ASUS announced the new ExpertWiFi EBM68 router at Computex this year. The router is tailored specifically to meet the demands of various commercial establishments, spanning from cosy cafes to mid-sized enterprises. The ExpertWiFi EBM68 boasts a tri-band AX7800 mesh system, making it an optimal choice for mid-sized businesses or expansive locations such as hotels and retail stores with multiple floors. It is also, however, suitable for small offices or home offices (SOHOs).

Out of the box, the ExpertWiFi EBM68 looks like a conventional mesh Wi-Fi system, consisting of two identical routers that can be placed in different locations and then linked together to provide more excellent range and reliability than a single router. The two routers support tri-band Wi-Fi 6, with a top speed of 7.8Gbps.

However, the difference between the ExpertWiFi EBM68 and a conventional mesh system becomes apparent when you explore Asus’ new ExpertWiFi app. This provides several features designed specifically for business users, including the ability to create multiple networks that can be allocated to different departments or groups of users within your organization. You can create a guest network for people visiting your office or customers in public venues such as restaurants and hotels.

The ExpertWiFi EBM68 also allows you to create a ‘guest portal’ to help businesses promote their brand to customers using your public Wi-Fi. In addition, these routers offer support for VLAN and VPN to bolster the security of sensitive business data and information. They also facilitate hassle-free network expansion, sport space-efficient designs, and can be conveniently managed via the ASUS ExpertWiFi app.

During the initial setup process, using two identical routers may initially lead to some confusion. However, one of the routers conveniently features a label that reads, “I’m the main router – start with me!” to guide you through the setup process. Furthermore, the ExpertWiFi EBM68 package includes a wall-mount kit from Asus, allowing you to securely affix the routers high on the wall, keeping them safe from potential damage. Elevating the routers above head height with the wall-mount kit can also enhance the wide distribution of the Wi-Fi signal.

While it may not boast the flashy antennas and glowing lights commonly seen on high-end routers, the ExpertWiFi EBM68 still delivers remarkable performance and functionality, making it a suitable choice for bustling offices and public spaces. This mesh system offers tri-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, broadcasting on two distinct 5.0GHz frequency bands and the 2.4GHz frequency band.

Moreover, Asus asserts that this two-device system can cover areas as extensive as 5,700 square feet, accommodating multi-story offices and large venues. For even greater coverage, you have the option to expand your mesh system by acquiring up to ten additional ExpertWiFi EBM68 routers or by integrating the ExpertWiFi with other ASUS routers compatible with the company’s AiMesh technology, making it well-suited for larger buildings.

The ExpertWiFi router series comes packed with lots of bells and whistles. These include Self-Defined Network (SDN) capabilities, support for VLANs and VPNs to fortify the security of business data, streamlined options for expanding networks, space-efficient designs, and effortless device management facilitated through the all-new ASUS ExpertWiFi app.

SDN allows you to segregate and prioritise devices by offering up to five SSIDs. The Scenario Explorer simplifies network configuration, allowing you to select a scenario aligning with your business needs. This process automatically adjusts advanced settings within a few steps, creating polished guest portals and separate networks for employees and IoT devices.

The ExpertWiFi routers cater to multiple VPN protocols, including L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, ensuring advanced security measures. Additionally, these routers incorporate AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, to shield businesses and connected devices from cyber threats.

A noteworthy feature is the backup WAN functionality, which allows you to connect your ExpertWiFi devices to Android or iPhone devices via a USB cable. This enables the utilisation of their mobile hotspot for the entire local network in situations where on-premises internet services are unavailable.

The ExpertWiFi series is expandable, with upcoming products such as access points, wired VPN routers, and managed PoE+ switches. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor various topologies and combinations to precisely meet their unique requirements.

The two-pack ASUS ExpertWiFi EBM68 make it a good option for growing businesses to invest in. It offers multi-network versatility, which is ideal for businesses that want to provide Wi-Fi for their customers. In addition, Asus’ Self-Defined Network features make it easy to set up multiple networks for different teams or departments. The ASUS ExpertWiFi EBM68 is thus highly recommended.

Price: TBA

More Details: https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/business-network-solutions/asus-expertwifi/asus-expertwifi-ebm68/

Linksys has announced the latest addition to its WiFi 6E product portfolio – the Linksys Velop Pro 6E, the first of its new Designer Series using the “nature-inspired” droplet design, along with advanced features that provide the ultimate WiFi 6E experience at an affordable price point. WiFi 6E offers an extra 6GHz band connection that helps cut down on interference and improves speeds to your connected devices.

