D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Version 1.00 | 2019/03/07
User Manual
AC1200 Wi-Fi Router
DIR-821
Preface
D-Link reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in the content hereof without obligation to notify any
person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Manual Revisions
Revision Date Description
1.00 March 7, 2019 A1 version release
Trademarks
D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries.
All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Apple®, Apple logo®, Safari®, iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch® and Macintosh® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store
SM
is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Chrome™ browser, Google Play™ and Android™ are trademarks of Google Inc.
Internet Explorer®, Windows® and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
Copyright © 2019 by D-Link Corporation, Inc.
All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from D-Link Corporation, Inc.
iD-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................. i
Product Overview .............................................................. 1
Package Contents .........................................................................1
System Requirements ................................................................. 2
Introduction ................................................................................... 3
Features ............................................................................................4
Hardware Overview ..................................................................... 5
Connections ........................................................................... 5
LEDs ........................................................................................... 6
Installation ......................................................................... 7
Before you Begin ...........................................................................7
Wireless Installation Considerations ......................................8
Manual Setup ................................................................................. 9
Getting Started ................................................................ 10
QRS Mobile App ..........................................................................11
Setup Wizard ................................................................................16
IPv6 .....................................................................................32
Wireless ..................................................................................47
Guest Zone .......................................................................49
Network ..................................................................................50
Features ..........................................................................................52
QoS Engine............................................................................52
Firewall Settings ..................................................................53
IPv4/IPv6 Rules ...............................................................55
Port Forwarding ..................................................................56
Virtual Server ................................................................... 57
Website Filter ........................................................................58
Static Routes .........................................................................59
IPv6 .....................................................................................60
Dynamic DNS .......................................................................61
IPv6 Host ...........................................................................62
Management ................................................................................63
Time & Schedule .................................................................63
Time ....................................................................................63
Conguration ................................................................... 19
Home ..............................................................................................20
Internet ...................................................................................20
DIR-821 ...................................................................................21
Connected Clients ..............................................................22
Settings ..........................................................................................23
Wizard .....................................................................................23
Internet ...................................................................................23
Schedule ...........................................................................64
System Log ............................................................................65
Admin .....................................................................................66
System ...............................................................................67
Upgrade .................................................................................68
Statistics .................................................................................69
Connect a Wireless Client to your Router ......................70
WPS Button ...................................................................................70
iiD-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Table of Contents
Windows® 8 ...................................................................................71
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................71
Windows® 7 ...................................................................................73
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................73
WPS ..........................................................................................76
Windows Vista® ............................................................................80
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................81
Windows® XP ................................................................................83
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................84
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 86
Wireless Basics .................................................................90
What is Wireless? .........................................................................91
Tips ...................................................................................................93
Wireless Modes ............................................................................94
Networking Basics ........................................................... 95
Check your IP address ...............................................................95
Statically Assign an IP address ...............................................96
Wireless Security ............................................................97
What is WPA? ...................................................................97
Technical Specications .................................................. 98
Regulatory Statements ...................................................99
iiiD-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
DIR-821 AC1200 Wi-Fi Router
Ethernet Cable
Power Adapter
Product Overview
Package Contents
Wi-Fi Conguration Note
WI-FI Conguration Note
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
Note: Using a power supply with a dierent voltage rating than the one included with the DIR-821 will cause damage and void the warranty
for this product.
1D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Network Requirements
Web-based Conguration
Utility Requirements
System Requirements
• An Ethernet-based cable or DSL modem
• IEEE 802.11ac/n/g/b/a wireless clients
• 10/100 Ethernet
Computer with the following:
• Windows®, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating system
• An installed Ethernet adapter
Browser Requirements:
• Internet Explorer 9 or higher
• Firefox 20 or higher
• Safari 5.1 or higher
• Chrome 25 or higher
QRS Mobile Requirements
Windows
installed. Visit www.java.com to download the latest version.
