Expand and extend your network

NETWORK NOT REACHING WHERE IT SHOULD? WE COMPARE A SWATHE OF ACCESSORIES DESIGNED TO HELP YOU STRETCH YOUR WIRED OR WIRELESS CONNECTIONS WHERE THEY’RE NEEDED.

THESE DAYS, MANY homes are lled with all sorts of network-connected devices, all competing for bandwidth. While Wi-Fi is very convenient, it isn’t suitable in all situations and can struggle in larger houses. e increasing popularity of HD media streaming also puts more pressure on home networks — especially those with users who all want to watch their own show at the same time. For those not lucky enough to have hard wired Ethernet in every room, there are loads of di erent ways to get the best speeds. e latest spec USB and PCIe Wi-Fi cards can actually be as fast as a wired connection, thanks to all sorts of clever MIMO tricks and multiple antennae. For those who want or need wired stability without a permanent install or messy cables (such as renters), powerline adapters create a ‘plug and play’ wired connection over existing electrical wires. If wireless woes are getting you down, Wi-Fi range extenders can eliminate black spots, give a solid connection in far ung rooms and even improve throughput. For those who need a super high-speed wireless link, the latest media bridges can have more bandwidth available than Gigabit Ethernet. Some have multiple Ethernet ports, too, which allows easy connection of wired-only devices such as TVs and consoles. Other devices can do double or triple duty, as powerline adapters with Wi-Fi, or range extenders that can run as access points or be con gured as a media bridge. Some accessories are even aimed at improving your experience when travelling, or accessing networks on the go.

To provide a more in-depth look at all the available options, we benchmarked 21 wired and wireless network upgrades. We focused on real-world throughput (don’t believe all the claims on the box) and range. Keep in mind that our results re ect the speci c testing environment, and while they can be compared to each other, it does not necessarily re ect the performance in a di erence setup.

Powerline networking adapters POWERLINE ADAPTERS TRANSMIT NETWORK DATA VIA EXISTING ELECTRICITY WIRING, AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO WI FI, OR HAVING TO PHYSICALLY RUN ETHERNET CABLES.

Installation is fast and easy, no physical changes are needed, wireless interference is avoided, and they are fairly a ordable. at said, there are quite a few important factors to consider before buying a Powerline setup. Many units come in a kit of two, but some are sold individually. Other models can have extras, such as a built-in Wi-Fi access point or a mini Ethernet switch. While the maximum speeds listed are quite high (exceeding Gigabit Ethernet in some cases), real-world speeds are typically much much lower. While some can work across phases, adapters can generally only communicate with units plugged into the same circuit. Powerline units are still subject to interference from other appliances, and use with plug boards or surge protectors should be avoided. Most units comply with HomePlug standards, so cross-brand compatibility is possible, but not guaranteed.

If in doubt, make sure you buy from a retailer with a good return policy, in case the Powerline adapters don’t give the desired results.

HOW WE TESTED

PowerLine adapters were connected to circuit sharing with other electronic appliances, such as a TV and modem. Speed was tested with approximately 7m between the adapters, each plugged directly into the socket. roughput was tested with LAN Speed Test, between two Gigabit Ethernet connect PCs.

D-Link AV2 1000 DHP601AV GET CONNECTED.

CONSISTING OF A kit of two, the D-Link DHP-601AV is aimed at those wanting to create a high-speed network. e powerline adaptors are rated at speeds up to 1,000Mbps, for streaming media and large le copies. Each unit has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, and comes with cables. If you already own a D-Link PowerLine product such as the AV500, the faster model is fully backwards compatible. You can also add up to 16 of the adapters, for really big networks.

e 601AV adapters are plug and play, so setup is as easy as plugging them in and pressing the con gure button. Handily for your power bill, and the environment, the adapters have a power saving mode which reduces consumption by up to 85%.

e D-Link units plug directly into the socket and they’re fairly slim, so they don’t block other ports. In testing, they performed quite well, and we managed speeds of 168/162Mbps, uploading and downloading data. e $115 price tag is also pretty good, all things considered.

D-Link PowerLine AV500 DHP-309AV A MINI STARTER KIT.

