D-Link router with family protection
D-Link has taken on the likes of Netgear and Linksys, by releasing its new D-Fend AC2600 McAfeeprotected Wi-Fi router (A$499.95) down under, pledging “unparalleled parental controls” and significant home security for connected devices.
Marketed as a “parent’s new best friend”, the router is compatible with D-Link’s D-Fend app, offering customisable user profiles, agerestrictions, site blocking/requests, ‘internet curfews’ and pausing network access.
“The new D-Link D-Fend Wi-Fi router is one of our most significant products released to date,” asserts Graeme Reardon, D-Link ANZ Managing Director.
“As a father of young children myself, being able to simply hit pause on my phone to bring an end to their latest video game or their YouTubing to simply get them to the dinner table on time, is fantastic.”
“At the same time, knowing that our kids, our sensitive data, and our devices are protected by McAfee from malicious attacks, malware, botware and viruses is incredibly valuable.”
The router offers end-to-end protection with McAfee Secure Home Platform, which claims to protect every device connected to the home network (complimentary 5 years access, valued at $600).
Smart home functionality is further enhanced via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.
Wireless traffic is fully offloaded to Intel® Home Wi-Fi Chipset WAV500 Series, permitting Intel® AnyWAN™ SoC to focus on software and security functions.
Encompassing a dual-band 802.11ac router with MU-MIMO technology, the device pledges ultra-fast wireless connectivity, with increased range and reliability.
Owners will also receive two years complimentary access to McAfee LiveSafeTM Internet security software3 for computers, tablets and smartphones (worth $299.99).
McAfee CTO of APAC, Ian Yip, claims the device underpins a “strategic partnership” between both companies to provide “simpler and stronger connected home security for Australians.”
The news comes as household IoT products continue to soar, with recent Gartner numbers forecasting 20 billion connected things by 2020.
Analysts forecast the role and influence of connected home products to dramatically increase in the next ten years.
D-Link asserts the growth of connected home devices has birthed a “new crop” of security issues, with the D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Router protected by the McAfee Secure Home Platform pledging an additional layer of security including non-display IoT devices.
Harnessing McAfee’s Global Threat Intelligence, software integrates machine learning to detect, prevent and correct malicious malware and attacks.
Users can set-up and manage the router remotely via the D-Link Wi-Fi app, with voice-control functionality accessible via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.