• iPhone®/iPad®/iPod Touch® (iOS 6.0 or higher)
• Android™ device (2.33 or higher)
®
Users: Make sure you have the latest version of Java
2D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The D-Link DIR-821 is a wireless IEEE 802.11ac compliant device that delivers up to 3x faster speeds than 802.11n while staying
backward compatible with 802.11n/g/b/a devices. This means you can connect the DIR-821 to a cable or DSL modem and
provide high-speed Internet access to multiple computers, game consoles, and media players. You can create a secure wireless
network to share photos, les, music, videos, printers, and network storage. Powered by 802.11ac technology and equipped
with four external antennas, this router provides superior wireless coverage for larger homes and oces, or for users running
bandwidth-intensive applications. The DIR-821 also includes a 4-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet switch that connects to wired
devices for uninterrupted video calling and faster le transfers.
The DIR-821 supports the latest wireless security features to help prevent unauthorized access, be it from over a wireless
network or the Internet. Support for WPA™ and WPA2™ standards ensure that you will be able to use the best possible
encryption regardless of your client devices. In addition, this router is equipped with a dual-active rewall (SPI and NAT) to
prevent potential attacks over the Internet.
3D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Ultimate Fast Wireless Networking - The DIR-821 provides up to 300 Mbps wireless connection in 2.4 GHz
band, and up to 867 Mbps* wireless connection in 5 GHz with other 802.11ac and 802.11n wireless clients. This
capability allows users to participate in real-time activities online, such as video streaming, online gaming, and
real-time audio. The performance of this 802.11ac wireless router gives you the freedom of wireless networking
at speeds 3x faster than 802.11n.
• Compatible with 802.11n/g/b/a Wireless Devices - The DIR-821 is still fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n, so it can connect with existing 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n
PCI, USB, and CardBus adapters.
• Advanced Firewall Features - The web-based user interface displays a number of advanced network
management features including:
• Content Filtering - Easily applied content ltering based on MAC address, URL, and/or domain
name.
Features
• Filter Scheduling - These lters can be scheduled to be active on certain days or for a duration of
hours or minutes.
• Secure Multiple/Concurrent Sessions - The DIR-821 can pass through VPN sessions. It supports
multiple and concurrent IPSec and PPTP sessions, so users behind the DIR-821 can securely access
corporate networks.
• User-friendly Setup Wizard - Through its easy-to-use web-based user interface, the DIR-821 lets you control
what information is accessible to those on the wireless network, whether from the Internet or from your
company’s server. Congure your router to your specic settings within minutes.
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11ac specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and
environmental factors, including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental
conditions will adversely aect wireless signal range.
4D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
Connections
1
1 LAN Ports (1-4) Connect 10/100 Ethernet devices such as computers, switches, storage (NAS) devices and game consoles.
2 Internet Port Using an Ethernet cable, connect your broadband modem to this port.
3 Power Receptor Receptor for the supplied power adapter.
4 Power Button Press the power button to power the DIR-821 on and o.
5 Reset Button
6 WPS Button Press to start the WPS process.
Insert a paperclip in the hole on the bottom of the device and wait for several seconds to reset the router to
default settings.
32 6
5
4
5D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
LEDs
1 3
5
2 4
1 Power LED
2 Internet LED A solid light indicates that an Internet link is established.
3 WPS LED
4 WLAN LED A solid light indicates that the wireless segment is ready.
5 LAN LEDs 1-4 A solid light indicates a connection to an Ethernet-enabled computer on ports 1-4 respectively.
A solid light indicates that the device is powered on. The light will blink while the device is in recovery
mode.
A solid light indicates that the WPS handshake has been completed. The light will blink while the WPS
handshake is processing.
6D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. Placement of the router is very important. Do not place the router in
an enclosed area such as a closet, cabinet, or in the attic or garage.
Before you Begin
• Please congure the router with the computer that was last connected directly to your modem.
