D-Link DSL-X3052E Router review — Easy setup and access to reliable speeds

We’re in a world where no two connections are the same with the NBN having HFC, Fibre to the Node, Fibre to the curb and Fibre to the premises. With each needing a different pathway for connection, needing different routing options.

Thankfully, people who are on FTTC and FTTN aren’t stuck with the basic setup that is provided by your ISP. The DSL-X3052E is an interesting beast, offering not just standard Ethernet based WAN routing, but a VDSL modem, opening the door to better, whole of home connectivity to all users without complicating the setup.

Unboxing and Setup

As my home network is somewhat more complex than a standard home, just “changing routers” isn’t that simple and I’m on FTTP so wasn’t able to run the device through its full connectivity set. Luckily for me, my mother-in-law is on Fibre to the Node and has been using a rather old wireless modem/router to connect to the Internet.

A quick tip of the hat to D-Link for continuing their sustainability push, with only a couple of relatively small pieces of plastic in the packaging. Everything else went in the recycling bin.

Setting up the unit was remarkably easy through the setup wizard. All you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions and enter the details requested including:

• ISP username and password for PPPoE connection
• Wi-Fi settings (if you’re using some iOT devices, you’ll need to separate 2.5Ghz and 5Ghz)
• Your chosen IP range

The whole process was quick and simple, very much a case of following the on-screen instructions and — my mistake — actually reading them so you select the right connection type.

Daily use: Reliable Wi-Fi

Coming from an ISP provided Wi-Fi router that was at least 6 years old, I expected there to be some performance improvement. In my limited time there during weekly visits to “Nanna” with the kids, I found that the signal was significantly stronger at the far reaches of the house from where the router is. While still not the same strength of signal a mesh system would offer, the signal is now able to max out a speed test on the 25Mbps connection.

The other notable improvement was that when there were multiple devices (usually all me…) streaming, they all actually got data. This is, of course, to be expected when you’re upgrading from an old Wi-Fi router to a current standard in Wi-Fi 6 with all of its benefits.

What was noted by my mother-in-law was that once the new router was installed, there was no issues on her network. No dropouts, no lag, no signal degradation and no noted slowdowns.

While this isn’t a high-end router for the tinkerer, or prosumer, it’s definitely one that’s well worth looking at for your average home that doesn’t need, want, or perhaps doesn’t have the money for a high end mesh network and at $349.00 it won’t break the bank. It’s a really solid package that covers everything (VoIP was not able to be tested for this review) you’d need for a home setup and is capable of supporting all NBN connection types.

Of course, if you’ve got the need, money and knowledge to set it up; you could always go all-in on a business grade setup for your home. The reality is that — within reason — you’ll get more and more from your networking gear for your money.

You can pick one up through the usual retail channels, or vid D-Link online.