DESIGNED FOR LESS demanding needs, the D-Link DHP-309AV adapters are rated for up to 500Mbps throughput. e starter kit consists of two units, each with a 10/100 Ethernet port on the bottom, plus a cable in the box. Setup is very simple — plug the devices in, and hit the con guration button. e adapters automatically connect, and use 128-bit encryption to keep your data safe from snooping. While slower than the D-Link AV2 1000 adapters, the AV500 kit is cross compatible for future upgrades.

In total, you can install up to 16 adapters, for wired networking in every corner of a house. It also has built-in power savings, reducing consumption by up to 70%. e units also use a QoS engine to analyse and separate the transmitted data, to ensure important tra c is given priority.

In real-world use, the D-Link kit handles itself quite well, and managed 67Mbps up and 64Mbps down. Quite compact, the adapters have an underside spacer, to help them sit out and above other plugs.

Edimax HP-5101ES AN UPGRADED POWERLINE ADAPTER.

THE EDIMAX HP 5101ES bucks the trend and is sold per device, not in a kit of two. is is because Edimax actually has quite a range of di erent adapters, which can be mixed and matched to create the perfect setup for your home.

Instead of a single Ethernet connection, the HP-101ES incorporates a three-port 10/100 switch. is makes for a more a ordable and easier way to plug multiple devices into the one socket without needing extra hardware. For example, it’s perfect for connecting a TV, media player and gaming console to the network.

e HP5101ES uses the AV500 spec, for speeds up to 500Mbps. It’s compatible with other HomePlug 1.0 devices (including AV200 spec), and Edimax adapters. In testing, we hit speeds of 87/81Mbps up and down. is is pretty good, and while slower than Gigabit spec devices, plenty fast enough for normal network use.

e HP-5101ES has built in 128-bit security, noise ltering, IGMP managed multicast streams and has a power saving mode if not in use.

Edimax HP-5102Wn WIRED AND WIRELESS, TOGETHER AT LAST.

IN AN EFFORT to get the best of both worlds, the Edimac HP-5102Wn squeezes a Wi-Fi access point into the powerline adapter. is makes it super easy (and a ordable), to bring a wired connected to a distant room for a PC, but also allow devices such as phones to connect wirelessly. e powerLine side of the adapter is rated at AV500 spec, for speeds up to 500Mbps, and has a single 10/100 Ethernet port. e built-in Wi-Fi access point is 802.11n spec, with two internal antennas, and can handle speeds up to 300Mbps.

e HP-5102Wn is sold as a single device rather than a kit of two (like the one to the le ) and is compatible with other Edimax and HomePlug 1.0 devices. is means the Edimax powerline adapters can be used to create a more versatile overall network, without needing any extras such as a Wi-Fi access point.

In real-world speed tests, the HP-5102Wn is on par with its compatriots, managing 82 and 79Mbps, up and down. At 2m (in the same room), we pulled peaked at 65Mbps from the Wi-Fi.

NetComm NP511 A POWERLINE UPGRADE KIT.

TURNING YOUR EXISTING electrical cables into a high-speed network, the NetComm NP511 is rated for speeds up to 500Mbps. e kit includes two devices, each with a single 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet port on the bottom. e adapters pass the AC power through, and the design includes a spacer on the underside so it can more easily coexist with other plugs.

e NP511 is HomePlug 1.1 compatible, but NetComm recommends not mixing brands. e units have built-in noise ltering, and an automatic power saving mode when not in active use. Up to 15 can be connected together into a single network.

e NP511 managed better throughput (89/82Mbps up and down) than any other AV500 spec adapter we tested, but not by a huge margin. e NP511 has a green, amber and red LED to indicate connection speed, from best to worst. It also has a button for one-touch security, to avoid any data being accessible externally.

e downside is (based on price) that the NP511 competes with faster 1,000Mbps products, without adding any extra functionality.

Netgear Powerline 1000 HIGH SPEED CONNECTIVITY WITHOUT EXTRA WIRES.

FOR THOSE WITH demanding network needs, the Netgear PL1000 is rated for up to 1000 Mbps throughput. Each unit in the kit of two has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, and comes with a 2m cable. e PL1000 kit is AV2 HomePlug compliant, so is cross compatible with devices that use the same spec. It’s also backwards compatible with HomePlug AV1.0, and can coexist (but not cross communicate) with HomePlug 1.0 devices sharing the same circuit. Netgear recommends no more than 8 PL1000 adapters should be used at once on the same circuit, however.

