D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2/ADSL2+ Modem Router with VoIP

If you’re one of the unfortunate few who is still on ADSL or some form of VDLS2 technology such as FTTN NBN service, the D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Router offers a compelling feature rich bundle to ugrade to. With its integrated DSL modem and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, the router offers a comprehensive solution for users seeking high-speed, reliable internet connectivity. Here’s a quick peak at the routers’ specifications.

Features

• Integrated VDSL/ ADSL2+ Modem for universal DSL connectivity in Australia and New Zealand with VLAN tagging
• Wi-Fi 6 technology provides faster speeds, greater capacity and less network congestion
• Speeds up to AX3000 (2400Mbps on the 5GHz and 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz)
• One dedicated Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports provide optional wired connectivity
• Connect up to two phones to makes VoIP calls over the Internet*
• OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology communicate more data to more devices while simultaneously reducing lag
• BSS Colouring Technology reduces interference, making more efficient use of Wi-Fi spectrum
• Increased battery life of connected devices with Target Wake Time technology
• Supports the latest WPA3™ encryption
• Supports SOS/ ROC

Unboxing and closer look at the D-Link DSL-X3052E

D-link do spend a bit of effort on their packaging and it does provide a good level of information to potential buyers. Inside, you’ll find the router itself, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable for wired connections, an ADSL filter, a phone cable, a quick start guide with setup instructions, and warranty information.

The D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Router is a compact, desktop-friendly device and has a sleek, modern design with a black exterior. The router features a combination of plastic and rubberized feet, providing a sturdy and grippy build.

There a 4 omnidirectional Wi-Fi antennas which can be adjusted to optimize Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength. There’s an array of LED lights in the front for visual indication of services enabled.

Four Gigabit Ethernet ports are provided on the back of the router, allowing you to connect wired devices such as computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. A USB 3.0 port is included for sharing files, printers, USB modems and other USB devices with your network. There’s one Gigabit WAN port along with a DSL port for services like ADSL or FTTN NBN services. If you use VOIP services, there are 2 ports which can be utilized as well.

Compared to it’s predecessor the D-Link DSL-X1852E router we reviewed, the DSL-X3052E has a slightly thinner profile with more air vents to keep the router cool during demanding operations. The key improvement on the D-Link DSL-X3052E is its AX3000 Wi-Fi speeds compared to AX1800 on the D-Link DSL-X1852E.

Software Setup

Just like with our previous reviews on D-Link routers, the initial setup is very straightforward and seemless. My only gripe with D-Link is their router software hasn’t seen any noticeable update in the UX side of things for a very long time and feels very dated. It’s certainly long overdue for a revamp to keep up with the competition.

Having said that, the software provided integrates well with the hardware and no noticeable glitches were observed. It offers a set and forget setup which is what most users look for.

On initial login you’ll get the WAN setup wizard.

Select the type of internet service you have and proceed to next. If you’re on a xDSL technology such as FTTN NBN service, select VDSL from the dropdown. For other NBN services go with Ethernet.

For seamless Wi-Fi connectivity between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz you can keep “Smart Connect” enabled which will show you only a single Wi-Fi SSID. If you wanted to separate them out you can disable Smart Connect and proceed.

Just like the D-Link DSL-X1852E, the D-Link DSL-X3052E supports the ability to failover to a backup 4G internet connection if you got a USB 4G dongle connected to the USB port on the router. Your interenet connection would seamlessly failover to the backup in the event your primary connection fails.

The router also provides basic parental controls to setup schedules as to when your kids devices will have Wi-Fi connectivity and not. The controls aren’t anything extravagant like some other router manufacturers offer, however it provides some level of parental control.

Performance and Conclusion

The DSL-X3052E’s Wi-Fi 6 capabilities deliver impressive performance, particularly in environments with multiple devices. The dual-band configuration ensures optimal bandwidth allocation for various tasks, from streaming to gaming. We had 5 gaming devices connected simultaneously competing for resources and the router did not fault or show any signs of stress.

The integrated DSL modem provides reliable connectivity for those who are on older internet technologies such as ADSL or FTTN NBN services.

Security and Privacy

The DSL-X3052E incorporates robust security features, including WPA3 encryption, to protect against unauthorized access. Strangely D-Link have stuck to manual firmware updates even on the DSL-X3052E which is what we observed on the DSL-X1852E as well. This means you’ll need to periodically keep checking for firmware updates than the router prompting you to update when a new firmware is detected.

Additional Features

• Guest Network: Create separate Wi-Fi networks for guests, ensuring privacy and security.
• VPN Pass-Through: Support for VPN services, enabling secure remote access to your network.
• MU-MIMO: Simultaneous transmission to multiple devices, improving overall performance.
• Beamforming: Directs Wi-Fi signals towards connected devices for better coverage and reduced interference.

Conclusion

The D-Link DSL-X3052E AX3000 Router is a well-rounded and capable device with no major frills that delivers on its promise of providing fast, secure, and reliable internet access. At the time of writing the router retails around AU$399.95 which is in the mid tier market segment. The unit offers a great value proposition for users on older NBN or xDSL technology with its built in modem along with combining Wi-Fi 6 technology into a single device. While the router software is quite dated to modern times, the router itself still offers strong performance and competitively priced. D-Link also offers a 3 year warranty on the unit for total peace of mind.