Find your Zen with the best ASUS mesh WiFi systems in 2023

The Asus ZenWiFi XT9 is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system designed to deliver high-speed internet throughout a home, particularly beneficial for users with gigabit broadband connections. The system is available in bundles, typically a two-unit pack, with individual nodes also purchasable for extended coverage. Each unit offers an advertised coverage of up to 2850 square feet, though actual range can vary based on environmental factors like walls and building materials. As part of Asus’s AiMesh ecosystem, the XT9 can integrate with older AiMesh devices, allowing for broader network expansion. Pricing for a single Asus ZenWiFi XT9 unit is approximately £234.99 / US$239.99, while a two-pack costs around £459.99 / US$449.99. The system features a tri-band setup, including 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies for devices, and a dedicated 5GHz band for inter-node communication, which enhances stability and speed. The Wi-Fi 6 AX7800 rating indicates a theoretical combined top speed of 7.8Gbps across all radio frequencies, though actual device speeds will be lower. The maximum theoretical speeds are 2402Mbps for one 5GHz band, 574Mbps for the 2.4GHz band, and 4804Mbps for the second 5GHz band (primarily used for backhaul). For optimal performance, the XT9 supports Ethernet backhaul, allowing nodes to be connected via Ethernet cable. This setup frees up both 5GHz bands for device connections and permits greater physical separation between units. In real-world testing, a two-pack system was deployed in a two-story terraced house, showing improved coverage and speeds compared to a standard router, especially in areas previously lacking connectivity. Performance was generally comparable to other mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi RBK762s and Linksys Atlas 6, though larger homes might require a third node for comprehensive coverage. Physically, the ZenWiFi XT9 units measure 160 x 750 x 161.5 mm and are available in black or white. Each unit is equipped with a 2.5Gbps WAN port, three gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and a USB port for connecting network-attached storage (NAS) drives. Like most mesh Wi-Fi kits, it requires connection to an existing modem or router. Setup is facilitated by the Asus Router mobile app, guiding users through the process in under 20 minutes, including firmware updates and secure password configuration. The app also allows for labeling nodes by location and provides feedback on connection strength. The Asus Router app offers a suite of features, including a network overview displaying connected devices and signal strength, and an 'Insight' tab for monitoring network status and security alerts. AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, provides real-time network monitoring and security advice. Parental controls allow for setting time limits and content blocks, though customization options for block lists are limited. Other features include Guest WiFi, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for different traffic types, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A notable addition is Asus Instant Guard, a free VPN service that allows users to securely access their home network from public Wi-Fi hotspots. For advanced configurations, a desktop interface is available via asusrouter.com, offering more detailed control over network settings such as Wi-Fi channels. Performance is influenced by client device capabilities, with newer devices supporting 160MHz Wi-Fi channels achieving higher speeds. The system does not support Wi-Fi 6E, meaning devices with Wi-Fi 6E capabilities will not utilize their 6GHz radio band with the XT9. #AsusZenWiFiXT9 #WiFi6MeshSystem #HomeNetworking #RouterReview #SmartHomeTech #TriBandWiFi #ParentalControls #VPNService #GigabitInternet

The Eero 7 mesh-networking system is identified as the optimal choice for most individuals seeking a robust Wi-Fi solution, based on extensive testing. This system offers quick setup, lag-free Wi-Fi coverage across a home, and remote management via a mobile app. It is capable of simultaneously streaming multiple 4K videos and managing numerous smart devices, serving as a suitable introduction to Wi-Fi 7 technology. For users with gigabit or faster internet connections or a large number of smart home devices, the TP-Link Deco BE63 is recommended as an upgrade. This system is significantly faster and provides more Ethernet connections than the Eero 7, making it ideal for demanding network environments. It incorporates Wi-Fi 7 technology, ensuring high-speed connectivity for current and future devices. As a budget-friendly alternative, the TP-Link Deco BE23 offers solid performance at a lower price point. This three-piece mesh network is easy to set up, features a compact design, and delivered reliable connections in busy test networks, outperforming several more expensive systems. It also utilizes Wi-Fi 7, providing a degree of future-proofing. The selection of these mesh systems is based on comprehensive evaluation over six years, involving testing more than 130 systems in real-world and lab environments. Key criteria for selection included ease of setup and administration, strong speed and range test results, responsiveness under network congestion, expandability, and the presence of multiple 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports, along with other desirable features like tri-band Wi-Fi 7. Mesh-networking systems are particularly beneficial for homes larger than 2,300 square feet, or those with signal-blocking architectural elements such as lath-and-plaster, brick, stucco, or concrete walls, as well as tall, narrow buildings. A mesh network comprises a base unit connected to the internet and satellite nodes that extend the network's range and reliability. While a single router might suffice for smaller homes or central placement, mesh systems excel in providing consistent coverage in challenging layouts. The article also clarifies that mesh systems primarily enhance coverage and reduce latency across a wider area, rather than inherently increasing internet speed beyond the subscribed plan. The Eero 7's advantages include its rapid setup time (5-20 minutes), strong performance with speeds up to 806 Mbps near the base router and 56-560 Mbps elsewhere, compatibility with existing Eero systems for expansion, and support for various smart home standards (HomeKit, Matter, Thread, Zigbee). It also offers optional cellular internet backup through the Amazon Eero Signal accessory, providing a fail-safe for internet outages. However, its drawbacks include a limited number of Ethernet ports, an optional annual subscription for advanced features like parental controls and anti-malware, and its dual-band Wi-Fi 7 architecture which omits the 6 GHz radio present in more expensive Wi-Fi 7/6E routers. The system also relies on cloud administration and offers limited user-adjustable settings. The TP-Link Deco BE63 stands out with multi-gigabit speeds and Wi-Fi 7 support, featuring five 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports per unit, making it suitable for 1-gig or 2-gig internet services and wired devices. Its units are pre-paired for simple setup. While highly performant, it is noted that even faster, more expensive systems exist, though their benefits are often unnecessary for typical home use due to current internet speed limitations and device capabilities. The TP-Link Deco BE23, as the budget pick, delivers steady wireless coverage, exhibiting minimal slowdowns during congestion tests and outperforming several higher-priced mesh networks. It is easily expandable with up to six units and boasts a compact, discreet design. Its limitations include only two 2.5-gig Ethernet ports per node and a slightly more complex app interface compared to Eero for features like parental controls. The article also briefly mentions other mesh networks considered, such as Ubiquiti's UniFi Express 7 for more technically inclined users seeking extensive customization and monitoring options, and the high-performance Netgear Orbi 870 for those with substantial budgets and plans for 5- or 10-gig internet service. Testing methodology involved simulating a busy home network with multiple devices performing various tasks, focusing on real-world performance across different areas and building materials rather than just peak throughput. The goal was to identify systems that ensure consistently fast Wi-Fi throughout the entire home. #WiFiMeshSystem #HomeNetworking #WiFi7 #Eero7 #TPLinkDecoBE63 #TPLinkDecoBE23 #SmartHome #InternetSpeed #WirelessTechnology

