Router doubter? No need to be! Can’t go wrong with the D-Link AXConnect.

Full disclosure … this review is written from the perspective of someone who simply uses a router at home. I have never previously had to set up a router.  I recruited my teenaged son to help with the set up of the D-Link DSL-X3052E AXConnect, because (i) this stuff is more his wheelhouse, and (ii) we were interested in how the speed and strength of internet delivery to his gaming set up varied from our current D-Link router’s performance.

 

 

The AXConnect router

The box contains:

• the AX3000Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP (DSL-X3052E)
• a power adapter
• 1 x ethernet cable + 1 x phone cable
• xDSL Microfilter/splitter
• a quick install guide & wi-fi configuration card

As far as aesthetics go, this is a black box with 4 antennae, that kind of looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in a Star Wars film. It’s not pretty. It doesn’t blend in with the décor. It looks like a router because it IS a router. I have a penchant for devices with smooth curves and lines, that can hide in plain sight. I like white devices. I’m not even sure if routers come in cool, funky, clean designs. But I digress.

 

Setup and User Interface

The setup process for the AXConnect is mostly straightforward. My biggest headache was not reading the “Before you Start” suggestion of having your ISP account username and password on you. The handy set up instructions very clearly state “Do not proceed until you have this information” … sigh … #ateachershouldknowbetter #readeverythingbeforeyoustart

 

 

It also took us a hot minute and a call to tech support to figure out that our ISP requires a PPPoE connection. I assumed that the web browser set up would automatically detect the type of connection required and that it would auto-populate that information in the set up boxes. (I warned you that I had never set up a router before!) Once the PPPoE connection was selected, everything else was straightforward.

By the way, D-Link 24/7 Tech Support … you rock. Straightforward, patient, efficient help was received.

 

Performance

The router has one dedicated Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, providing optional wired connectivity.

The ports!

In terms of performance, the D-Link AXConnect is quite capable for mid-to-large homes with multiple devices. If you have a household like ours, then you’ll know just how many devices connect to the internet in one household! The router delivers solid speed and coverage and can maintain good performance without any slowdowns that we noticed. It delivers speeds up to AX3000 (2400Mbps on the 5GHz and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz).  **However, as with any router, actual performance can vary depending on the specific environment, including the layout of your home and the number of walls between the router and your devices.

Compared to our previous D-Link router, my son found that he gained stronger reception and slightly better speeds to his gaming desktop and VR headset, both located upstairs and at the opposite end of the house form where the router is positioned.

Specifications for the AXConnect can be found on the D-Link website here.

 

Value

The D-Link AXConnect offers a good balance of price and performance. For households looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without spending too much on a high-end router, the AXConnect provides excellent value.

 

Conclusion

At $399.95 the D-Link DSL-3052E AXConnect is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 without breaking the bank. It offers a significant performance boost over older Wi-Fi 5 routers, particularly in environments with many connected devices, making it a reliable option for most households. You can purchase the AXConnect from Amazon or any authorised reseller, it’s priced at $349 on Amazon at time of publishing.

With thanks to the D-Link 24/7 tech support team (again – you rock!) and to D-Link for the opportunity to review this router.