Even in this high-tech age, having to install a new WiFi router can cause some hassle. Especially when the object in question must provide wireless access to the Internet in a professional setting.
Here, everything is designed for the professional who is not a computer fan. The new range of Wifi Expert routers from Asus are intended for professionals in offices, clients of a gym, hosts of an Airbnb apartment, or even clients of a restaurant. We tested the entry-level ExpertWifi EBR63 model for more than three weeks, a dual-band Wifi 6 router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
The router is equipped with four Ethernet sockets and two USB sockets
The Asus ExpertWifi EBR63 could obviously be used at home. However, he will have to pass the cosmetic examination. Technical requirements will prevail more easily among business professionals. Practical too, the kickstand and the holes on the back of the case to attach it (and also raise it) to a wall.
The router is equipped with four Ethernet sockets and two USB sockets. To deal with a modem connection problem and continue to have access to the Internet, the manufacturer has provided the ability to plug a smartphone into one of these USB sockets.
The Asus ExpertWifi EBR63 router. Photo Moctar KANE/ZDnet France.
For the purposes of our test, we compared a router, also Wifi 6, which works wonderfully, with this Asus ExpertWifi EBR63.
The app also allows you to install additional wireless networks
The latter passed the first installation phase thanks to the associated ExpertWifi application. It asks you if you want to change the default WiFi network password, as well as the administrator password and username.
The app also lets you install additional wireless networks. We will come back to this. In our case, an update was also available and it was then installed. In short, in a word, the app played its role of installation assistance well.
A stable connection
The theoretical speed announced by Asus for its ExpertWifi EBR63 router is 3000 Mb/s. We compared the product to another good quality but older Wifi 6 router, the Orbi AX1800. We noted on a computer (the only device connected to the router at that time) download and upload speeds of:
- 803 Mb/s and 554 Mb/s (compared to 815 Mb/s and 433 Mb/s for the Orbi) at a distance of 4 m
- 477 Mb/s and 342 Mb/s (compared to 453 Mb/s and 404 Mb/s for the Orbi) at a distance of approximately 12 m (with the separations of three non-load-bearing walls).
This ExpertWifi EBR63, during these weeks of testing, stood out above all for the stability of its wireless connection. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of serving “100 active devices”. We haven’t tested that number, but around ten devices, several smartphones, tablets and computers.
Flexible use
The application is undoubtedly one of the strengths of this ExpertWifi EBR63. More specifically, how to configure different wireless networks. According to Asus, you can deploy 5 SSIDs (network names) with this router.
Screenshots of the ExpertWifi app and login homepage. Moctar KANE/ZDnet France.
The ease with which you can install, name, configure the schedules or session durations of each network is to be welcomed. In particular, note the possibility of creating a free WiFi network whose connection will go through the display on the screen of the client user’s smartphone or computer of a page with the conditions of use (customizable by the owner of the router), a background image (also customizable) and a link to its site.
It’s an interesting little marketing tool!
Creation of a single-access, time-limited network
Another possibility is the creation of a single-access, limited-duration network. We tried this. By even creating two. In total we ended up with more than five networks.
Twice, after having exceeded this quota of five networks, and the system crashed. We then had to unplug the device to get everything back to normal. We certainly pushed a little (too much?), but why didn’t the app prevent the validation of these networks? Are single-use networks taken into account when counting the number of networks?
When contacted, Asus promised to forward our question to headquarters, which was unavailable at the time due to the Chinese New Year celebration.
Conclusion on the Asus ExpertWifi EBR63 Wifi 6 router
This ExpertWifi EBR63 is overall a very good Wifi 6 router. It is not the best in terms of speed, it is an entry-level router whose overall results make it a product with a very interesting quality/price ratio.
At €190, it’s a good deal to support your little business.
Especially since the associated application is generally effective in providing assistance. We have not tested the configuration where this router is combined with other ExpertWifi routers. Please note that we plan to test another, more high-end router from the brand, the Asus ExpertWifi EBM68.