ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Asus RT-BE86U router is presently on sale for $300.
- This helps Wi-Fi 7 delivering quick, wi-fi connections protected by a number of security measures.
- Nevertheless, getting essentially the most out of the system requires Wi-Fi extenders which will be an costly endeavor.
extra shopping for selections
Wi-Fi 7 has been round since final January, however widespread adoption has been restricted. The expertise requires gadgets to have the required {hardware} to assist it, and it seems that time has arrived as a result of we’re seeing extra gadgets supporting the usual, such because the Asus RT-B386U.
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This is among the firm’s newest midrange Wi-Fi 7 routers. “Mid-range” is a vital time period in that sentence as a result of it would not match the speeds seen on a high-end mannequin however nonetheless offers top-notch efficiency.
However earlier than I get into any numbers, I need to assessment the router’s design. There’s loads happening right here, and it impacts how the RT-B386U operates. Asus’ gadget measures 9.25 x 3.5 x 12 inches. As an alternative of mendacity down flat, it sits on a base, permitting it to be positioned upright. This makes discovering a spot for the mannequin simpler than if it had been on its aspect.
On the entrance, a collection of LED lights correspond to varied connections. The LEDs are fairly vivid, however fortunately, the corporate put in an on/off button on the aspect.
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Across the again are a collection of I/O ports, together with a 10G WAN/LAN enter for long-distance connections and a number of other 2.5G LAN inputs for native networks. Though this is not a gaming router, it does have a devoted “Gaming Port,” which prioritizes linked gadgets. It’s a very helpful choice to have whereas making an attempt to play video video games throughout high-traffic hours. Talking from expertise, this one port can save on-line matches. Lag virtually disappears since you will not be combating for a steady connection.
However what about wi-fi speeds? What’s the Wi-Fi 7 expertise on the Asus RT-BE7U like? Merely put, it is superb. Asus’ router is loopy quick. For testing, I ran the Ookla Speedtest on my laptop computer, and it constantly achieved lightning-fast speeds of nicely over 500Mbps. I might stream films, play on-line video games, and obtain giant information concurrently with out experiencing a big slowdown. Ping pace was fairly good, hovering round 20 to 22 ms, though there have been situations when it dropped barely decrease.
It wasn’t all good. Asus states the RT-BE86U has a most protection space of as much as 2,750 sq ft.; nonetheless, I had problem connecting my gadgets to the router from the far finish of my condo. Asus gave me a pair of ZenWiFi BT10 extenders to spice up the sign, they usually had been nice — after they labored. I did, nonetheless, have some stability points with the nodes throughout testing.
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One other level of competition is the router doesn’t have a 6Ghz band. It solely has 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. These channels met my wants a number of occasions over, however when you and your loved ones have numerous gadgets, two bands could really feel limiting.
Organising the RT-BE86U is extremely simple, due to the Asus Router app. After putting in the software program and plugging in my modem, I adopted a number of on-screen directions to configure the system. The entire course of took no various minutes. The app performs an enormous position within the router’s operation. Not solely does the software program allow you to arrange the RT-BE86U, nevertheless it additionally presents entry to a big selection of options.
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You may create a number of sub-networks there. For instance, you may have a community on your youngsters with parental controls, one for good residence gadgets, and one for VPNs. On-line safety is one other giant facet. Simply to call a number of, you might have Protected Looking to guard you from malware on-line, DNS (area title system) encryption to cowl your digital footprint, plus an adblocker.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Asus’ RT-BE86U is presently on sale for $300 on the corporate’s digital storefront, whereas the ZenWiFi BT10 extenders value $360. Sure, these are excessive costs, however A) they’re an effective way to deliver next-gen Wi-Fi to your house, and B) they’re extra reasonably priced than related gadgets. You may typically discover different Wi-Fi 7 routers go for $500 beginning. That mentioned, the Asus is really useful, particularly when you’re simply getting began with Wi-Fi 7.
