Network device manufacturers D-Link looks set to go all out in terms of both design and performance with its latest wireless router, the D-Link DIR-890L AC3200. Featuring cutting edge looks and components, the company is banking on this router to bring users the fastest network speeds money can buy.

Beautiful design; Great performance; Packed with features

Price

W hy is it that the more expensive a router is, the more outlandish its outer shell design must be? Just take a look at this premium product from D-Link, which outdoes Netgear's bat-modem to take the cake as one of the oddest looking routers available.

The DIR-890L is D-Link's flagship consumer router. It uses six external aerials to achieve up to AC3200 speeds – 2 x 1,300Mbps + 600Mbps simultaneously – across its three Wi-Fi bands. It's a monster of a machine in terms of specs and has a price tag to match, coming in at around ￡220.

Reliable Wi-Fi connection; Fast Wi-Fi performance; Good selectoin of extra features

Not as fast as rival high-end routers; Web interface lacks power-user options; Printer sharing software isn't great; Overkill for the majoirty of users

Our test lab already hosted routers that supported Smart Connect. This feature allows for the automatic redistribution of wireless clients between the supported wireless networks for improved efficiency in bandwidth usage.

Support of three independent radios in two frequency ranges (tri-band; Ability to create wireless guest networks; Availability of Smart-Connect feature; High performance CPU; Support of wireless guest networks; USB ports; Support of IPv6; Good access speeds to the data which are stored on an...

Low performance in 2.4 GHz frequency range; Absence of certain important features in the web-interface; Low performance of the built-in VPN server; Absence of support of EXT2/3/4 file systems; High price

D-Link are known the world-over for their strong and varying portfolio of networking products. They've been in the business for over 29 years, supplying the marketplace with routers, switches, hotspots, servers and adapters.

+ Aesthetically stunning; + Intuitive software GUI; + USB 3.0 port; + Tri-Band connectivity; + Up to 3200Mbps; + Strong signal; + Mobile app friendly; + Feature rich-network tools

Constant strong connection, customer service was second to none when I called in to get help setting up my external portable hard drive.

powerful no more buffering

none

The D-Link DIR-890L is a beast of a router, on many facets. It's big and looks dangerous because of its red design. Everyone has to see for themselves if they like that of course. When you don't think it looks good, you can place it somewhere out of sight, but that's not what D-Link designed it for.

Very disappointed so far. Many wireless devices are losing connectivity even though signal is strong. Firmware leaves a lot to be desired, can't view router logs without a SysLog Server or monitor and log websites visited by connected LAN devices.

A speedy, reliable router that's great if you accept its automatic settings.

Three bands with automatic switching for greater dedicated bandwidth to individual devices; Fast; reliable streaming throughout home network; Two USB ports make hard drives accessible within home and remotely

Dashboard makes it hard to customize some settings; Automated band switching and QoS remove options to change settings to suit your needs; No backup or media management software

The D-Link DIR-890L is a seriously eye-catching router, which is halfway between interstellar probe and space scarab. It's available in glossy red or a slightly more subdued black; not everyone is going to be fond of its heavily angular, pyramidal shape, but we found its design a refreshing break...