The MR2600 is rather clearly a rebadged DIR-882, which is not a bad chipset at all but it is becoming dated (note that D-Link themselves rebadged the DIR-882 to become the "new model" DIR-2640).
For $99 I'd buy a Belkin RT3200, with the caveat to run OpenWrt on it since the Belkin firmware is reportedly really bad. Which brings up the point that for a home router, a non-technical consumer is buying into the firmware and the user interface as much as they are hardware.
"AP-MTKH7-0002 REV1.0" is silkscreened on the board in the FCC photos.
en.techinfodepot.shoutwiki.com
Very interesting, if correct, maybe the DIR882 is a rebadged Lenovo? (just messing around)
Different firmware, different case, same antennas... I think you maybe correct and actually just moved my thoughts on the MR2600 up another notch..
"Dated" is a very loose word. I always choose a more "mature" router, rather then the newest for our 200 Mbps connection. Almost every device in the OPs home can not use any higher technology and if he could, would never notice a difference in speed under 400 Mbps connection. If anything the reason I choose "mature" products is because of the above, bugs worked out of the device, solid reviews over time.
I did that with the TPlink AC 1700 C7 back around 2016 as well, great router, still working when I replaced it, but I like to replace about every 4 years as almost a maintenance thing, so at 70 to $90 every 4 years, I end up with a well performing mature product and not the latest sales gimmick for companies to sell more expensive products. BTW, explaining to you, not debating or disagreeing. The OP has under 20 Wifi devices and what I think I read no where near GB internet speeds. I have 28 Wifi devices with 18 active at any one time and loving this router.
I was very hesitant to buy it at first, knowing it was a one only Lenovo product but Lenovo was pushing "range" in their advertising which is what I wanted in our 3000 sq ft home, figured I could always return it. I suspect anyone like the OP who buys it will be very impressed as well.
Anyway, like I posted, for $100 nothing will beat the range of the MR2600 in the price range and that in itself will give him the speed he has with his ISP and on Amazon the DIR882 is $130
Anyway, really good post, Im glad to see another manufacturer with, assuming you are correct, the same board inside. Guess it doesnt matter which came first the Chicken or the Egg *LOL*
Much electronics including TVs are made to order by outside contractors, some, might take the word rebadged in a negative light, to me, just learning about it just means its that more refined by whoever is producing it and a great price (translated = I feel like comparing it to the DIR882 or 2640 just stepped it up a notch in my mind)... but most of all I use the MR2600, been computing for 25 years now on a home network and have some creditably in my posts on how well it works.