ASUS RP-AC56 AC1200 Range Extender Review

Bohs Hansen / 9 years ago

Final Thoughts

Pricing

At the time of writing, the ASUS RP-AC56 can be yours for $99.99 at NewEgg, £73.99 at Overclockers UK, or €85.77 through Geizhals.

Conclusion

Range extenders are a great invention for larger homes where your routers normal range isn’t enough. ASUS made a great AC1200 dual-band range extender with their RP-AC56 and added a lot more functionality at the same time. You can run it in every possible mode from access point to repeater and also use it with the Express Way feature. Whichever choice you make, the RP-AC56 works great.

My apartment is almost too small to test quality range extenders like this one and I had to limit my router’s signal strength and limit its bandwidth to show the effect. To begin with it was even because my router already covered the area. That is however only something that speaks for the quality of the range extender that it won’t impact the signal strength. Once I simulated a router with a smaller signal strength we clearly saw the repeaters effect.

The range-extending function is just one way you can use it. You can also use it as an access point and connect a wired system to your wireless network with this little gadget. If that wasn’t already enough, you can also connect it to your audio system or speakers and stream music wireless from your Android or iOS device.

The built-in LED indicators also help to find the perfect positioning without much trial and error. Plug it in and the LEDs will tell you the signal strength so you know whether it’s placed correctly or not. Overall, an amazing little piece of technology, but also one that does come at a cost.

Pros

AC1200 dual-band connectivity
Repeater, Extender, or Access Point function
RJ45 and Audio connections
Wireless audio streaming

Cons

UK version doesn’t feature the rotating power plug.
Can’t be used with aftermarket antennas

“ASUS RP-AC56 is a lot more than just a Range Extender for your wireless network. It’s also that and does it great, but it takes the whole idea to a new level with extra features and functions.”