• You can only use the Ethernet port on your modem. If you were using the USB connection before using the router,
then you must turn o your modem, disconnect the USB cable and connect an Ethernet cable to the Internet
port on the router, and then turn the modem back on. In some cases, you may need to call your Internet Service
Provider (ISP) to change connection types (USB to Ethernet).
• If you have DSL and are connecting via PPPoE, make sure you disable or uninstall any PPPoE software such as
WinPoET, BroadJump, or EnterNet 300 from your computer or you will not be able to connect to the Internet.
7D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless router lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the
operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other
objects that the wireless signals must pass through may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of
materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to
follow these basic guidelines:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link router and other network devices to a minimum -
each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that
the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (0.5 meters), at a 45-degree
angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick!
Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better
reception.
3. Building materials make a dierence. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative eect on
range. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or
open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (sh tanks), mirrors,
le cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF
noise.
5. If you are using 2.4 GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home
security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4
GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the
phone is not in use.
8D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Manual Setup
1. Turn o and unplug your cable or DSL broadband modem. This is required.
2. Position your router close to your modem and a computer. Place the router in an open area of your intended
work area for better wireless coverage.
3. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your modem (or existing router if upgrading) that is connected to your
computer. Plug it into the LAN port labeled 1 on the back of your router. The router is now connected to your
computer.
4. Plug one end of the included blue Ethernet cable that came with your router into the yellow port labeled
INTERNET on the back of the router. Plug the other end of this cable into the Ethernet port on your modem.
5. Reconnect the power adapter to your cable or DSL broadband modem and wait for two minutes.
6. Connect the supplied power adapter into the power port on the back of the router and then plug it into a
power outlet or surge protector. Press the power button and verify that the power LED is lit. Allow 1 minute for
the router to boot up.
7. If you are connecting to a broadband service that uses a dynamic connection (not PPPoE), you may be online
already. Try opening a web browser and connecting to a website. If the Internet LED indicator is lit, indicating a
connection on the Internet/WAN port, then the router should be able to connect to the Internet.
9D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Getting Started
There are several dierent ways you can congure your router to connect to the Internet and connect to your clients:
• QRS Mobile App - Use your Android device, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to congure your router. Refer to page 11.
• D-Link Setup Wizard - This wizard will launch when you log into the router for the rst time. Refer to page 16.
• Manual Setup - Log into the router and manually congure your router. Refer to page 19
10D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
QRS Mobile App
QRS Mobile app allows you to install and congure your router from your mobile device.
Note: The screenshots may be dierent depending on your mobile device’s OS version.
Step 1
Search for the free QRS Mobile App on the iTunes Store or Google Play.
Step 2
Once your app is installed, you may now congure your router. Connect
to the router wirelessly by going to your wireless utility on your device.
Scan for the Wi-Fi name (SSID) as listed on the supplied info card. Select
and then enter your Wi-Fi password.
Step 3
Once you connect to the router, launch the QRS Mobile app from the
Home screen of your device.
Note: The following steps show the Android interface of the QRS Mobile
app. If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, the appearance may be
dierent to that of the screenshots, but the process is the same.
11D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Step 4
You will see the welcome screen. Tap Start to proceed, then enter your
device password and tap Log In. Tap Next once the Operation Mode
screen appears.
Step 5
At this point, please ensure that you the router is connected to a
modem. Plug one end of the provided Ethernet cable into your DSL or
cable modem, and plug the other end into the port marked INTERNET
on the DIR-821. Tap Next to automatically detect your Internet
connection and proceed to the next step.
12D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Step 6
You will be asked to congure your 2.4 GHz wireless network. Enter a
network name (SSID) of your choice, or leave it unchanged to accept the
default SSID.
Next, choose a Wi-Fi password of at least 8 characters. Any device trying
to connect to the router wirelessly will need to enter this password the
rst time it connects.
Tap Next to congure your 5 GHz wireless network. When satised tap
Next to proceed.
