New D-Link EXO line DIR-879/869

[Rhialto]

How do you like the new EXO look? I gues it's either you like or not...

Was wondering if those antennas vs. prior ones which are taller will offer same performance? I know nobody have the answer, was just saying I hope perf was not sacrified for look.

Units have a switch on the back to toggle from router to extender mode.

Only one large LED status on the front. I think many prefer more LEDs to diagnose WAN, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, etc.

I see 879 use RTL8198C+RTL8814AR+RTL8194AR combo so USB could have been there but I guess they opted to offer a lower priced model.

 

[L&LD]

The look is too teenager for me.

The antennae bodies do not matter, it is the actual wire inside of them that do (and they'll be effectively identical).

 

[thiggins]

Units have a switch on the back to toggle from router to extender mode.

Feature requires a firmware update.

These are cost plays, not performance or feature

 

[Rhialto]

The antennae bodies do not matter, it is the actual wire inside of them that do (and they'll be effectively identical).

In fact length matter so that's why I pointed that, the new 'bodies' are short compared to previous.

 

[Rhialto]

Feature requires a firmware update.

Yep I knew from your news.

These are cost plays, not performance or feature

Feature not becaue of missing USB but why not performance? I mean in the AC1900 range they should perform the same as any other AC1900. You and I know AC3200 is overkill. Maybe feature wise the firmware also offer less than competition though.

The 869 looks identical to the 859, except the look. Am I wrong? I was able to get all internals and the intructions manual of the 879 but not the 869 so if you need any.

 

[thiggins]

Why not performance, because it costs money for Power and Low-Noise amps used in high-end products. Cost driven builds may not have these or only on one band.

The fact they are using Realtek is a definite "tell" for cost-focus.

 

[Rhialto]

Why not performance, because it costs money for Power and Low-Noise amps used in high-end products. Cost driven builds may not have these or only on one band.

The fact they are using Realtek is a definite "tell" for cost-focus.

Interesting! Thanks for the tip... will have a look at this next time I'm looking to replace my N router.

I know we must not always believe what's written on the box, D-Link is pretty good to sell their product that way with high gain antenna, poweful amp, etc. Maybe one day we'll see on box this device use high quality amplifiers like we can see with motherboards advertizing using solid cap.

 

[thiggins]

Maybe one day we'll see on box this device use high quality amplifiers like we can see with motherboards advertising using solid cap.

Amped Wireless has always used amplifier count as a primary marketing tool. But all those amplifiers don't deliver better performance.

 

[System Error Message]

I would say neither considering D-link security issues.

 

[stevech]

D-Link: Just Say No

 

[pege63]

Well in most cases it wont bring any differences wath router you have, what you need is a router that is fast as the speed of the clients that you have at home.