not there. I have a custom built pfSense router which handles a good deal of network management tasks that for the most part could not be duplicated on the DIR-880L. The biggest issue for me is the lack of an access point mode. I presently use the ASUS RT-N16 router in access point mode to provide wireless connectivity to my home, and given its aging features/performance I would definitely like to improve that aspect of the network's performance. The Netgear N750 offers an access point mode, but proved to be unreliable in that role, and the DIR-880L is out of the running since an access point mode isn't even an option. Other features also seemed limited for consideration by more advanced users, but at least they were present in some manner.

Shopping around for the DIR-880L finds it at popular online retailers like Amazon.com and Newegg.com, where the price is about $182. I would say the two big names in AC1900 routers right now are the ASUS RT-AC68U and the Netgear Nighthawk, which both sell for just a bit more than the DIR-880L. While I can not compare them head-to-head in performance, the specifications are similar enough that saving a few bucks may be the deciding factor when faced with choosing what one to buy.

Considering the wireless performance, USB 3.0 capabilities, and ease of use - the D-Link DIR-880L AC1900 Wi-Fi router is definitely worth a look if you don't need many special features in a router. That said, it earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award.



Pros:

» Excellent wireless data transfer rates
   » Solid performance for gaming, multiple HD video streams, etc...
   » Gigabit wiring might not be the only way any more
» Great wireless range
» User interface is uncluttered, well documented, and easy to use (even with touch devices)
» Connected USB 3.0 devices can share files with your network at actual USB 3.0 transfer rates

Cons:

» Configuration options in user interface seem limited - not for a power user
» Does not offer an access point mode

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