Step 7
Enter the administrator password of your choice. Unlike the Wi-Fi
password, this password is only required when you need to congure
the router. See "Conguration" on page 19 for details of when this
password is used. Tap Next to proceed.
13D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Step 8
If you wish to receive push notications whenever a new rmware
update is available, check the Notify me when new rmware is
available box and tap Next.
Otherwise, just tap Next to proceed.
Step 10
You will be presented with a summary of your chosen settings.
Tap Save to complete the setup.
14D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Congratulations, your device has been successfully congured! You can
share this information by tapping Share By E-mail, or tap Finish to exit
the app.
15D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Setup Wizard
If this is your rst time installing the router, open your web browser and
enter http://dlinkrouter.local./ in the address bar. Alternatively, enter
the IP address of the router (default: http://192.168.0.1). Please refer to
page 19.
The wizard is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process to
congure your new D-Link router and connect to the Internet.
Click Next to continue.
Please wait while your router detects your Internet connection type. If
the router detects your Internet connection, you may need to enter your
ISP information such as username and password.
16D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
If the router does not detect a valid Internet connection, a list of
connection types to choose from will be displayed.
Select your Internet connection type (this information can be obtained
from your Internet Service Provider) and click Next to continue.
If the router detected or you selected PPPoE, enter your PPPoE username
and password and click Next to continue.
Note: Make sure to remove your PPPoE software from your computer. The
software is no longer needed and will not work through a router.
If the router detected or you selected Static, enter the IP and DNS settings
supplied by your ISP. Click Next to continue.
17D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 3 - Getting Started
Create a Wi-Fi password (between 8-63 characters). Your wireless clients
will need to have this passphrase or key entered to be able to connect
to your wireless network.
Click Next to continue.
In order to secure the router, please enter a new password. You will be
prompted for this password every time you want to use the router’s web
conguration utility. Click Next to continue.
At the end of the wizard, you will be presented with a nal summary of
your settings. Click Finish to close the wizard.
18D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Conguration
To access the conguration utility, open a web-browser such as
Internet Explorer and enter http://dlinkrouter.local./ or you may
also connect by typing the IP address of the router (by default this is
http://192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
Enter your password. If you previously followed the setup wizard, please
use the admin password you entered during the wizard. Otherwise,
leave the password blank. Click Log In to proceed.
Note: If you cannot remember your password and cannot log in, press
the reset button on the bottom of the device for longer than 10 seconds to
restore the router to its default settings.
The router’s home page will open displaying its current connection
status.
The bar at the top of the page has quick access to Settings and
Management functions. You may quickly jump back Home at any time.
Note: The system will automatically log out after a period of inactivity.
19D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Home
The Home page displays the current status of the router in the form of an interactive diagram. You can click each icon to display
information about each part of the network at the bottom of the screen. The menu bar at the top of the page will allow you to
quickly navigate to other pages.
Internet
The Home page displays whether or not the router is currently connected to the
Internet. If it is disconnected, click Click to repair to bring up the setup wizard
(see page 16).
To bring up more details about your Internet connection, click on the Internet
icon. Click IPv4 or IPv6 to see details of the IPv4 connection and IPv6 connection
respectively.
Click Release to disconnect from the Internet. If you do this and wish to reconnect,
click Renew.
To recongure the Internet settings, refer to page 23.
20D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
DIR-821
Click on the DIR-821 icon to view details about the router and its wireless settings.
Here you can see the router’s current wireless settings, as well as its MAC address
and IPv4/IPv6 addresses.
To recongure the network settings, either click Go to settings on the lower left, or
click Settings (at the top of the page) and then Network on the menu that appears.
For more information refer to page 50.
To recongure the wireless settings, either click Go to settings, on the lower right,
or click Settings (at the top of the page) and then Wireless on the menu that
appears. For more information refer to page 47.
21D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Connected Clients
Click on the Connected Clients icon to view details about the router and its wireless
settings.
On this page you can see all the clients currently connected to the router, and their
IP addresses.
