Introduction

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, having a reliable and secure internet connection is crucial for both home offices and small to medium-sized businesses. The DrayTek Vigor 2136ax stands out as a top choice in its category, offering a powerful combination of Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 Wireless, and advanced VPN capabilities. This review will delve into the specifics of what makes the Vigor 2136ax an excellent option for those seeking a future-proof networking solution.

Design & Build Quality

The Vigor 2136ax boasts a robust design, built with high-quality materials that ensure durability and reliability. Its compact size belies its powerful capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of environments. The router features 2.5 Gigabit WAN interfaces, designed to make the most out of fibre broadband connections, offering speeds of up to 2.3 Gigabits. This, combined with its extensive firewall and content filtering capabilities, provides a secure connection that protects against various types of attacks and unauthorized access.

Performance & Features

One of the standout features of the Vigor 2136ax is its Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) simultaneous Dual-Band wireless, which offers fast and efficient wireless connectivity. The router's Multi-User MIMO technology allows it to send data to multiple devices simultaneously, improving efficiency and allowing the router to effectively serve more wireless clients. Additionally, the Vigor 2136ax comes with 4 LAN ports (1x 2.5GbE and 3x 1GbE), providing ample connectivity options for computers, servers, and network-attached storage. The ability to create up to four LAN subnets and VLANs enables the management of guest networks that are fully separated from internal networks and data.

User Experience & Comfort

The Vigor 2136ax is designed with user experience in mind, featuring a Virtual Controller that allows for easy management of local APs and switches. This central management capability, along with the VigorACS central management platform, provides visibility, control, and reporting of the entire DrayTek product estate, making it ideal for managing multiple devices across different locations. The router also supports Identity and Access Management (IAM), enabling administrators to control access to local resources based on predefined policies, multi-factor authentication, and external authentication methods.

Pros & Cons

Here is a summary of the key advantages and disadvantages of the DrayTek Vigor 2136ax:

• High-performance VPN capabilities for secure remote connections.
• Future-proof 2.5 Gigabit WAN interfaces for fibre broadband.
• Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 performance for reliable and fast wireless connectivity.
• Robust security features, including an extensive firewall and content filtering.
• Potential complexity in setup and configuration for less tech-savvy users.
• Limited information on guaranteed software updates beyond the initial period.

Final Verdict

The DrayTek Vigor 2136ax Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Router with Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 Wireless, VPN, and fast 2.5GbE interfaces is a powerful networking solution that checks all the right boxes for both home offices and small to medium-sized businesses. Its combination of high-speed connectivity options, advanced security features, and user-friendly management tools make it an excellent choice for those looking to future-proof their internet connection. To learn more about the Vigor 2136ax and its current pricing, you can check the latest information.