DIR-825M-01 AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band Wi-Fi Router Review – Speed Up to 1200Mbps
Table of Contents
Introduction
The D-Link DIR-825M-01 AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band Wi-Fi Router promises speed and reliability. In this comprehensive review, we put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. Having used the router for several weeks in a typical household environment, I can offer some real-world insights into its performance and overall usability.
Key Features
The DIR-825M-01 boasts several key features designed to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Its dual-band capabilities allow for simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections, optimizing bandwidth for various devices. The external antennas provide strong signal coverage, a factor I found crucial in my testing. The router’s support for 802.11ac MU-MIMO technology promises smoother streaming and gaming for multiple devices, a claim we’ll explore further in the performance section.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Name | White |
| Wireless Technology | WiFi 6 |
| Band Technology | Dual Band |
| Antenna Type | External |
| Wireless Standard | 5G |
| Max Data Transfer Rate | 1 Gbps |
| Model Number | DIR-825M-01 |
| Model Name | DIR-825M-01 |
| Wireless Standard Value | 802.11ac |
Performance & Testing
I tested the DIR-825M-01 in a three-bedroom house with multiple devices connected concurrently – laptops, smartphones, smart home devices, and a streaming device. The setup was relatively straightforward; the included quick start guide was easy to follow. During peak usage hours, the router handled the traffic relatively well. I experienced minimal buffering while streaming 4K video on one device, and several other devices were simultaneously browsing the internet without significant lag. However, I did note some occasional speed drops during heavy usage, particularly in areas further away from the router. This suggests the signal strength, while generally good, could benefit from improvements, especially in larger homes. Speed tests conducted using Ookla’s Speedtest.net revealed download speeds consistently within the advertised range, although upload speeds were slightly lower than expected.
The MU-MIMO technology did seem to contribute to a more stable and consistent connection across multiple devices. Gaming performance was generally smooth, though I experienced a few instances of minor lag during online multiplayer sessions. This could be attributed to factors outside the router’s control, such as server performance or network congestion.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Relatively easy setup, strong signal coverage in close proximity, handles multiple devices reasonably well, decent speeds for the price point.
- Cons: Occasional speed drops during peak usage, signal strength could be improved for larger homes, upload speeds slightly lower than expected.
Final Verdict
The D-Link DIR-825M-01 AC1200 Gigabit Dual Band Wi-Fi Router offers a solid performance for its price point. While it’s not perfect and might not be ideal for extremely large homes or users with extremely high bandwidth demands, it provides a reliable Wi-Fi experience for most users. The ease of setup and generally good performance make it a suitable option for those seeking a budget-friendly upgrade. I would recommend this router for small to medium-sized homes with moderate device usage. However, users requiring top-tier performance or extensive range might want to consider a more premium model.
