Until now, Wi-Fi 7 routers have been mostly expensive, which is why many gamers still use the router their ISP gave them years ago. The D-Link C36 aims to change that. HAS £67.99 at Amazon UKIt’s one of the most affordable ways to access the latest Wi-Fi standard, and it retains the features important for gaming.
Configuration and design
The C36 is a compact white unit with five external antennas, so it fits easily on a shelf next to a TV or console. Setup takes minutes via the free D-Link FALCON app, and there’s a comprehensive web interface for anyone who wants to adjust settings in more detail. In the box, you get the router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick start guide.
Speed and latency
This is a dual-band router with a combined power of up to 3.6 Gbps, split between 2,882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. These are theoretical maximums, but the 5GHz band provides plenty of headroom for large game downloads, 4K streaming, and cloud gaming at the same time.
For online gaming, the most important feature is Multi-Link Operation (MLO). It allows compatible devices to use both bands at once, helping to reduce latency and keep connections stable when the network is busy. OFDMA and MU-MIMO also help the router handle many devices at once, so a large Steam update on one machine should be less disruptive to someone else’s ranked match. 4096-QAM adds an additional increase in throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6.
The five 5 dBi antennas, including a dedicated receive antenna, use beamforming to direct the signal to your devices. This is useful if your gaming setup is a room or two away from the router.
Ports
The 2.5Gbps WAN port is unusual at this price and means the C36 can take full advantage of faster fiber plans. You also get three Gigabit LAN ports, which is enough for a console, gaming PC, and TV. For competitive gamers, a wired connection always gives the lowest and most stable ping, so having these ports is a real plus.
Additional Features
There’s WPA3 security, parental controls, QoS, and separate guest and IoT zones, so smart plugs and cameras can sit on their own network. If coverage is an issue, you can add more C36 units to create a mesh system.
Where the low price shows
Cost reductions are noticeable in several areas. There’s no 6GHz band, which means you can’t use the wider Wi-Fi 7 channels that offer the biggest speed improvements. LAN ports are also limited to 1Gbps, so wired devices reach maximum Gigabit speeds, even if your broadband is faster.
When we covered D-Link’s M95, we highlighted its tri-band 6GHz support and 2.5Gbps ports. This is the model for lovers of several concerts. The C36 is aimed at a different buyer: someone with typical British broadband and wanting a significant upgrade without the hefty price tag.
TL:DR
The D-Link C36 delivers the key Wi-Fi 7 features that gamers notice every day, including MLO for lower latency, high 5GHz throughput, and enough wired ports for your main gaming devices. At less than £70, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone still using an aging ISP router.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D-Link C36?
The D-Link C36 is a budget-friendly BE3600 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router. It offers combined wireless speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps, multi-link operation (MLO) for lower latency, five external antennas, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, and three Gigabit LAN ports.
How much does the D-Link C36 cost?
The D-Link C36 is currently available for £67.99 from Amazon UK, making it one of the most affordable ways to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7.
Is the D-Link C36 good for gaming?
Yes. MLO allows compatible devices to connect simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, helping to reduce latency and maintain stable connections. OFDMA and MU-MIMO help maintain performance when multiple devices are online, and the three Gigabit LAN ports let you connect a console or gaming PC via cable for the most stable ping.
Does the D-Link C36 support 6GHz Wi-Fi?
No. The C36 is a dual-band router that only uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. If you want 6GHz support and the widest Wi-Fi 7 channels, consider D-Link’s tri-band M95 instead.
What speeds can the D-Link C36 achieve?
The C36 is rated up to 2,882 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. These are theoretical maximums, so actual speeds will vary depending on your broadband plan, devices and the layout of your home.
Can the D-Link C36 be used as part of a mesh system?
Yes. You can add other C36 units to create a mesh Wi-Fi network throughout your home, helping eliminate dead zones and keeping your connection stable as you move around the house.
How to configure the D-Link C36?
You can set up the C36 in minutes with the free D-Link FALCON app for iOS and Android. A web interface is also available for more advanced settings, such as QoS, parental controls, and guest network and IoT zones.