To edit each client’s settings, click the pencil icon on the client you want to edit.
Name:
Vendor:
MAC Address:
IP Address:
Reserve IP:
Parental
Control:
Enter a custom name for this client.
Displays the vendor of the device.
Displays the MAC address of the device.
Enter a specic IP address for this client.
Enable to reserve this IP address for this client.
Allow or Block access to the router.
Click Save when you are done.
22D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Settings
Wizard
In the Settings menu on the bar on the top of the page, click Wizard to open the setup wizard. This is the same wizard that appears when you start
the router for the rst time. Refer to page 16 for details.
Internet
In the Settings menu on the bar on the top of the page, click Internet to see the Internet conguration options.
My Internet
Connection Is:
For Dynamic IP (DHCP) refer to page 24.
For Static IP refer to page 25.
For PPPoE refer to page 26.
For PPTP refer to page 27.
For L2TP refer to page 29.
For DS-Lite refer to page 31.v
To congure an IPv6 connection, click the IPv6 link. Refer to page 32.
Choose your Internet connection type from the drop-down menu.
You will be presented with the appropriate options for your
connection type. Click Advanced Settings... to expand the list and
see all of the options.
23D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Dynamic IP (DCHP)
Select Dynamic IP (DHCP) to obtain IP address information automatically from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Select this option if your ISP
does not give you an IP address to use.
Host Name:
Primary DNS
Server:
Secondary DNS
Server:
MTU:
MAC Address
Clone:
The host name is optional but may be required by some ISPs. Leave
it blank if you are not sure.
Enter the primary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP. This
address is usually obtained automatically from your ISP.
Enter the secondary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP. This
address is usually obtained automatically from your ISP.
Maximum Transmission Unit - you may need to change the MTU for
optimal performance with your ISP.
The default MAC address is set to the Internet port’s physical interface
MAC address on the router. You can use the drop-down menu to
replace the Internet port’s MAC address with the MAC address of a
connected client.
Click Save when you are done.
24D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
Static IP
Select Static IP if your IP information is provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
IP Address:
Subnet Mask:
Default
Gateway:
Primary DNS
Server:
Secondary DNS
Server:
MTU:
MAC Address
Clone:
Enter the IP address provided by your ISP.
Enter the subnet mask provided by your ISP.
Enter the default gateway address provided by your ISP.
Enter the primary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP.
Enter the secondary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP.
Maximum Transmission Unit - you may need to change the MTU for
optimal performance with your ISP.
The default MAC address is set to the Internet port’s physical interface
MAC address on the router. You can use drop-down menu to replace
the Internet port’s MAC address with the MAC address of a connected
client.
Click Save when you are done.
25D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
Section 4 - Conguration
PPPoE
Select PPPoE if your Internet connection requires you to enter a username and password. This information is provided by your Internet Service
Provider (ISP).
Username:
Enter the username provided by your ISP.
Password:
Reconnect
Mode:
Maximum Idle
Time:
Address Mode:
IP Address:
Service Name:
Primary DNS
Server:
Secondary DNS
Server:
Enter the password provided by your ISP.
Select either Always-on, On-Demand, or Manual.
Enter a maximum idle time during which the Internet connection
is maintained during inactivity. To disable this feature, enable Autoreconnect.
Select Static IP if your ISP assigned you the IP address, subnet mask,
gateway, and DNS server addresses. In most cases, select Dynamic IP.
Enter the IP address provided by your ISP (Static IP only).
Enter the ISP service name (optional).
Enter the primary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP.
Enter the secondary DNS server IP address assigned by your ISP.
MTU:
MAC Address
Clone:
Maximum Transmission Unit - you may need to change the MTU for
optimal performance with your ISP.
The default MAC address is set to the Internet port’s physical interface
MAC address on the router. You can use the drop-down menu to
replace the Internet port’s MAC address with the MAC address of a
connected client.
Click Save when you are done.
26D-Link DIR-821 User Manual
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