Asus ExpertWiFi EBR63 im Test

The ExpertWiFi EBR63 is in the business category at Asus, but can also be interesting for private users – especially since it is very affordable with an RRP of 150 euros. Classic dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO is offered.

For this configuration, the manufacturer specifies a theoretical maximum of 574 Mbit/s on 2.4 GHz and 2402 Mbit/s on 5 GHz. There are five Gigabit Ethernet ports – once as a WAN and four as a LAN socket – as well as one each of USB 3.2 and USB 2.0.

The device can be placed on a table or hung on a wall; its four antennas can be folded in the appropriate direction.

The business orientation is evident from the clever feature during setup Self-defined network. This means that the device comes with pre-configurations for certain usage scenarios. These can be pre-configurations for the operation of a hotspot for hotel guests or customers, or for a time-limited WLAN, for example for a classroom.

There are further pre-configurations for an employee network and for an IoT network. In some of these scenarios, the device makes use of up to five virtual LANs (VLANs) each with its own WLAN identifier (SSID) can operate.

A captive page can be set up to operate public hotspots. All of this can be configured and controlled with the Asus ExpertWiFi app or via the web interface. The operating mode of the device can be switched between router mode and access point mode.

A NAS function including an iTunes server can be implemented via the USB sockets, but also a mobile phone fallback via a smartphone in tethering mode. The VPN function supports PPTP, OpenVPN, IPSec and WireGuard. The VPN Fusion function allows you to use several of these connection types at the same time and then assign the clients to one of them.

Additional EBR63 or other devices from the ExpertWiFi series can also be combined into a mesh network using AiMesh. It is also worth noting that the built-in Ai Protection function supplied by Trend Micro is active ex works and does not require an additional subscription.

This all comes from the business world, but can also be useful for private users. However, you won’t find typical home network functions such as child protection or printer sharing on the ExpertWiFi EBR63.

The throughputs measured via Wi-Fi 6 correspond to expectations, and the power consumption of 3 watts in idle and 8 watts in WLAN operation is extremely modest.