Slightly wider than some, the PL1000 uses a spacer to sit out far enough to allow most normal plugs to use the next socket. When not actually connected, the unit powers down to save a little electricity. Setup is easy — plug it in and the hit the button to secure the network.

In our testing, the PL1000 managed excellent speeds of 178/174Mbps up and down. To help nd the best connection speed, the unit has a multicoloured LED indicator.

TP-Link TL-PA8010P FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED.

SUPPORTING THE LATEST HomePlug AV2 spec, the TP-Link TL-PA8010P uses 2 x 2 MIMO tech and all three power wires to o er speeds of up to 1,200Mbps. It also means the system can handle longer ranges better, and make a connection in places that lesser devices won’t be able to reach.

Each adapter has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, and the kit comes with dual 2m cables. e TL-PA8010P devices are fully backwards compatible with slower AV spec adapters, down to AV200 — though run at the speed of the slowest unit.

Installing the TP-Link adapters is very simple — just plug them in, and hit the button to pair the units and enable 128-bit security.

While the rated 1,200Mbps speed is more than the Gigabit Ethernet port can handle, in real-world testing the adapters managed 221Mbps up and 219Mbps down. at’s still faster than any other PowerLine device tested, which is a fantastic result overall.

While the TP-Link kit is a bit pricier than the competition, it’s well worth the extra cost.

TP-Link TL-WPA4220 LINKING YOUR WIRED AND WIRELESS WORLDS.

SQUEEZING A WI FI access point into the powerline adapter, the TP-Link TL-WPA4220 makes it easy to bring both a wired and wireless connection to remote corners of a house. e units are rated for speeds up to 500Mbps, using the HomePlug AV standard and a 10/100 Ethernet port. e Wi-Fi half is 802.11n only, and good for up to 300Mbps. ey are also fully compatible with other HomePlug AV spec devices.

Back in the real world, we managed 71Mbps up and 69Mbps down, and a maximum of 59Mbps on Wi-Fi, in the same room. Setup is the usual plug in and press the pair button, which also turns on 128-bit security. To make extending your existing Wi-Fi easier, the adapters have a Wi-Fi clone button, which copies the existing router con guration and is good to go. ey also have a three-colour LED, which indicates the quality of the network connection at the current location.

While we tested a two-adapter kit ($109), the TL-WPA4220 is also available as an individual unit for $69.

Wi-Fi range extenders WI FI IS VERY CONVENIENT, BUT LOADS OF FACTORS CAN DEGRADE THE SIGNAL AND GIVE POOR BANDWIDTH, OR AN

Many houses end up with an annoying black spot, and maintaining a link into a backyard or garage can be a frustrating experience. Wi-Fi range extenders step in to help by picking up an existing signal and re-broadcasting it, to increase the overall range. For a device connecting to the network, the switch between the two complementary networks is automatic and seamless. Some models also have a LAN port, and can extend a wired network, over Wi-Fi. Others can be con gured as a media bridge, to bring wireless connectivity to wired-only devices such as a gaming console.

It is important to match the range extender to your existing Wi-Fi. e spec is usually given as the Wi-Fi standard supported (N or AC), and the total throughput in Mbps — for example, AC1900 means 802.11ac spec, with a total of 1,900Mbps throughput on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

HOW WE TESTED

Wi-Fi range extenders were connected to our test network, using a Linksys EA9500 or compatible router. Each was positioned for the best signal strength, around halfway to the ‘edge’ of the main network. roughput was tested at a further 10m range, beyond a useful connection to the original Wi-Fi. Speeds were measured with the LAN Speed Test. e extenders were con gured to just repeat the signal on both frequencies, and not link back to the router on the other band. is reduces overall bandwidth, but ensures both 2.4GHz and 5GHz devices can connect.

ASUS RP-AC68U A SERIOUSLY HIGH END RANGE EXTENDER.

