Images : TechradarA
imed at business users, the
DrayTek Vigor2926Lac is
perfect for those who need
excellent internet redundancy and
network management options. The
router comes in two models, one
with and one without Wi-Fi, that
are otherwise identical. We tested
the Vigor2926Lac model, which is
equipped with 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
While the router is flexible
enough to also work for prosumers,
it’s most noteworthy for its ability
to handle external VPN connections
as well as managing other network
devices such as wireless access
points. Thanks to the 4G/LTE
connection, it’s also well suited to
providing internet in the field, or for
use at shows or even in situations
such as on tour busses.Hardware and design
This model’s stand-out feature is
definitely that LTE connectivity. The
router includes a cellular modem,
and takes a single standard-size SIMcard via a slot in the rear.
Considering the more affordable
DrayTek 2620Ln LTE router
handles dual sims, it is somewhat
disappointing not to see the same
feature offered here. The router is
LTE Category 4, which means it can
provide a maximum of 150 Mbps
down, and 50 Mbps up and
supports the frequencies used by
most major carriers. The router
comes with magnetic external
cellular antennas, but you can also
attach your own larger high-gain
models for better reception. The
2926L can also be used to send and
receive SMS, and even report its
status with a text.
Wired connections are handled
by four Gigabit LAN ports on the
front of the router. There are also
dual gigabit WAN ports, one of
which can be configured as an
extra LAN port.
Wi-Fi is 4x4 MU-MIMO 802.11ac
spec with four removable antennas
on the rear. The 2926Lac is capableof up to 300Mbps when connecting
to older 2.4GHz devices, while the
5GHz 802.11ac side is rated at
1.7Gbps. The router can also be set
to run as a Wi-Fi bridge or repeater.
There’s also a single USB 2.0 port
on the front of the router – in our
opinion, an often overlooked
feature. It can be used in the typical
way, to add control of a printer or
connect USB storage to the
network. But it can also be used
with an optional temperature
probe or run a USB 3.5/4G modem.
This means you can get around the
single SIM card limitation, and have
two different cellular internet
connections going at once, or set
up to failover. Impressively, this
allows four independent methods
of internet connectivity at once
(dual WAN, dual 4G).Ease of use
It will come as no surprise that a
feature-packed business router
such as the Vigor2926Lac is goingDrayTek Vigor2926Lac
£520 | $565 http://www.draytek.co.uk
A flexible business router with built in 4G/LTE connectivity
82 |^ |^ April 2020