The D-Link DIR-1960 EXO AC1900 Mesh Enabled Smart Wi-Fi Router is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi solution for their home. Offering a blend of powerful hardware, intelligent features, and compatibility with custom firmware like OpenWRT, the DIR-1960 is an ideal option for both tech enthusiasts and casual users who want dependable connectivity without complexity. Below is an in-depth look at what makes the D-Link DIR-1960 stand out and how it benefits from OpenWRT compatibility.
Key Features of the D-Link DIR-1960
- High-Speed AC1900 Dual-Band Performance:
- With support for AC1900 speeds, the DIR-1960 provides up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This is ideal for households with multiple connected devices streaming HD content, gaming, or handling large file downloads.
- Mesh Wi-Fi Compatibility:
- As a mesh-enabled router, the DIR-1960 integrates seamlessly with D-Link’s EXO Mesh range. This lets you add D-Link mesh extenders to expand your network coverage and eliminate dead zones. Mesh networks are particularly advantageous for larger homes or spaces where traditional single-point routers struggle to provide coverage.
- Smart Home Integration:
- The router’s compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allows for easy management of network settings using voice commands. It also includes McAfee Secure Home Platform for enhanced security, which can be controlled from a mobile app, giving users peace of mind and a safe browsing environment.
- Easy Setup and Management via the D-Link Wi-Fi App:
- The D-Link Wi-Fi app provides an intuitive interface for setting up and managing the router. You can adjust settings, check network health, and troubleshoot any connectivity issues from your smartphone.
- Parental Controls and QoS:
- The router offers advanced parental controls, allowing users to set up internet usage schedules and filter inappropriate content. Quality of Service (QoS) features prioritize traffic for specific devices, ensuring smoother streaming or gaming experiences.
Why the D-Link DIR-1960 Is Ideal for Home Wi-Fi Needs
The D-Link DIR-1960 is built with home users in mind, offering a balance between advanced features and user-friendliness. Its high-speed performance and broad coverage make it suitable for streaming, gaming, and handling smart home devices. The ability to integrate mesh extenders provides flexibility, especially in multi-level homes, ensuring all rooms receive strong Wi-Fi signals.
Security is another factor, as the built-in McAfee protection offers an extra layer of defense, while parental controls help manage content access for family members. The app-controlled setup also reduces the typical complexity of router configuration, making it accessible even to those without technical expertise.
Running OpenWRT on the D-Link DIR-1960
One of the most exciting aspects of the D-Link DIR-1960 is its compatibility with OpenWRT, a Linux-based open-source firmware for routers. OpenWRT can transform your router’s capabilities, enabling custom settings and features not typically available on stock firmware.
Benefits of Running OpenWRT on the D-Link DIR-1960:
- Greater Control and Customization:
- OpenWRT allows for fine-grained control over network settings, providing the ability to adjust nearly every aspect of your router’s behavior. This level of customization is ideal for power users or anyone wanting more control over their network.
- Enhanced Security:
- With OpenWRT, you receive more frequent security updates than with stock firmware, helping protect your network against emerging threats.
- Advanced Networking Features:
- OpenWRT supports complex network features like VLANs, traffic shaping, and advanced firewall configurations. It can also act as a VPN server, ad-blocker, or DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) provider, which can greatly improve privacy and security for all connected devices.
- Extended Router Lifespan:
- OpenWRT can significantly extend the usable life of your router by providing ongoing updates and eliminating potential performance limitations of the stock firmware.
- Open-Source Community Support:
- OpenWRT’s vibrant community offers excellent support, with extensive documentation and forums to help troubleshoot issues or find unique configurations.
Setting Up OpenWRT on the DIR-1960
If you’re considering using OpenWRT on the DIR-1960, it’s essential to follow the appropriate setup steps to avoid potential firmware compatibility issues. Here’s a basic guide:
- Download the OpenWRT Firmware:
- Ensure you download the OpenWRT firmware version specifically compatible with the DIR-1960 model. You can find this on the OpenWRT website under supported devices.
- Upload the Firmware via the Router’s Web Interface:
- Access the DIR-1960’s web interface, navigate to the firmware update section, and upload the OpenWRT firmware file. Note that installing custom firmware may void the router’s warranty, so proceed with caution.
- Configure OpenWRT:
- Once installed, you’ll have access to OpenWRT’s interface (LuCI), where you can begin customizing settings to suit your network needs.
- Leverage OpenWRT’s Advanced Features:
- Start exploring features such as VPN setup, QoS management, ad-blocking, and network monitoring, all available through OpenWRT’s extensive repository of packages.
Conclusion
The D-Link DIR-1960 EXO AC1900 is an outstanding choice for a home Wi-Fi router. Its mesh compatibility, high-speed dual-band support, and smart home integration make it well-suited for various online activities and smart device management. The added ability to run OpenWRT is a significant advantage, providing tech enthusiasts with unparalleled control over their network.
Whether you stick with the stock firmware or venture into the world of OpenWRT, the DIR-1960 promises to deliver a solid home networking experience, making it an investment that meets both current and future Wi-Fi demands. You can get it now through my affiliate link here: Buy on Amazon.