UNLIKE SOME OF the slimline options, the ASUS RP-AC68U is a stylish, yet chunky and elongated cube, measuring in at 178mm x 106mm x 106mm. It uses the extra space to hide four internal MIMO antennae that are designed to cover large areas. It also has ve gigabit LAN ports, to allow wired-only devices to tap in.

e AC68U IS AC1900 spec, so can handle 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, and 1,300Mbps on 5GHz. Getting set up is fast and easy with a WPS button, and it has LED indicators that help ne tune positioning for the best signal strength. e repeater also has a USB 3.0 port, which can turn your storage devices into a NAS, and is remotely accessible via the AiCloud app. e RP-AC68U had no problem extending our Wi-Fi out beyond the range of the original router, and gave a big speed boost under the test conditions.

e AC68U operates as a Wi-Fi range extender by default, but can also be switched to work as an access point, or media bridge.

D-Link DMG-112A A RANGE EXTENDER WITH A DIFFERENCE.

UNLIKE THE LARGE mains-powered options, the D-Link DMG-112A opts to be very compact and USB-powered. Important to note, the D-Link extender is 2.4GHz 802.11n only, and has a maximum throughput of 300Mbps. Its antennae are internal as well, so its range is comparatively limited.

In real-world testing, though, it easily helped counter dead zones and brought a strong signal to our backyard. Its real-world speed is also fairly low, but keep in mind that it’s speci cally designed to be low-cost, low power use and very portable. e DMG-112A has a WPS button for quick setup, but is otherwise con gured through a free D-Link app. e unit does come with a mains USB power adapter, which — coupled with a USB extension cable — makes it really easy to position the unit in the ideal location. We also ran it directly from a USB power bank — a perfect option for temporarily boosting Wi-Fi outdoors.

Considering the bargain price, the D-Link DMG-112A is a very handy little device to have around.

Linksys RE7000 FOR HIGH SPEED NETWORKS.

BASED AROUND THE AC1900 spec, the RE7000 can manage 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on 5GHz. It uses MU-MIMO tech, so is ideal to maximum speeds with multiple users. e unit is also designed to be very simple, with internal antennae, a WPS button and an app-guided setup. e RE7000 also goes a step further, with a single Gigabit Ethernet port, which feeds the network connect out to a wired-only device. Alternatively, the device can be plugged into a wired network, and con gured as a high-speed Wi-Fi access point.

While the RE7000 is backwards compatible with older networks, to get the full speeds, a fairly modern Wi-Fi router is needed. e device plugs directly into a 240v socket, but we found that this wasn’t ideal when trying to position it for the best range. Instead, we used a short extension cord, and tucked it away (standing vertically) on top of a book shelf. is allowed it to dramatically improve both the range and throughput of our network.

Netgear EX6150 A HIGH END BUT STILL AFFORDABLE OPTION.

INSTEAD OF GOING for all-out speed, the Netgear EX6150 dials it back a bit, using the AC1200 spec. at’s still pretty fast, with up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 900Mbps using 5GHz. It also uses Netgear FastLane Technology, which can con gure one band to only talk to the router (like a media bridge), while the other band connects to your devices. On the side, the EX6150 has a Gigabit Ethernet port, which can be used to connect to wired-only devices, or allow the unit to work as an access point. It also has a WPS button for easy connections, and dual adjustable antennae.

In normal use, the EX6150 does an excellent job of improving range and throughput, but the direct 240v socket plug in can be both inconvenient and handy. If using FastLane and 2.4GHz to link back to the router, bandwidth is reduced, but the better penetrating power of the lower frequency band means the range extender can be plugged in further away.

TP-Link RE210 AFFORDABLE YET EFFECTIVE.

OPERATING AT A slower AC750 spec, the TP-Link RE210 is good for 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 433Mbps on the 5GHz band. To put it in context, the range extender is only $70, so is aimed at everyday networks, rather than those who need the absolute highest throughput.

e RE210 uses dual, adjustable external antennae, and has an LED signal meter to help nd the best position. It also has a WPS button and can have the indicator LEDs turned o for night use.

Underneath, it also has a Gigabit LAN port (and comes with a cable), so can connect your wired devices to the network. e RE210 also has a ‘high speed mode’, which uses one band to send data and the other to receive it, and works a bit like a media bridge.

While the RE210 doesn’t achieve the same level of throughput as more expensive repeaters, it did an excellent job of extending our existing network. Like many repeaters, it plugs into a 240v socket directly.

802.11ac wireless adapters and media bridges WI FI CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO CONNECT A MULTITUDE OF DEVICES TO A NETWORK WITH LITTLE FUSS.

