Coming in from D-Link’s line of wireless products is the DIR-865L Cloud Router. It is a dual band wireless device that is bent on delivering the 802.11ac experience at an acceptable price tag. As the name suggests, one of this product’s main feature is its personal cloud system.
In terms of physical appearance, the AC 1750 Cloud Router is comparable to a very large black notebook. It was made and designed to be oriented vertically and the stand is permanently attached to the body. We can say that it’s one of the highest in terms of the height; but it does conserve space in any surface, perfect for those having small tables for their routers.
DIR-865L
The rear-end of this device is home to the standard router ports and buttons. We have a USB Port for the Cloud feature, 4 LAN Gigabit Ports, and a WAN port. Also located at the back are the power switch, reset button, and the Power Connector. Located below the stand is a sticker containing the base information of the router which provide the basic help for users unfamiliar with setting up a wireless device.
Setting it up is easy and the router asks only the minimal but essential questions. For the uninitiated, the router asks simply for the username and passwords for the two frequencies, namely the 2.4Ghz and the 5Ghz band. The setup ends with the router asking for its administrative account, with the user free to move about and connected to the internet. It took us about 3 minutes as we had problems with the internet connection, making it hard for the router to detect. Quite amazing was the captcha prompt for admin verification. Whenever you want to configure the router, a captcha presents itself to prevent unwanted bots or programs to access your router.
The simpler the setup is, the more advanced the configuration options are for the DIR-865L. Getting into the router’s configuration page is an experience similar to getting lost in a maze. Menus and text litter the overall screen. To be fair, D-Link took the extra mile by explaining unfamiliar terms and acronyms. Despite the cluttered interface, the DIR-865L can be configured to the limits, making it a good choice for those looking out for a router that means business.
The Cloud feature is already making rounds in recently released routers, but D-Link is one of those that work. Simply put, this feature enables the user to use a smartphone or a tablet to access devices currently attached to the router. By adding an external storage device to the DIR-865L, the user can access it as long as it is connected to the internet and vice-versa.
The D-Link DIR-865L is a router from the 802.11ac draft that we can recommend. It has the speed and the necessary oomph to propel your files faster than the widely-available 802.11n, but some may find it still lacking. The vertical orientation is good for those who have little room and the cloud service is usable and functional. In all respects, the DIR-865L is a decent 802.11ac router that delivers.
“The Cloud feature is already making rounds in recently released routers, but D-Link is one of those that work. Simply put, this feature enables the user to use a smartphone or a tablet to access devices currently attached to the router. ”