Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) Review: The best AiMesh system available today

The two-part mesh system evaluated in today's article covers an area of ​​409m² and is quite expensive (more than 10 million VND). It's available in black or white - but be careful not to confuse it with the cheaper Asus ZenWiFi AC (CT8). They look exactly the same but as the name implies, still using the older version of WiFi 802.11ac.

Design and Features of Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8)

Technical specifications

1. Wireless connectivity: WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), tri-band (2.4GHz and 2 x 5.0GHz)
2. Processor: Broadcomm BCM6755 quad-core 1.5GHz
3. Memory: 512MB
4. Flash memory: 256MB
5. Beamforming: Yes
6. Ports: 2.5Gb WAN, 3 x Gigabit Ethernet; 1 x USB 3.1
7. Dimensions (length x width x height): 161 x 160 x 75mm

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This is an expensive option, even when compared to the new WiFi 6 routers, but the Asus ZenWiFi AX is still a favorite for its impressive combination of features and performance.

This router supports tri-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) on 2.4GHz and 2-band 5.0GHz, with total speed of 6600Mbps (6.6Gbps). That speed outstrips the speed of most current routers using 802.11ac WiFi and even faster than many of the new WiFi 6 routers.

However, WiFi 6 is still compatible with millions of devices using the 802.11ac WiFi standard, so you should have no problems using WiFi with your existing computers and mobile devices.

There are very few home broadband services that are close to speeds supported by WiFi 6, so Asus dedicates one of the 5GHz bands to provide a high-speed link between two mesh routers, while retaining the remaining 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to transmit data to computers and mobile devices.

For maximum performance, each router also has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for high speed Internet connectivity, plus three additional Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired networking devices and one USB 3.1 port. to share USB storage devices on your network.

Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) setup and performance

The Asus Router app and setup process isn't quite as straightforward as we've seen from other mesh systems, but once you've got everything to run, the app offers an impressive array of features.

Most mesh systems start by using an Ethernet cable to connect the first mesh router to your existing broadband router, then place other mesh routers further away in other rooms around the house. me. The Asus app doesn't tell you anything at all at this point, so you must read the manual to find out how to get started. And, somewhat strangely, both routers should initially be plugged in and set up together in the same room - preferably 3 meters apart.

The Asus app will then use the Bluetooth connection on the iOS or Android mobile device to set up the new mesh network. And, unlike many other routers and mesh systems, it's nice to see that they start right away by asking if you want to create a single network that combines the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands or create two separate networks. with different name and password. Once done, you can unplug the second ZenWiFi router and move it into another room to perfect your new network.

Once again, however, the app doesn't help you here, leaving you scouring the manual to find this information. Apps also tend to come up with terms, such as "dynamic DNS", without explaining what it means, so Asus should do a little more in clarifying the setup process for those who don't. not too familiar with mesh technology.

Thankfully, though, the Asus app is simpler once you've got the new mesh network up and running, and includes a good set of parental controls, as well as many more.

You can create profiles for family members under the age of 18 (this profile is associated with the device they use). These profiles allow you to schedule Internet access, as well as use content filters to block adult documents, gambling or inappropriate messaging apps for young children.

There's also a simple option for QoS - Quality of Service - that lets you prioritize bandwidth for specific services, such as video streaming or gaming, and even limit possible bandwidth. used by individual devices.

The app also includes Asus AiProtection features, which track down websites, malware, and other outside attempts to get into your home network. Many routers and mesh systems charge an additional subscription fee for the security and parental controls features, so it's good to see Asus offer these features at no extra charge.

The performance of the ZenWiFi AX also doesn't disappoint. Of course, it wasn't cheap, but did push up a 50Mbps Internet connection in our test - at times pushing it up to 60Mbps (which sometimes happens when the weather is good for a number of reasons). And, importantly, it can maintain that speed even in the office, where it is often difficult to get a good WiFi signal. Downloads from Steam hit 7.4MB / s for the same room devices as the first ZenWiFi and were barely impacted moving to the back office, with steady download speeds at 7.3MB / s instantly both on the slower 2.4GHz band.

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Buy Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) if .

You really need fast WiFi

With tri-band WiFi 6, ZenWiFi AX can create a high-speed 'backhaul' connecting two mesh routers, while still providing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for video streaming, music streaming, and gaming speed. high .

You have weak WiFi in some rooms

Mesh networks aren't just about speed - they're also designed to eliminate 'dead spots' in rooms or other locations where it is difficult to get a good WiFi signal. The ZenWiFi AX is expensive, but it really impresses with its ability to maintain fast WiFi even in the furthest corners of the office.

You have children

Some routers and mesh systems only offer basic in-app features, and then try to charge you an additional monthly subscription fee for more parental control and other advanced features. However, the Asus Router app has good security and parental controls features that don't require a subscription fee.

Don't buy Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) if .

You have a limited budget

The ZenWiFi AX is the leading WiFi network system that runs much faster than most home broadband services. There are plenty of cheaper mesh systems that can still handle video streaming and gaming without a hitch.

You live in a very big house

Most mesh systems are available with two or three routers to suit homes of different sizes. Strangely enough, the expensive ZenWiFi AX is only available with two routers, for an area of ​​up to 409m², with no optional 3 routers for larger homes.

You don't like jargon

The Asus Router app is full of useful features and parental controls. However, the setup process is a bit lengthy and tends to throw up quite a lot of terms, so it can be a bit tricky for those new to mesh technology.

Conclude

The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is very expensive and not everyone needs the absolute speed of WiFi 6, but the new ZenWiFi AX mesh network system offers top performance for video streaming, gaming and online activities. another route. The Asus app also impresses with a host of advanced controls, security features, and content filtering for parents with young children.

Advantages

1. Top WiFi speeds
2. Good control for parents
3. Versatile application and security features

Defect

1. Expensive
2. Confusing setup process
3. There are currently no options for 3 routers for larger homes

Marvin Fry

Update 25 January 2021