Wireless Reviews

Wireless Performance - more

For a more detailed look at wireless performance using throughput vs. attenuation plots, let's compare the AC88U with the only other Broadcom-based 4x4 product tested so far, NETGEAR's R8500. I also included the TP-LINK Archer C2600 top-ranked QCA-based 4x4 router. This is a fair comparison since the test client is AC1900.

For 2.4 GHz downlink, all three products are fairly evenly matched. The main difference is the ASUS has lower throughput than the other two at low attenuation (strong signal) levels and has a slight advantage over them from 36 dB attenuation onward.

2.4 GHz Downlink Throughput vs. Attenuation

For 2.4 GHz Uplink, the TP-LINK C2600 has a clear advantage at lower levels of attenuation but joins the ASUS' plotline at 39 dB. The NETGEAR turns in the lowest results for this benchmark, staying below the other two plotline for all tests.

2.4 GHz Uplink Throughput vs. Attenuation

5 GHz downlink has all three produces relatively evenly matched up to the 12 dB test. After that, the NETGEAR takes the high road for the rest of the tested range. Note the ASUS disconnects 3 dB earlier than the other two routers, at 36 dB

5 GHz Downlink Throughput vs. Attenuation

For 5 GHz uplink, the ASUS again has the middle ground, but with the TP-LINK and NETGEAR switching places.

5 GHz Uplink Throughput vs. Attenuation

In all, except for the TP-LINK's significantly higher 2.4 GHz uplink throughput with strong signals, the wireless performance differences for these three products provide little reason to recommend one over another.