Its also able to protect against malware and phishing with a layer of built-in security software.
On the other hand, it remains one of the most expensive networking kits available.
Still, its a bargain compared toNetgears $1,700Orbi 973router plus node.
A single $700 unit can add an extra 4,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage.
Theres also the 5GHz band (up to 5,764 Mbps) and 2.4GHz band (1,376 Mbps).
It adds up to a total theoretical throughput of up to 30.198 Gbps.
The payoff goes deeper than being one of the top Wi-Fi performers on paper.
In other words, it can chew gum and run at the same time.
Other systems either dynamically apportion the data flow across its channels or dedicate the 5GHz band to backhaul duties.
The node can also be physically wired to the router using an Ethernet cable for top speeds.
The BQ16 Pro can tap into ultra-wide 320MHz data channels for high throughput tpp.
Its ports are even more impressive with 10 Gbps ones for the broadband WAN input and LAN output.
Therere also three 1 Gbps LAN ports for more conventional networked devices.
The BQ16s USB 3.0 port adds two more acts to its wireless repertoire.
It all worked well with the devices never getting more than warm during testing.
The single LED up front glows white while it is starting and blinks green while being configured.
When set up, the unit glows bluish white but turns red when its offline.
The light can be turned off in the app.
As is the case with earlier ZenWiFi products, the BQ16 Pro has extra online defenses baked in.
While it protects a connection well, AiProtection Pro lacks the client-level malware protection thatNortonandBitdefenderprovide for TP-Link and Netgear.
After using it for several weeks at home, it more than delivered top throughput.
Unfortunately, the two-pack could not fill my 100-year old, 3,500 square foot house.
The dead zones could likely have been filled with a second node.
This grew to 2.629 Gbps using Wi-Fi at close range.
It outperformed the Orbi 973s 2.003 Gbps and the Deco BE85s 1.736 Gbps.
Between twice and three times the next best mesh sets, its the payoff of the twin 6GHz approach.
By contrast, the competition mustered 42.6 Mbps (Deco BE85).
On its own, the BQ16 Pro had a range of 100 feet.
The BQ16 Pro delivered upwards of 1.354 Gbps of data to the test system.
That blew away the next best competitor, the Orbi 973s 1.090 Gbps.
Thats more than double the 251.7 Mbps and 140,0 Mbps achieved by the Orbi 973 and Deco BE85.
While all this was going on, anHPEnvy desktop moved files onto and off of my networking RAID server.
Even at peak use, the router never got more than warm to the touch at 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
I picked ZenWiFi from the picture list.
Next, I scanned the QR code on the main units bottom to start the configuration sequence.
Be careful not to scan the QR codes on the back, which lead to the phone apps.
I selected Get Started and added web link names and passwords as well as login credentials for making changes.
The networks set themselves up, optimized their prefs and connected on the first try.
It took 7:30 to complete, less than half the time it took to get the Orbi 973 online.
The home screen shows a lot without appearing cluttered with a Status check on top.
Further down are places to see real-time data traffic and whats online.
Along the bottom are tabs for the meat of the interface.
In addition to a list of connected devices, theres a Family tab for age-specific parental controls.
There are several Insight connections for making the passcode stronger and adding family members to the online grid.
The Security Insight is for using the companys AiProtection Pro defenses.
Powered by Trend Micro, it can defend the web connection from cyberattacks.
Once set up, it shows results.
tweaks surfaces lots of configuration potential and options.
The apps Traffic Statistics page is about as good as it gets with a top graph for Internet speed.
Below are incredibly useful color coded plots for wired data flow as well as throughput for each Wi-Fi band.
Theres also things like the ability to change the RTS threshold and DTIM interval.
Most will never need to dig here, but its good to know the adjustments are there.
Asus comes through with a three year warranty on the hardware plus unlimited lifetime support.
Its online support choices are excellent, with access to the manual, firmware and tips.
In fact, it makes wired gigabit per second Ethernet look slow and dated.
