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My use of the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 Mesh WiFi 6E System 2PK (2024)
Introduction
I recently upgraded my home network with the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 Mesh System. This new setup offers faster speeds, improved coverage, and the latest WiFi 6E technology. It performs great so far as I get into below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | ASUS | Model Name | ET8 (W-2-PK) |
| Special Feature | Beamforming, Guest Mode, WPS, Internet Security, Parental Control | Frequency Band Class | Tri-Band |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11ac | Compatible Devices | Tablet, Smartphone |
| Frequency | 6 GHz | Recommended Uses For Product | Security |
| Included Components | Router | Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
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Prices
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Initial Setup and Configuration
When it came time to overhaul my home network, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 Mesh System stood out as a top contender. With the allure of WiFi 6E and the promise of a seamless whole-home networking experience, I was eager to put it through its paces. Here’s a rundown of my initial setup and configuration experience:
Ease of Installation: The setup, using the ASUS Router mobile app, was straightforward. I appreciated how the system guided me through each step with clear instructions.
Firmware Updates: Before getting too comfortable, I made sure to update the firmware. This crucial step ensures that you’re benefiting from the latest improvements and security patches.
Network Personalization: Personalizing my network settings was quite simple. I could name my network, create guest access, and set up different SSIDs for each frequency band to my liking.
However, I also encountered some hiccups along the way:
Management GUI Glitches: Initially, the GUI incorrectly identified 6E WiFi devices as 5 GHz. While not a deal-breaker, it’s these small bugs that can be quite jarring when you expect a polished product.
Limited Product Registration Options: Oddly, the ET8 was missing from the product registration dropdown on ASUS’s website at the time, which added unnecessary friction to the process.
Despite these drawbacks, the positive aspects undoubtedly made the initial setup more encouraging than discouraging.
Configuration Highlights:
Tri-Band Flexibility: The system allows for fine-tuning across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, proving beneficial as I connected a diverse range of devices, from IoT to high-bandwidth gaming consoles.
Mesh System Optimization: The ASUS Router app assisted me in optimizing node placement for the best performance. This automated process worked well, but I did opt for a wired backhaul for even greater stability.
Advanced Settings Access: For those inclined, like myself, the access to advanced settings via the web interface provided a deeper level of customization.
In terms of initial performance, I quickly noticed an improvement over my previous setup. Coverage was impressively wide-reaching, and the speeds were consistent across different areas of my home.
Through the setup and initial usage, it became clear that the ZenWiFi ET8 system offers a balance of advanced technology and user-friendly configuration. While I anticipate firmware updates to smooth out the minor issues, the system’s robust performance and elegant design offer a compelling package.
From a personal perspective, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 has met my expectations for a modern mesh system. It’s a forward-thinking networking solution that delivers on the promise of next-generation home WiFi, albeit with some room for refinement in the user experience.
Performance and Connectivity
The ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 Mesh System has been an interesting addition to my smart home setup. The performance and connectivity expectations of modern mesh systems are high, and the ET8, in most aspects, meets the criteria. Here’s what I’ve found after spending time with this device:
Coverage and Speed: The system claims up to 5,500 sq. ft. coverage, which, in reality, holds true for the most part. Speeds remained consistent at various distances, mirroring the 6600 Mbps speed boost noted in the specs when tested with WiFi 6E devices. However, walls and floors can impact performance, something to be mindful of in dense layouts.
Stability and Frequency Band: The addition of the 6 GHz frequency is a game-changer. Interference from other devices is significantly reduced, offering a truly stable connection that doesn’t drop randomly like some of my previous routers.
Device Compatibility: I was delighted to see the ZenWiFi ET8 handle my mix of legacy and latest gadgets with grace. From smartphones to tablets, the mesh system didn’t discriminate, ensuring each device connected without hiccups.
On the downside, though, there were initial teething issues. Some 6E WiFi devices were misidentified, and the need to update Windows just to get devices to join was a bit of a hassle. I’m also wary of the declared speeds being a theoretical maximum – real-world speeds do vary, especially on non-6E devices.
Aspects like Instant Guard and AiProtection Pro offered peace of mind with the added bonus of simplicity in setup. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros
Excellent coverage that lived up to my expectations.
Fast, stable connections with WiFi 6E.
Flexibility with device compatibility, from older to newer tech.
Enhanced privacy and security features without the complexity.
Cons
Misidentification of 6E devices in the management interface.
Full speeds dependent on environment and devices used.
Some initial setup hurdles, especially around firmware and software updates.
The design is another plus point for me. The ET8 units are sleek and unobtrusive, which means they can sit in any room without drawing undue attention. On the whole, my experience with the ZenWiFi ET8 is predominantly positive. The performance uplift from my prior setup is noticeable, particularly regarding device handling and improved mesh networking.