In a world with increasing demand for high bandwidth media streaming and the ability to handle large les, real-life speeds can be a letdown. Updates to the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard mean that many new devices can use all sorts of techniques to maximise throughput. To help bring older computers up to date, we’ve tested a bundle of the latest 802.11ac spec USB and PCIe Wi-Fi adapters. For wired-only devices, a media bridge creates a high-speed wireless link between two points, with Ethernet ports at each end. By dedicating multiple antennae to the task, speeds approaching that of a wired connection can be created. is is ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks, such as HD streaming from a NAS to a TV, in situations where running a cable is not possible. It’s also useful for consoles and other wired network devices, where a fast, reliable, yet wireless connection is needed.

HOW WE TESTED

Wi-Fi adapters were connected to a Linksys EA9500 router on the 5GHz band, and tested indoors at 1m range with no obstructions, then at a 10m range, with three walls in between. Media bridges were linked to a compatible router, and also tested at the same 1m and 10m locations. Network speeds were measured with the LAN Speed Test, between two computers. Note that some high-speed wireless connections are bottlenecked by the Gigabit Ethernet at each end. As a comparison, a wired Ethernet connection tested at 919Mbps up and 903Mbps down.

ASUS USB-AC68 A WI FI DONGLE LIKE NO OTHER.

NOT CONTENT WITH normal reception or speeds, the ASUS bo ns built a dual band 802.11ac adapter that uses the AC1900 spec. e AC68 connects via USB 3.0, and uses a special 3 x 4 MIMO antenna design (three transmit, four receive), with two fold-out antennae that can lock in multiple positions. Combined with the ASUS AiRadar so ware, this makes it easy to optimise the connection for maximum throughput. e device is large but quite portable and can be plugged directly into a USB port, but is better used with the included extension cable and stand.

To achieve full speed, the AC68 needs a compatible router, and pulls up to 600Mbps from the 2.4GHz band, and 1,300Mbps from 5GHz. Under the hood, it has a Realtek RTL8814AU chipset.

Performance is absolutely top notch, and we hit speeds that no other USB adapter could manage. e large antennae also mean that the AC68 excelled at longer ranges. While much pricier than the slower competition, the extra speed is well worth it.

D-Link DWA-582 A DESKTOP WI FI UPGRADE.

USING A PCIE 1x interface, the D-Link DWA-582 supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. e card uses dual large 4.5dBi external antennae, which can be repositioned for the best reception. By default, it has a standard height PCI adapter plate installed for normal use. For those with a mini-PC build, it also comes with a low pro le plate that can be swapped into place by removing two screws.

e DWA-582 can manage transfer rates up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 867Mbps on 5GHz. Of course, in the real world, it’s a whole lot less, but the Wi-Fi card can still hold its own for normal use. At longer ranges, the connection speeds remain strong, as long as the antennae are on the same side of the PC as the router. If instead the computer is orientated with the rear away from the router, the extra mass of metal and interference can drop the connection speed in half.

Linksys WUSB6100M COMPACT AND PORTABLE.

THE LITTLE LINKSYS AC600 measures in at just 37mm x 6mm x 5mm, and weighs 6 grams — about the same as a USB drive. Hidden inside is a marvel of compact 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity, with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies supported. e little dongle only needs USB 2.0 as well, so is compatible with older systems. e 5GHz side can handle speeds up to 433Mbps, while the 2.4GHz band manages 150Mbps. Despite lacking external antennae, it still features MU-MIMO and beamforming, to improve the connection when used at the same time as other Wi-Fi devices.

Over in the real world, the Linksys dongle is respectably fast when close to the router. At longer ranges, the tiny internal antennae mean walls and other obstructions quickly eat into the throughput. is is particularly noticeable when using the 5GHz band, which, while faster close up, is more easily absorbed across a house.

ankfully, the Linksys dongle is quite a ordable, and makes a great upgrade for older devices — at least if long range is not the focus.

Netgear A6200 A USB WI FI UPGRADE.

THE CHUNKY NETGEAR AC6200 takes the USB Wi-Fi dongle concept to a new level, with a large adjustable antenna, as well as a USB extension cable and base for better positioning. At its heart, it’s a dual-band 802.11ac adaptor, beefed up for longer range. Of course, that makes it a little chunkier, and the dongle measures in at 95mm x 31mm x 14mm, and weighs 20 grams. e 2.4GHz side maxes out at 300Mbps, while the 5GHz band is good up to 867Mbps.

