| TPLink Archer C9 | D-Link DIR-880L | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| WiFi Performance | AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) | AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) |
| WiFi Band | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port |
4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port |
1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port |
| Processor | 1GHz dual-core | 1GHz dual-core |
| Antennas | Three detachable antennas | Three dual band high-gain antennas |
| MSRP | $189.99 | $179.99 |
The D-Link DIR-880L is a router that efficiently distributes bandwidth, provides decent levels of speed and assists you in easily monitoring the network through wireless technology.
Features
While the router doesn’t score too high in terms of performance, it certainly provides decent speed for its price range. Within the same category, Asus and Linksys routers cost more for the same features.
The Dlink DIR-880L is a dual-band model that provides frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz for the wireless network. Additionally, you can easily setup a guest network on any of the frequencies.
It has one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port, making it easy to connect scanners, printers and storage devices. A power button, WAN port and four-port gigabit Ethernet switch is available at the rear of the device. The firmware of the router is pretty basic but it does provide Quality of Service feature that delegates more resources for your preferred activities, such as online gaming, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls and video streaming that normally lag due to slower data transfer rates.
Parental controls can be assigned on the D-Link DIR-880L, but the features are limited. As a parent, you can block websites and choose when to grant Internet access to your kids.
Design
The D-Link DIR-880L is a sleek device that comes with three over-sized antennas that can easily be removed. You can even upgrade the antennas if you wish. Moreover, there are slots for LED lights located at the top that indicate the power, Internet connectivity, 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies and two USB ports. It can be placed on a flat surface. Another option is to mount it on the wall.
The D-Link DIR-880L also supports SharePort, which displays music, videos, photos and other files in a neatly organized way, making it easy to manage, edit and delete different files. On the downside, you will only be able to view one file at a time.
The router does a good job at distributing the available resources uniformly throughout the network, but the speeds are just about average. You can stream videos, play games, browse the Internet and perform other functions with ease. But if you are looking for very fast download speeds, this will not be your pick.
Setup
Setup is largely simplified on this device. To complete basic configuration, you can use a Web browser or D-Link’s QRS mobile application that is available for mobiles running on Android or iOS operating systems. Apart from basic router setup, the application allows you to manage different networks connected to the router.
The router comes with a pre-configured password for its wireless networks. However, it is essential to note that the router’s admin interface does not come with a password. When you first access it, you will be prompted to create one.
Conclusion
All in all, the D-Link DIR-880L is a budget router with average speeds and handy online management tools. SharePort technology and mobile app support make it extremely easy to manage networks, create a guest network and complete router setup. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a simple Internet connection at light to moderate speed. Also, it is one of the few routers in the market that offers two USB ports making it easy to connect the router to a printer and a storage device simultaneously. While it lacks several advanced features, the D-Link DIR-880L is a good buy for its price.
