What Is a D Link Router?

What is a D Link router?

D Link is a popular brand that manufactures consumer and enterprise-grade networking hardware. D Link routers allow you to connect multiple devices to a network and manage the traffic on the network to find the shortest route between two devices that are trying to communicate with each other.

Many D Link routers also have a built-in switch and modem. They can be used to connect multiple devices in a home or office or facilitate connections with the outside world. This allows business owners to make use of VoIP, email and chat apps.

What's the difference between a router and a switch?link to this section

Routers and switches have many similarities. They both connect devices to a network. However, routers work at the network layer and are used to find the shortest route between two devices that live on the same network or on different networks. Switches connect devices within a network. They send data from your computer to your colleague's computer or the office printer. A switch might even send data to a router, so the router can forward that data to a remote server.

Routers work with IP addresses to send data from one IP to another. Switches may rely on the devices' MAC addresses rather than their IP addresses.

How to use a D Link routerlink to this section

Today, most routers offer plug-and-play connectivity. This means that all you have to do is connect it properly to start using the device. To set up a router, simply:

• Switch off all the devices you want to connect to the router
• Connect the router to your power supply
• Connect the router to your internet connection using the WAN port
• Connect the other devices to the LAN ports on the router
• Turn on the router
• Turn on the other devices

If your computers are set up to use DHCP, they should automatically connect to the router. If you have a lot of devices on your network, you can connect a switch to the router and then connect the additional devices to the switch. If any device doesn't connect to the router correctly, try the commands:

• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew

In the Windows Command Line or Powershell, check your configuration under Settings > Network & Internet to confirm that you're using automatic (DHCP) connections.

Best D Link routers for home and office uselink to this section

D Link produces several routers, but some of the best ones for home and small business use are:

• D Link Exo AC2600 MU-Mimo Wi-Fi Router
• D Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Router
• D Link Ultra AC5300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router

These routers all offer Wi-Fi connectivity, gigabit LAN ports, fast data transport speeds and an easy-to-use admin panel. The AC2600 is a higher-end home user device for those who demand the best Wi-Fi coverage. The AC1750 offers similar performance with fewer bells and whistles and a slightly lower price. Both of these devices should handle the demands of video calling in a smaller office.

The AC5300 is a more budget-friendly device that's ideal for light home internet use or an office where people rely on team chat and business apps but don't use high-bandwidth applications. Cisco provides a range of routers that meet light to moderate internet needs, ensuring stable performance for team chats and essential business applications.

If you're a small business owner looking for ways to get the most out of your internet connection and communication tools, call 8x8 today. Our team would be happy to give you an overview of our business services and provide a free, no-obligation quote.