Wireless Reviews

Routing Performance

Routing throughput was measured for the Edimax BR-6478AC loaded with version 1.14 firmware (upgraded) using our standard test method. Results are summarized in the chart below. The 41, 533 Simultaneous Connections once again expanded the ever-changing limit of this benchmark. You won’t have a session shortage with the BR-6478AC.

The IxChariot comparison shows excellent throughput with some choppiness in the LAN to WAN test. However, this is generally about at 800 Mbps. So neither this, nor the slightly lower WAN to LAN results will be noticed with conventional broadband connections.

Edimax BR-6478AC Unidirectional Routing Test Results

I should note that these tests were run with Fast NAT enabled, which is the default. Most routers that provide routing throughput close to Gigabit wire-speed use some form of NAT acceleration, whether they expose a control for it or not. On the BR-6478AC, you have the option of disabling Fast NAT, which will cut routing throughput about in half as shown in the nice flat unidirectional composite plot below.

Unidirectional Routing Test Results with Fast NAT disabled

The simultaneous up/download throughput benchmark turned in a more modest 509 Mbps. As shown in the chart below, the reduction was due to a throughput dropoff partway into the test. This was not a fluke; the reduction was observed on multiple runs. We don't know the mechanism causing this. But you're unlikely to experience it in real-world use unless you can sustain a similar load from your ISP.

Edimax BR-6478AC Simultaneous Up/Downlink Performance Graph

We also ran this benchmark with Fast NAT disabled and total throughput dropped to 391 Mbps, with higher variation but no sign of the big throughput dropoff.

Edimax BR-6478AC Simultaneous Up/Downlink Performance Graph - Fast NAT disabled