Review: ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8)
Mesh WiFi continues to be the go to type of WiFi router for consumers as you can ensure that you have complete coverage for your home. ASUS has a new product for those who need mesh WiFi in their home. That’s the ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8):
Now unlike many of these devices, I like how good this node looks. It will fit in with any decor. You get two of these nodes in the box. The other thing that I notice is that it is very functional:
The ZenWiFi AC comes with 3 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports and a USB port. And both nodes have them. That allows you to use them in a variety of use cases. The USB port is for file sharing and/or printer sharing on the network.
The setup process of the ZenWiFi AC is very simple by using the ASUS Router app. The app can automatically detects the mesh WiFi system over a Bluetooth connection. Just connect one unit to the modem and turn both units on. Once both units are booted up, you can use the ASUS Router app to setup the system. I configured the ZenWiFi AC (CT8) to be used in my condo with one node in my den and another one in the living room. The result was that I had 100% coverage in terms my 800 ish square foot condo. The other thing that I noticed is that I was able to get roughly 600 Mbps sustained speeds regardless of where I was in my condo. And that speed consistently. I also noticed that the experience was seamless. I was able to walk through my condo and the ZenWiFi AC seamlessly switched between nodes. So if it works in my use case, it will work for houses up to 5400 square feet in size.
Now this router is highly configurable and the nodes are accessible via the router app, or via a web page which is really good for nerds like me as the advanced features are available via the latter. You also get a pile of security to keep you safe via AiProtection Pro. And it supports Amazon Alexa and IFTTT
Gripes? It would be nice to have the Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to be bondable so that you can get extra speed from a NAS or something. But I will have to admit that I am really being nerdy at this point. The ZenWiFi AC is a great product which you can pick up for roughly $450 CDN for two nodes. If you need WiFi across your home, the ZenWiFi AC deserves a good hard look.
June 10, 2020 at 9:09 am
[…] For the home media connoisseur: Beyond improving a connectivity in your home, a router – likethe ASUS ZenWiFi AC – can double as a media bridge to improve the reception and performance of any home entertainment system, helping you squeeze more out of your smart TV, streaming hardware, gaming consoles and smart speakers. ($449 @ Canada Computers). I reviewed the ZenWiFi AC and you can read the review here. […]
June 24, 2020 at 11:44 am
[…] list routers that were affected by this issue. So I shut it down and in it’s place went the ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) mesh WiFi system which I recently reviewed. Now in theory, I am giving up two things by going to […]
July 6, 2020 at 9:02 am
[…] the longest while. However their security issues made me switch to another router. Specifically the ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) model which ASUS sent over for me to review. I set it up and locked it down and I declared all to be well […]
December 30, 2020 at 8:22 am
[…] cheap. But if you want near bullet proof WiFi, this is the way to go. Though ASUS also makes the ASUS ZenWiFi AC (CT8) which gives you 802.11ac WiFi that is just as bullet proof at a lower price […]