A Closer Look
Like other wireless range extenders that I’ve looked at before, the RP-N53 is a plug in device with a rather compact build. Built into a plain white plastic housing with the typical textured gloss pattern that we see on other Asus networking products, the RP-N53 measures in at 4.5 x 3.1 x 8.5cm, so there is no need to worry about it obstructing a neighbouring socket like we have seen from the likes of powerline devices with a slightly wider build.
On the lower edge of the unit there is a pair of status/signal strength LEDs for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation. Having the dual band feature gives the RP-N53 a huge boost over other range extenders that typically only cover the 2.4GHz spectrum. Each of the signal indicators have a row of three LEDs that light up to indicate the incoming signal strength, therefore making it easy to diagnose the optimum position to have the plug located.
On the right hand edge of the plug is a 10/100 Ethernet port and below this a 3.5mm audio jack. As well as its range extender mode, the RP-N53 can also be configured to act as an Access Point for areas where a wireless signal is too weak to be repeated. The audio jack however, is something totally new to a range extender. Asus have given this unit wireless media playback capabilities, enabling you to connect a set of speakers to the plug and then stream audio to the unit through the AiPlayer mobile app.
On the left hand edge we find a simple on/off switch, reset button and a WPS button for a one-touch installation into an existing wireless network (as long as the wireless AP / router supports WPS).
Having a quick peek at the back of the extender, naturally we’re going to find a plug for power, but on the wedge part of the unit is a frosted effect piece of plastic which houses a light behind. This little LED lights up the plug from behind with a soft glow, giving a gentle night light effect. This light can be turned on by touching the power led on the front of the unit.
I just bought one of these to extend the network of my Asus RT-68U. By default it wants to create separate SSID’s for 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, in addition to the original router’s SSID. So, I have 3 SSID’s for my devices to choose from. I’m not sure if it would be better to combine all the SSID’s or keep it separated. With separate SSID’s, will the clients automatically switch to the SSID with the best signal and even differentiate between the appropriate frequencies? An Apple TV that gets weak signal from the original router would be better off with the repeater’s 5 GHz band and since the Apple TV is stationary, I suppose I could manually connect it with that SSID, but what about my phone or an iPad?