In the real world, the speeds are slower (even up close), but still excellent. At longer ranges, the available throughput drops o , but the adjustable antenna does a great job of gathering every last packet of data.

USB 3.0 is needed for best e ect, but it can still operate on USB 2.0 if need be.

Considering the excellent performance, the A6200 is surprisingly a ordable at $65, and is a great wireless upgrade for a laptop or desktop.

TP-Link Archer T9E AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE.

IT’S COMMON TO use Gigabit Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi on desktops, for the increased speed. But the PCIe-based TP-Link Archer T9E can hit up to 1,300Mbps using the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. e Wi-Fi card uses three adjustable antennae, to help make it easy to tweak for the best connection speeds. e card itself has a low-pro le passive heatsink to keep cool, but while fairly compact, only comes with a full height PCIe mount.

During testing, the Archer T9E is extremely fast at close range — though still not quite as good as a wired connection. At a distance, careful positioning of the antennae is needed to get the best result, but as long as the rear of the computers is aimed at the router, throughput remains strong.

Cheaper than a 1,300Mbps-capable USB Wi-Fi dongle, the T9E is also not much more expensive than a slower PCIe adapter. It also supports older Windows systems with drivers available back to XP.

ASUS EA-AC87 FOR THE ULTIMATE WIRELESS CONNECTION.

USING 5GHZ FREQUENCIES and a 4 x 4 MIMO design, the ASUS EA-AC87 can create a wireless link at speeds of up to 1,734Mbps. Of course, it does need a compatible 4 x 4 Wi-Fi router — though a lesser model will still work, just slower. e EA-AC87 has a ve-port Gigabit switch built in, so can connect a whole bundle of wired devices. e AC87 can also be used as a Wi-Fi access point, with a coverage of up to 465m .

To help get the best throughput, the media bridge has an LED readout that shows the link quality. Small adjustments (especially at range) have a large e ect, so it’s important to tweak the position. Up close, the EA-AC87 is actually limited by the Gigabit Ethernet throughput. Further out, the signal strength and throughput drops, but it’s still miles ahead of most wireless connections, and more than enough for fast le transfers or multiple HD streams.

e EA-AC87 is fairly expensive (more so if you need to upgrade a router too), but worth the cost.

D-link DAP-1650 GIVE YOUR NETWORK AN UPGRADE.

PAIRED UP WITH a compatible Wi-Fi router, the D-Link DAP-1650 can create a highspeed link with speeds of up to 867Mbps. It uses dual band 802.11ac technology, but also has a four-port Gigabit Ethernet switch built in. Unlike most other media bridges, the DAP-1650 has all its antennae mounted internally, for a sleek and minimalistic exterior that blends in easily.

In real-world use, the D-Link device is not as fast as the competition, but then again, it’s almost half the price. Up close and personal, the DAP-1650 maxes out at about 650Mbps, which drops o dramatically at range. Still, that’s a pretty good result, and unlike faster options, it can likely get the best from your existing router.

While we primarily tested the DAP-1650 as a media bridge, it’s versatile enough to also operate as both a range extender, or wireless access point. Round the back, it has a single USB 2.0 port, which can be used to connect USB drives or a printer to the network.

Netgear Nighthawk EX7000 CREATE A HIGH SPEED WIRELESS LINK.

THE NIGHTHAWK EX7000 uses dual-band 802.11ac spec Wi-Fi to create a media bridge capable of Gigabit+ speeds. In 5GHz mode, it can handle 1,300Mbps, or 600Mbps if relegated to 2.4GHz. To make full use of the EX7000s capabilities, a compatible 3 x 3 router is needed, though it can also run at reduced throughput with lesser hardware.

e Nighthawk has three large external antennae, which can be positioned independently for best e ect. Round the back, it has ve Gigabit Ethernet ports, to bridge multiple devices to the wireless connection. It also has a USB 3.0 port for access to external storage, or to add a printer to the network.

In our testing, the EX7000 can create a wireless link with near wired speed throughput — at least at close range. Add a few walls into the mix and it slows down, but still has plenty of bandwidth for most tasks.

e Nighthawk isn’t a one trick pony either — it can be set up as a powerful Wi-Fi range extender, or used as a dedicated access point.