I purchased the Asus RP-N53 to improve wireless coverage in another part of my home. My existing wireless router, also an Asus device was not providing adequate signal strength on 5Ghz and at 2.4Ghz, signal strength was acceptable but could certainly have improved.
This review will get a bit technical, but the short version of it is that this provides outstanding performance and wireless coverage for such a small device. The LED indicators which can be turned on or off by simply touching the front of the unit provide an immediate status of signal strength back to the primary wireless access point and the unit build quality is good.
The Asus RP-N53 exceed all expectations I had in terms of performance. It can connect back to a wireless access point on 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. The incredible thing about this unit is that typically you would need to position it half way between your weak spot and your router in order for a suitable signal between your wireless access point and repeater to be established, however I put this directly in the weakest spot in the house and it still maintained maximum signal strength back to the wireless access point on both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz.
I reconnected my wireless devices to the new repeater AP and where I was previously only achieving speeds of 1mbit (on 5Ghz), to my wireless access point, this was boosted to in excess of 80mbit on the 5Ghz SSID set-up on the RP-N53. That being said, the wireless access point on other routers may well be much better the rather poor performance my wireless router provides over longer distances.
The RP-N53 can operate as a repeater or an access point. Repeater mode is the primary feature but as an access point it can be plugged into any wired LAN to create a wireless network.
In repeater mode, it is important to note that you are prompted to create new SSIDs. In other words, your wireless devices will see two wireless networks, your existing wireless access point SSID and a new one that you will create on the RP-N53. Some devices will automatically connect to the wireless network providing the strongest signal, but you may find the need to manually disconnect from one wireless SSID and connect to another.
In repeater mode, the RP-N53 can use an in-built DHCP server, which it attempts to do by default, or you can disable it and just use the DHCP server provided by your existing router. Disabling the DHCP server on the RP-N53 is helpful as it keeps all your devices in the same IP address range. With this repeater, screen casting (e.g. connecting your Android phone to a ChromeCast or Smart TV) works flawlessly even if your ChromeCast or Smart TV is connected to one SSID (e.g. one provided by your wireless router) and your other wireless device is connected to the SSID being broadcast by the RP-N53.
The unit has a light on the underside that can be used as a night light as well as a number blue LED indicators. These can all be enabled or disabled by touching the front panel. The affect of touching the front panel (i.e. which LEDs should be turned off and on) can be configured by the web interface on the RP-N53.
In summary, this device dramatically improved my wireless coverage, the extent of the improvement was a surprise. It offers some other handy features and is relatively easy to set-up for those who aren't too technical, although it doesn't provide too many advanced settings for those who are more technical. Overall the unit build quality is good and it looks quite smart.
From the manufacturer
Flexible and space saving placement options
The RP-N14 uses a back power plug design to help you save space and give you more freedom when choosing device location. It can connect directly to wall sockets or power strips, promoting neater and less cluttered homes.
Wireless-N300 Range Extender
Lights up your home
The RP-N14 ensures full coverage of your home with just a one press setup for an easy connectivity.
The RP-N14 also has an additional LED on the back, serving as a gentle nightlight for a very pleasing visual effect.
- Extends wireless home networking
- Wireless media playback with ASUS AiPlayer app
- One-press setup and worry-free connectivity
- Full coverage with internal MIMO antennas
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Lights Up Your Wi-Fi EverywhereThe RP-N14 ensures full coverage and no more signal dead zones with internal MIMO antennas. Its strong repeater functionality expands wireless home networking to every corner. Even the hardest to reach spots get high speed internet coverage for notebooks, tablets, smartphones, game consoles and smart TVs. |
One-press Setup and Worry-free ConnectivityRP-N14 installation doesn’t require a CD or even mouse and keyboard. One press of the WPS button and setup is complete. Optimised performance is assured, so internet experiences are seamless and smooth. For detailed management, you can simply connect the RP-N14 to a PC via ethernet cable and go to the configuration page directly or quickly set it up from tablet or smartphone wirelessly, with no disc or app needed. |
Wireless Media Playback - ASUS AiPlayer AppEnjoy your favourite music with wireless convenience using the RP-N14 and ASUS AiPlayer. Better compatibility with a complete range of multimedia formats means streaming is smooth and effortless, working every time to bring you plug n play enjoyment, to be shared with those that matter. *Free download ASUS AiPlayer from App Store and Google Play now. |
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Signal IndicatorReactive LED lighting on the front of the RP-N14 offers at a glance signal strength indication from router to the RP-N14. |
Internet RadioGet your radio stations via the internet with live streaming or webcasting. Streams playable through the router's graphical user interface and dedicated app. |
Hands-on Control for Music and LightingSimply touch a sensor on the RP-N14 to start or stop music playback and turn the LED lighting on and off. All it takes is one touch, adding instant convenience - plus you can personalise sensor settings via the user-friendly interface. |
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| RP-AC52 | RP-N53 | RP-N14 | EA-N66 | |
| Wireless data rate | 433 + 300 Mbps | 300 + 300 Mbps | 300Mbps | 450 + 450 Mbps |
| MIMO | 5G 1T1R;2.4G 2T2R | 5G 2T2R;2.4G 2T2R | 2.4G 2T2R | 5G 3T3R;2.4G 3T3R |
| Antenna | 3 internal | 2 internal | 2 internal | 3 internal RSMA |
| Signal indicators | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Audio out | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| WPS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roaming Assist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ExpressWay for superfast streaming & gaming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
