Each node is equipped with six internal antennas, a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. It’s a tri-band AX6600 system that can reach maximum data rates of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1201Mbps on one of the 5GHz bands, and 4804Mbps on the second 5GHz band. As such it supports WPA3 encryption, 1024 QAM, Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) data transmissions, 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth, MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, and direct to client signal beamforming. The XT8 is a Wi-Fi 6 system that uses the latest 802.11ax technology. The LAN ports can be used for Ethernet backhaul if you prefer to keep the 5GHz Wi-Fi bands open for client use, or you can dedicate the second 5GHz band for backhaul. Around back are three wired Gigabit Ethernet ports, a 2.5G LAN port, a USB 3.1 port, a power switch, and a power jack. Grillwork on either side of the enclosure provides airflow for internal components. There’s a small LED indicator on the front of the enclosure that glows blue during setup, white when the satellite node has a strong wireless signal with the router, yellow when there’s a weak signal, and red when the signal is lost.
Available in black or white, the nodes have a flattened cylinder shape similar to the Netgear Orbi RBK850 nodes, but at 6.3 by 6.2 by 2.9 inches (HWD) they are shorter and slightly thinner than the 8.8-by-6.7-by -3.1-inch Orbi. The two-device ZenWiFi AX XT8 system consists of two identical nodes that will provide coverage in homes of up to 5,500 square feet (Asus rates each node as covering 2,750 square feet). Overall, it’s a worthy pick for our Editors’ Choice award in the whole home networking category. Most importantly, it delivered outstanding throughput scores on our performance tests.
#How to setup mesh wifi asus install
This system is very easy to install and sets itself further apart by including a free lifetime subscription to parental controls and network security tools powered by Trend Micro. It combines the latest Wi-Fi 6 and mesh networking technologies to eliminate wireless dead zones throughout your home.
Best Malware Removal and Protection SoftwareĪsus’s newest mesh Wi-Fi system, the ZenWiFi AX XT8 is tri-band system that'll run you $449.99 in the two-device kit we tested.