Review: Asus RP-AC52 Range Extender

by Ryan Martin on 14 November 2014, 15:34

Tags: ASUSTeK (TPE:2357)

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Conclusion

The overall design of the Asus RP-AC52 is pleasant and user-friendly, making it ideal for someone with limited networking knowledge.

The Asus RP-AC52 caters to a somewhat narrow target audience, given that most people still rely on wireless 802.11n routers in their homes and workplaces. If you’re fortunate enough to have a Wireless AC router then the RP-AC52 is an intriguing way of eliminating WiFi deadspots, and adding extra functionality.

At approximately £60 the RP-AC52 isn't the most affordable of buys. Although, given that it targets consumers who already possess premium Wireless AC routers the price doesn’t seem unrealistic.

Performance-junkies may deride the fact 5GHz performance isn’t higher, but this is a drawback all WiFi repeaters face. The option to configure the RP-AC52 as a wireless access point exists if higher performance is of greater priority than ease-of-use and minimising cable clutter. Another redeeming feature is the marked increase in signal strength that makes the 5GHz experience considerably smoother, even if the increase in raw bandwidth is only slight.

The overall design of the Asus RP-AC52 is pleasant and user-friendly, making it ideal for someone with limited networking knowledge. Unlike several rival range extenders, its compact size makes it ideal for mounting in wall sockets close to the floor or skirting boards. The addition of network audio playback and a night light are nice, although we're unconvinced about how much use they might actually get.

The Good
 
The Bad

Eliminates deadspots
Supports dual-band 802.11ac
User-friendly setup
Compact size
Access point function

 

Price premium



Asus RP-AC52 range extender

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The Asus RP-AC52 range extender is available to purchase from Dabs.com

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At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



HEXUS Forums :: 2 Comments

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I thought this might be a decent option to use as a basic AC hotspot for my network rather that buying a whole new router, but the ethernet port is only 10/100 :(
It is, as wifi is not full duplex it is a minor thing.

What i would be interested in is how this compares to a powerline wireless adapter, although I do realise that it again depends entirely on the house wiring.