Nowadays, many parents are concerned about cyber security and safety, which is understandable given the proliferation of internet-connected devices in their children’s bedrooms and living rooms. This is why D-Link has teamed with Intel and McAfee to create the D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router, which was just released (DIR-2680).
It is an industry first for the consumer market, and it connects McAfee’s Secure Home Platform to the cube-shaped D-Fend router, which is a first for the consumer market. This package contains both security software and network protection in one convenient package.
Among the many features of the D-Fend AC2600 is its emphasis on security and parental controls. The D-Fend platform is meant to assist you in keeping children safe online by allowing you to set limits on age-appropriate content and categories. Given the fact that no system will ever be 100 percent accurate, this isn’t a system that should be set and forgotten; you should still perform the odd spot check/test to verify everything is working properly.
Another interesting feature is the option to establish individual profiles for each child. This allows you the ability to create child-specific setups, such as access times and other parameters. If they are acting inappropriately, just ask Alexa to disconnect them from the internet.
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Having said that, the DIR-2680’s security does not stop at access control alone. The McAfee Secure Home Platform, which comes included with the software, may also give automated antivirus protection on all network devices. Smart TVs, IP cameras, phones, and other electronic devices are examples of this.
Performance
The router has a number of difficulties with Wi-Fi range and dependability that were quite persistent. I live in a three-story townhouse with a small second floor, and the router was installed around the middle of the second level, exactly where my own router is normally located. With a standalone router, there are no coverage difficulties in my typical home network ecosystem, and I use Wi-Fi for practically everything (even my gaming consoles and PC).
There were evident Wi-Fi signal difficulties with the D-Link router in any area where there was more than one wall (or floor/ceiling) between the router and the room in question. For example, my upstairs bathroom is the most extreme case because there are four walls separating the router from that area. It was the only room in the house that did not have any signal at all. While on the first or third levels, however, every device was essentially operating at half-strength or lower Wi-Fi speeds.
Because of the architecture of my house and community, it’s difficult to determine how the D-horizontal Link’s range compares to its weak vertical range. However, based on the arrangement of the router’s four internal antennae, I don’t believe the results would be very different. (2 are arranged along the top edge for vertical range, and 2 are put along the sides for horizontal range.)
I’m not sure how the D-Link router’s intelligent beamforming played a role in all of this, but I had anticipated somewhat greater range performance than I actually received. The bottom conclusion is that it is a poor router if you have a large amount of ground to cover.
Specifications
| Processor | 1.6 GHz Intel GRX350 |
| Antennas | 4 internal |
| WAN port | 1 gigabit Ethernet port |
| LAN ports | 3 gigabit Ethernet ports |
| USB port | 1 USB 3.0 port |
| WPS | Yes |
| Wireless standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| Beamforming | Yes |
| Wireless bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Max throughput | 2,600 Mbps |
Verdict
D-Link has taken the modest wireless router and made it more relevant in today’s connected world by making it more user-friendly. Having strengthened the security features of the router by collaborating with industry heavyweights such as Intel and McAfee, they have introduced an innovative option to a very crowded market. While a 10Gbe port would be welcome given the D-Fend DIR-2680’s high price tag, I was generally pleased with the rest of the device’s features and performance.
If you are in the market for a new wireless router and have school-aged children, the D-Link D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-2680) is a good option to consider. It has a fast wireless connection and is easy to set up.
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