Still, it’s not without its faults. While ASUS continues to roll out firmware updates, some bugs in the management app remain. I’m hopeful these will get ironed out as the system becomes more popular. The seamless experience of not having to switch networks while roaming around the house almost makes up for the few glitches I’ve encountered.
In summary, the ZenWiFi ET8 holds its ground as a worthy investment for those seeking to eliminate dead zones and craving faster internet. If you can overlook a few early adopter shortcomings, this mesh system might just be the upgrade your smart home needs.
Security and Privacy Features
When I was browsing through the specs and features of the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 Mesh System, the security and privacy options immediately caught my attention. It’s an important consideration for any networking device, especially one designed to cater to an entire household or office’s internet needs. Here’s a breakdown of the features that stood out to me:
ASUS AiProtection Pro: This system provides commercial-grade security, which is crucial in today’s environment where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It’s powered by Trend Micro, which is a reliable name in the cybersecurity space.
WPA3 Support: With the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, I felt more at ease knowing that the data on my network was better protected against brute-force attacks.
Advanced Parental Controls: These allow me to manage what types of content are accessible and schedule online time for various devices. It’s particularly useful if you have kids at home and want to control their internet usage.
Instant Guard: This feature gives one-click secure internet access from anywhere, which is great for when I’m using public Wi-Fi — it’s like having a personal VPN.
While these features are impressive, they’re not without their drawbacks. For instance, while AiProtection Pro is a robust feature, some users may find it a bit intrusive if they prefer third-party security solutions. Nevertheless, the fact that it comes with no additional cost is a significant plus.
One concern I have with highly integrated security solutions like the ones offered on the ET8 is their level of impact on performance. Security scans and filters can sometimes introduce latency or slow down connection speeds, although I’ve yet to notice such a downside with the ET8.
Another aspect that I find somewhat lacking is transparency on the nitty-gritty of how these security features work. For tech-savvy users like myself, understanding precisely how features like AiProtection Pro or Instant Guard safeguard our network would offer an additional layer of reassurance.
Despite these minor reservations, my overall assessment of the ZenWiFi ET8’s security and privacy features is positive. ASUS’s decision to include a lifetime free subscription to AiProtection Pro elevates the system’s value, considering that many competitors charge extra for such services. It’s evident that ASUS has made a concerted effort to integrate comprehensive security measures to match the system’s performance capabilities, which is a balancing act I appreciate.
In summary, the ZenWiFi ET8’s security suite packs a punch with features that are both cutting-edge and user-friendly. They demonstrate ASUS’s commitment to providing users not just with high-speed connectivity but also with a secure and private internet experience.
Customer Support Experience
Navigating customer support can often be a challenging aspect of modern technology and my experience with ASUS’s ZenWiFi ET8 support had its ups and downs. I’ll break it down to give you a clearer view:
Support Accessibility: In terms of reaching a representative, I found it somewhat of a hit-or-miss. There were times when my issue was acknowledged quickly but others when it felt like I was caught in a loop of automated responses.
Technical Knowledge: The support team’s expertise seemed varied. Some technicians appeared well-versed with the product’s complexities, while others seemed to rely on standard troubleshooting scripts.
Issue Resolution: While my interactions were courteous, resolution was slower than I liked. Escalation sometimes felt like a mere formality rather than a step towards solving my problem.
On the positive side, once you reach the right person, the support can be insightful. The ASUS team is evidently equipped to handle a range of issues, showing solid command over the ZenWiFi ET8 setup to some degree. Furthermore, the online community and knowledge base around ASUS products can come to the rescue when official channels may fall short. The wealth of user-driven forums and discussion threads often provide practical solutions that may bypass the need for formal support, offering a mix of shared personal fixes and ASUS-furnished updates.
Despite these resources, it should be noted that customer support isn’t just about solving the present issue but also about preventing future ones. Proactive engagement in the form of follow-ups or surveys to ensure everything is running smoothly post-resolution would have more firmly cemented my trust in ASUS’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
To summarize, your mileage with ASUS support may vary, but there are surely glimmers of excellence within. My biggest piece of advice would be to arm yourself with some technical knowledge and patience when navigating their support system. This can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a successful resolution. Remember, in the interconnected world of mesh networks, proactive self-help through community engagement can be as pivotal as official support channels.
Drawbacks aside, my overall take is that ASUS is delivering a powerful mesh system with the ET8 that - when functioning properly - can really shine in a domestic setting. It’s not a flawless support experience, but with some persistence, you should be able to iron out the kinks and enjoy the high performance that the ET8 has to offer.