The availability of internet access plays such an imperative role in our daily lives that when there is an outage, we are quite upset. It can exacerbate the situation when our Wi-Fi router is not performing to its full potential. You can remedy this and improve the reliability of your home network by upgrading your Wi-Fi router.
Introducing the D-Link R15 Eagle Pro AI. This is one of the smallest and most affordable Wi-Fi 6 routers we have ever seen. It will fit right into any home or small office.
Besides its modest design, the Eagle Pro features special AI optimisations that can enhance performance. In addition, if you wish to extend your coverage, we can pair it with another D-Link router or extender to create a mesh network hub.
Design
D-Link’s R15 Smart Router is pleasingly compact. It features a white and pale blue finish, and four large antennas. The router is not unpleasant to look at. It has a footprint of just 195 mm x 139 mm, and an angular futuristic design.
The R15 Eagle Pro AI features four LEDs on the front panel that show the status of the power and internet connections, as well as the two wireless bands. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports are on the back. One of these connects to your internet modem, leaving three ports available for wired clients. There is also a WPS button and a recessed reset button next to it.
Specifications
| NBN/UFB Support | FTTP / FTTC/ HFC / Satellite / Fixed Wireless |
| Wi-Fi Technology | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Wi-Fi Speed | AX1500 (300 + 1200Mbps) |
| Wave 2 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wireless Bands | Dual Band |
| Wi-Fi Range | 1-2 Bedrooms |
| Wi-Fi Security | Standard|Enhanced (WPA3) |
| Mesh Standard | Eagle Pro AI |
| WAN Interface | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Ethernet Ports | 3 |
| Guest Network | Yes |
| Parental Controls | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatible | Amazon Alexa|Google Assistant |
| Internet Protocols | IPv4|IPv6 |
| Firmware Upgrade | Yes|Automatic Firmware Upgrade |
| SpeedTest Powered | Yes |
| App Support | Eagle Pro AI |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions (Size) | 251.64 x 166.47 x 194.18 mm |
Performance
The R15 Eagle Pro AI is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. While it does not offer the fastest wireless performance, it supports 4x4 MU-MIMO. The 5GHz radio offers up to 1.2Gbits/sec of connection speed, so there is no reason this router should not offer a similar performance to those that cost more.
There is a relatively slower top speed on the 2.4GHz band of 300Mbits/sec. However, that is unlikely to be a problem, since IoT devices and appliances that do not require high performance use these channels.
This router is not suitable for those seeking multi-Gigabit Ethernet, USB connectivity, or compatibility with the latest Wi-Fi 6E devices. However, it provides all the essential features for basic wired and wireless networking and even offers some upmarket features such as flexible QoS controls and an inbound VPN server.
Eagle Pro AI app control
Eagle Pro AI is an easy-to-use app that clearly lays out the options available to you. Whenever you first access a new section, a YouTube video appears explaining how the feature works, such as the Parental Control feature.
Although this router is designed for ‘set and forget’ use, it has some additional features. For example, you can control it via your Alexa or Google smart assistant, check your internet speed, and access advanced options for those who wish to explore it further.
Final Thoughts
In terms of features and performance, the R15 Eagle Pro AI isn’t exactly a standout router. The device provided a reliable wireless internet connection with as little fuss as possible. On those grounds, it is difficult to criticise. A power user would not find this device suitable, nor would anyone concerned about bandwidth. Despite this, homes and offices with modest needs don’t need to spend any more. This simple and very affordable router knows what it is supposed to do.
Considering these factors, the D-Link R15 Smart Router stands out both in terms of power and price, making it an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable way to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6. It is not the most advanced, but it is one of the most cost-effective.
