So apart from the very cool name which is actually quite fitting for this product, the first thing that you notice is the shape which is a cylindrical shaped Modem Router that could be positioned anywhere in the home or office and quite inconspicuously.

If you're building a new home or making a significant upgrade to your current setup, it pays to give some careful consideration to which wireless router you choose. Good coverage across your house, as well as fast connectivity, can soothe a lot of potential headaches before they happen.

Fast transfer rates; Mac Pro-esque body; GUI good for newbies

Basic user interface; Interface is overly simplified; Expensive

Wireless routers are not always as reliable as they should be, and we've certainly experienced our fair share of failed routers in the past. That's why we've implemented longer test periods for routers, mainly to make sure that the product we're testing is stable.

Fast 802.11ac performance; Good remote management and Cloud features; Easy VPN

Not all features worked for us; Problems using a laptop with a Broadcom 802.11ac module

T aking its design from D-Link's well received DIR-868L router, the DSL-2900AL is a refreshing entry to the market for those who are interested in a more subtle, space efficient modem router.

Wireless routers are not always as reliable as they should be, and we've certainly experienced our fair share of failed routers in the past.

Fast 802.11ac performance; Good remote management and Cloud features; Easy VPN

Not all features worked for us; Problems using a laptop with a Broadcom 802.11ac module

The wireless router is the center of most people's home networking, but the D-Link Viper DSL-2900AL sets out to do much more than simply share your internet connection. D-Link inspires that feeling with the packaging, which is far more elaborate than your average networking appliance.

: Stability; feature set; simplicity; DLNA functionality

: USB storage performance could be better

The D-Link Viper, also known as the DSL-2900 Dual Band AC 1900 Modem Router, is the successor to last year's DSL-2890AL Wireless AC1750 Modem Router . For the sake of simplicity (and because it's a pretty cool name), I'm just going to call it the Viper.

Fast and reliable; Sleek design; Greatly improved user interface

Mac compatibility still isn't as good as PC; Pricey

Reliable, simple yet secure. Very good product. Recommended

D-Link's latest modem-router, the Viper DSL-2900AL, tries its best to look premium. It comes in a black and purple box with reflective coating and a ribbon hinge. It looks nearly identical to its forerunner, the DSL-2890AL, but here D-Link has opted for a matte black instead of piano black.

Wireless performance is top notch; and D-Link's new web UI is a step in the right direction

The new web UI is clearly a work in progress and some customization is sacrificed for ease of use; USB performance is terrible and doesn't support printers

The Viper was released before its web UI was ready, and lacks features for its asking price.

Wireless performance is top notch; and D-Link's new web UI is a step in the right direction

The new web UI is clearly a work in progress and some customization is sacrificed for ease of use; USB performance is terrible and doesn't support printers