This article details a comprehensive mesh Wi-Fi network testing methodology that involves sending floor plans to Wi-Fi companies and allowing them to recommend optimal access point (AP) placement. This approach arose from criticisms of previous tests, where companies like Google Wifi and AmpliFi HD claimed their devices were improperly placed. The author aimed to eliminate personal bias by letting the experts dictate placement, thus ensuring a more representative evaluation of each system's performance in a real-world home environment. The testing shifted focus from RF heat maps, which were found to be misleading, to iperf3 throughput measurements (both upload and download) across seven distinct locations within the test house. The test house, with its two floors, presents a variety of challenging scenarios for Wi-Fi coverage. Test sites include Upstairs Bedroom 1, Office 1, and Bedroom 2, along with Downstairs Office 2, Downstairs Bath, and Bedroom 3. An additional extreme long-range "car" test location is included, simulating a challenging outdoor connection through multiple obstacles. Each mesh system underwent two testing modes: "Hard Mode," where the client device (an Acer C720 Chromebook with a USB3-connected Archer T4U 802.11ac wNIC) was left to autonomously roam and band-steer, and "Easy Mode," where manual intervention, such as disconnecting and reconnecting the Wi-Fi adapter or selecting specific SSIDs, was permitted to optimize connection. This dual-mode approach addresses both the desire for a hands-off, convenient user experience and the pursuit of maximum possible performance. Detailed breakdowns of AmpliFi HD, Google Wifi, Eero, Orbi, and Plume are provided. AmpliFi HD's team suggested downstairs AP placement and emphasized the directional nature of their mesh points. Testing confirmed the mesh points' directionality, particularly on 5 GHz, which introduced complexities for users regarding optimal aiming. Configuring AmpliFi HD for optimal performance proved challenging, often requiring manual intervention to force the correct backhaul path and client connection spectrum. Google Wifi also recommended downstairs AP placement, and while its APs formed a tree topology successfully, roaming performance in Hard Mode was poor, leading to significant connectivity issues in some locations. Eero, on the other hand, declined to provide specific placement, trusting the tester's judgment, and its v2.1 firmware was tested in what were considered optimal locations for a three-piece kit. Eero used dynamic channel selection and aggressive client steering to manage bandwidth, though it experienced occasional network drops. Orbi, typically sold as a two-piece kit, was tested with a three-piece setup. Netgear, its manufacturer, believed a two-piece kit would suffice but acknowledged the third unit could aid long-range coverage. Orbi used static client-facing channels, which was noted as a missed opportunity for further performance optimization, given its dedicated backhaul radio. Despite this, Orbi demonstrated high raw single-device throughput, even in Hard Mode, often connecting clients on 2.4 GHz even when 5 GHz was available. Plume, which also declined specific placement recommendations, was tested with an additional seventh pod for redundancy. Plume's strength lies in its cloud optimizer, which dynamically adjusts network configuration based on real-time environmental data. Plume exhibited exceptional consistency in its throughput measurements, with very low standard deviation between test runs, indicating reliable and predictable performance across locations. The article concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of proper access point placement in mesh networking, akin to the real estate adage of "location, location, location." Retests with vendor-recommended placements for Google Wifi and AmpliFi HD demonstrated a significant decrease in performance compared to the original optimal placements, highlighting how suboptimal configurations can severely impact network efficiency and user experience. While Orbi offered impressive raw throughput, Plume's consistent performance and "cloud optimizer" approach positioned it as a highly reliable option. The testing revealed that while some systems can achieve high numbers with careful manual optimization, the true measure of a good mesh system is its ability to deliver consistent performance without user intervention. #MeshWiFi #WiFiTesting #NetworkPerformance #SmartHome #HomeNetworking #AccessPointPlacement #ThroughputAnalysis #WirelessTechnology #FloorPlanOptimization