- 2 ZenWiFi XD6/S routers
- 2 RJ45 cables
- 2 sets of multi-socket connections
- warranty manual
- installation manual
- Wall mounting kit
Why a router?
Without going too far on the strictly technical part, it is important to understand the interest of choosing a router according to the desired application. The latter will also identify the type of router needed to meet your expectations.
First of all, you should know that your internet service provider, which will be called ISP (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, etc.), gives you the benefit of an internet box capable of to bring together modem, router and TV decoder in a totally intuitive way. However, to allow you to obtain equipment at a lower cost, the FAI has set up a simplified set, capable of easily meeting the daily needs of new users.
Rare are those who have never needed to call their ISP for a connection problem, latency, difficult to access wifi or simply to learn how to reset their router.
Although this formula may be to the liking of a majority of users, it is quickly becoming obsolete. for amateur and/or seasoned consumers. So the question is: how to configure, improve and make the most of the capabilities of your internet connection without feeling enslaved by your ISP?
This is where acquiring a router makes sense. At least, provided you know the basics. Above all, it is important to note that a router is able to improve / stabilize your internet connection, but in no case exceed the maximum throughput provided by your ISP. To put it simply, an ADSL user cannot expect VDSL speed with the purchase of a router. However, he will have a more extensive, stable network whose management belongs to him.
The case of the ZenWifi XD6S
To avoid reviewing all the routers on the market and in order to answer your initial questioning, we will develop the primary characteristics of the routers ASUS ZenWifi XD6/S that we had the opportunity to test. Moreover, they are part of the mid-range in terms of price and technology.
The key point is focused on extension of the Wi-Fi network as well as data protection.
Facility
Whether it’s to take care of it on mobile or via a computer with a wifi connection, the dedicated software gives the progress step by step without omitting the slightest detail. Note that the two routers have no assignment and can therefore be interchanged. We opted for the installation via telephone, here are the steps proposed by the application.
If you follow the order of installation, your network is quickly operational, all you have to do is install the router which serves as a “node” in an area that will allow you to extend the network as well as possible. Upon purchase, the Zen Wifi XD6S offers two packs with one or two routers allowing coverage extension ranging from 250 to 500 meters.
Network increase
Our tests were carried out on a connection equipped with VDSL and providing a wired speed such as:
- Descendant (download): 75.4 Mbps
- Amount (upload/send): 19.3 Mbps
Unsurprisingly, the wifi speed is different from the wired one and necessarily lower. However, we start note a difference in flow going closer to a wired connection. Here is the speed observed in Wifi:
- Descendant wifi modem Orange: 53.57 Mbit/s for a ping of 23 ms
- Descendant wifi router ASUS: 60.13 Mbit/s for a ping of 21 ms
Let’s not be fooled. The 250 and 500 meters of range put forward by the manufacturer define a linear perimeter which does not take into account the number of rooms and/or walls which separate you from the router. To test for possible losses, we went through our apartment from end to end. At this point we have passed three coins and the wifi of the modem is not even available on our phone anymore.
That of the router is perfectly perceptible and the network switches automatically with the router installed in the living room (1 less room). Here is the test data:
- Descendant wifi modem Orange: not found
- Descendant wifi router ASUS: 36.18 Mbit/s for a ping of 25 ms
Finally, to push the vice ever further, we went as far as at our neighbor two floors above. It receives the router 3 out of 4 bars. Of course, here is the test data for you:
- Descendant wifi modem Orange: not found
- Descendant wifi router ASUS: 32.71 Mbit/s for a ping of 25 ms
You will therefore have understood, even weaker, the router has clearly increased the range of our network although, in our application, having wifi at the neighbor’s is not really useful. This is one of the first choices to make, take the time to list your needs.
Network management
The second key point of the router is the possibility of controlling all the configurations of your installation. Whether filtering uses and users, know the bitrate used (ascending as descending) or even restraining the connection, prioritizing play or work, using the parental control… In short, you will understand, for once, you are in control of the situation.
Even if modems offer a more or less advanced administration panel, it is impossible to achieve the freedom of routers that take precedence over them. However, the configuration will require time to adapt and to understand all the possible modifications. Like the builder give free rein to your choicesthe panel is much wider.
Take control of your network change names, access, password and connection styles to your liking. It’s a complete control center that comes to life between your fingers. It is also possible to view all IP addressesbut also device names and bindings.
We recall that the node Aimesh transferred automatically connections to the nearest devices in order to maintain the most comfortable speed. Furthermore, ASUS ensures with theAimesh inter-compatibility between ZenWifi routers, gaming routers, classic routers (like the RT AX ranges) or even repeaters. This point is interesting if you wish to acquire a new peripheral in stand-alone or enjoy one of your old machines.
To go even further, the mobile/web application makes it possible to know the uses in real time, but also according to the time slots of the day. It becomes much easier toidentify an abusive consumer or simply manage wifi activation times so as not to impact anyone while avoiding potential intrusions.
User Protection
Although this aspect slightly exceeds our area of expertise in terms of security and management of personal data, it is worth remembering that the Zen Wifi XD6S offers a set of protection allowing you to navigate with complete peace of mind. firewall, user protection or even VPN are available and fully configurable. It is entirely possible to notify devices in the family zone and, as said above, apply selective parental controls.
Note, however, that certain activations, such as that of AIProtectionrequests authorization to use your sensitive and/or personal data, so do not hesitate to take the time to read the small lines of the contract in order to identify the clauses.
The router itself
To end on a more concrete whole, ZenWifi XD6S routers have, as a basis, the possibility of being fixed to a wall since all the necessary elements are provided in the box. The routers are visually pleasing and compact in order to easily integrate their places of use. Note that they are not autonomous and require to be supplied with electricity to operate (which we do not necessarily see on the promotional photos of the product).
Finally, as it is a mid-range product and in order to minimize the impact on user comfort, each router has only one LAN port to which it is possible to connect a fixed device or requiring a wired and non-wifi connection.