Powered by the Qualcomm Immersive Home 316 Platform, the Linksys Velop Pro 6E brings incredible range and coverage with WiFi 6E, enabling users to stream, download, or work with a faster and wider connection, and more devices on their network. Each tri-band node has one 1Gbps Ethernet LAN port for connecting wired devices to wireless networks. With the latest Linksys Mobile App, the Velop Pro 6E is easily set up in under 10 minutes and managed remotely with security and other useful features such as guest access, parental controls, and more.

“Today a Connected Home with ubiquitous Wi-Fi is the new normal, but people want the network devices to blend into their decor,” said Vice President of Experience, Jeevan Patil. “We have acted on that demand with our Velop Pro 6E, the first in our new Designer Series, using our droplet design, inspired by nature, in colours such as Carbon Black, Pebble Gray, and Pure White.”

“People not only want the home network device to blend in, but they want to install it quickly,” said Principal Engineer, Michael Forbes. “With our Velop Pro 6E, we reduced the setup time by two-thirds, so a complete system can be set up and operational in under 10 minutes.”

The Linksys Velop Pro 6E is available in three configurations with the 1-pack starting at $199. The 1-pack covers ~3,000 square feet, the 2-pack covers ~6,000 square feet, and the 3-pack covers up to ~9,000 square feet. The Velop Pro 6E joins Linksys’ WiFi 6 lineup including the Hydra Pro 6E and Atlas Max 6E.

Additional features and benefits:

• Improved setup – With a quick and easy process, users can set up 3 nodes in under 10 minutes.
• Security – Protect your devices with automatic security updates, a separate guest network, and other advanced features through the app.
• Fortinet DNS Filtering – Powered by Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs threat research team, the FortiGuard DNS Filtering Service guards against user connections to malicious or inappropriate websites and content.
• Stable, blazing-fast coverage – Qualcomm Immersive Home 316 Platform blends innovative mesh capabilities with advanced WiFi 6E features.
• New form factor – Latest droplet design brings improved thermal management, coverage, and performance in a more compact footprint.
• Revised packaging – New recyclable packaging made from 65% recycled material.
• Improved mesh technology – Providing users with a simple self-optimized capability for collaboration, streaming, gaming, or large gatherings with multiple devices. The network is automatically monitored regularly to ensure a quality experience.

Stay tuned for regional availability and pricing.

Acer has unveiled the Acer Connect Vero W6m mesh router, its first eco-friendly Wi-Fi 6E router that incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in its chassis and features an Eco mode for efficient energy consumption. The router is powered by a quad-core 2 GHz processor and includes a bundle of enhanced connectivity, coverage, and security features, including Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band AXE7800 capability.

“We are thrilled to expand Acer’s portfolio of network devices with the launch of the Acer Connect Vero W6m Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, engineered with support for Wi-Fi 6E tri-band connectivity to provide swift and secure connections with vast network coverage within any home or office locations,” said Wayne Ma, General Manager, IoB, Acer Inc. “The performance-driven router is also the latest addition to our growing Vero line of eco-conscious products, embodying Acer’s commitment to fulfilling its environmental responsibility and helping minimise carbon footprint.”

The Acer Connect Vero W6m, Acer’s first eco-friendly router, comes with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and conforms with security standards set by the European Commission’s Radio Equipment Directive. Capable of supporting Wi-Fi 6E Triband (2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz) AXE7800 throughput, the device provides speeds of up to 7.8 Gbps to deliver fast, stable internet connections when online. The Wi-Fi 6E router can also be paired with up to 4 units and features impressive network ranges of up to 465 m² on a dual mesh system and up to 930 m² on a quad mesh system to help eliminate dead spots in larger coverage areas. Powered by a MediaTek quad-core 2 GHz A53 processor with 1 GB LPDDR RAM and 4 GB memory capacity, the Acer Connect Vero W6m is engineered to keep up with high-bandwidth requirements.

The Wi-Fi 6E router also gives great importance to data protection and security as it is the first router to pass EU EN 303 645 (RED) Cyber Security Standards. Along with Acer’s portfolio of performance-focused routers, including the Predator Connect W6 and Predator Connect W6d, the addition of the Vero Connect W6m router conveys its commitment to providing innovative connectivity devices that deliver quality and secure network connections for all types of users.

Designed with the environment in mind, Acer’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions is reflected in every aspect of the device, from its chassis to energy-efficient features. It also utilizes 100% recyclable paper in its packaging. The Acer Connect Vero W6m’s minimalistic and compact aesthetic is made with 30% PCR plastic and painted with a cobblestone grey finish to let it blend in with any office or home setup. The dedicated Eco mode function optimizes the router’s power consumption, along with other connected devices by managing their sleep time when not in use and efficiently regulating its data frequency distribution.