Buying a router sometimes comes with a few surprises, but most people don’t expect to have much trouble getting a consistent and reliable connection in every room. Many find themselves hunting for a solution to eliminate internet dead zones, and a repeater or range extender—especially a cheap barebones option—is often considered.

Standalone routers often encounter challenges such as frequent changes in access point authentication, fluctuating network connectivity speeds, low bandwidth, and poor connectivity. Fortunately, mesh technology-based extendable routers from ASUS can effectively address these connectivity issues.

However, do we really need to purchase a top-end router with all the latest features, or can we explore more affordable options that still provide comparable benefits and potentially enhance our home Wi-Fi coverage? Read on to find out more.

Stretching Your Dirhams
If you would like to upgrade your home network, which currently runs using an old router, consider buying an ASUS router with AiMesh support. By adding an AiMesh router to your existing setup, you can create a mesh WiFi system. This type of system utilises separate units strategically placed throughout your home to manage a single network that covers the entire area. Additionally, this approach would have reduced e-waste by extending the life of your old router, thus contributing to sustainability goals. And, not to mention, it is also easier on your pocket.

Better Than Buying a WiFi Extender
If you find yourself in need of wider Wi-Fi coverage but don’t have an extendable AiMesh wireless router, you may consider getting a range extender. However, this option requires managing two separate devices, each with its own settings. For those who are not tech-savvy, this may be a challenge, and it’s possible to end up with a suboptimal setup that doesn’t perform as well. On the other hand, adding two or more AiMesh routers to your network is straightforward and can be done with just a few clicks or taps. Moreover, any newly added ASUS router(s) will automatically copy the network settings from the main router.

Extendable Router Network vs. Regular Router Network
Unlike standard routers or range extenders, extendable routers offer a unified WiFi network throughout the entire home. If you need to expand your network coverage, you can effortlessly integrate another unit. There’s no need to switch networks as you move around because the routers collaborate to determine which one provides the best signal for each connected device. The routers function seamlessly together, automatically transferring the connection between themselves without requiring any input or interaction from you.

ASUS routers are made extendable by using the technology known as AiMesh. AiMesh-compatible wireless routers can be linked together to create a comprehensive mesh WiFi network that covers your entire home. ASUS has integrated AiMesh into their routers for numerous years, resulting in a vast selection of options to choose from. The greatest advantage of AiMesh technology is that all compatible routers work seamlessly with each other.

If the idea of setting up an extendable network seems daunting, don’t worry. The ASUS Router mobile app simplifies the process. Setup is straightforward, and the app provides tools to easily monitor your network topology. You can optimize your home network with ease, including determining the best placement for your node and managing each connected device with rich features. All of this can be accomplished with just a few taps on your smartphone.

With a standard router, it may be necessary to turn your WiFi on and off frequently as you move about to maintain a connection. In some instances, your device may remain connected to the range extender, even when you’re closer to the main router, resulting in a weaker signal. Additionally, setting up and determining optimal device placement for a range extender, if it has an app at all, can be more difficult.

Performance is Key
Compared with range extenders and similar networking devices, extendable routers typically come equipped with more powerful hardware and advanced features. They feature faster processors with multiple cores and are loaded with firmware that includes numerous built-in optimisations. Take, for instance, the ASUS RT-AX53, which boasts a robust dual-core processor and 256 MB of RAM. These specifications are more than enough to manage a busy home network and include a plethora of useful tools and features for gamers. While you may find affordable mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market, their hardware is often slightly underpowered compared to ASUS extendable routers. Additionally, their firmware provides fewer features and configuration options.

The Value Goes Beyond WiFi Extension
The benefits of an ASUS extendable router extend beyond simply extending WiFi coverage. You can enjoy full commercial-grade security and network features throughout your entire network, without the need to pay for a subscription. If you currently use a router provided by your internet service provider or one that you purchased, you may find that ASUS extendable routers are competitively priced, with numerous advanced features that can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

ASUS AiProtection employs Trend Micro updates to protect your home network automatically by blocking malicious websites and detecting and isolating infected devices. Instant Guard provides a one-tap secure VPN server, offering robust security for public WiFi access from anywhere. For parents, advanced controls enable easy monitoring of their children’s online activities, setting reasonable screen time limits, and customizing settings for each connected device via a single app. In contrast, most competing range extenders come with basic WPA2 or WPA3 security and lack advanced features, making it impossible to control them centrally.

Bells and Whistles
Although many mesh Wi-Fi systems from brands other than ASUS can provide good Wi-Fi coverage, they often lack essential security tools such as antivirus protection, intrusion prevention systems, advanced parental controls, VPN, and online gaming tools. Moreover, if you opt for a router and range extender combo, you will only have access to advanced features on the router, not the range extender. On the other hand, with extendable ASUS routers, you gain the advantage of having access to all advanced features. Even if you use different ASUS routers with varying prices and manufactured in different years, you will still benefit from all the features of the main router throughout your network, providing coverage to all devices connected to it.

An Extendable Router Gives Your WiFi Network Room to Grow
While a traditional router or range extender may be sufficient for your current needs, an extendable router ensures that you have the flexibility to expand your WiFi network as your needs change. Whether you renovate your basement, add to your home, or move to a larger residence, AiMesh allows you to easily extend your network. With comprehensive security, user-friendly management tools, and a robust feature set, ASUS routers regularly receive recognition as the top routers on the market, making them a great choice for anyone setting up a home network. Whether you need a gaming-focused router, an all-purpose performance router, or a budget-friendly option to get you started, ASUS has a variety of extendable routers to meet your needs.

Here are some ASUS extendable routers to consider…

ASUS RT-AX53U

This is an AX1800 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) router that supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, with AiProtection Classic network security powered by Trend Micro. It is also compatible with the ASUS AiMesh WiFi system. The RT-AX53U supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. It offers networking speeds of 1800Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band.

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ASUS RT-AX58U

This is an AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) router supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, with AiProtection Pro network security powered by Trend Micro/ This router is also compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi system. The RT-AX58U supports 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM for faster wireless connections, with a total networking speed of about 3000Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band.

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ASUS TUF-AX3000

The ASUS TUF Gaming AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router comes with a dedicated gaming port, AiMesh for mesh WiFi, and AiProtection Pro network security. It supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, featuring 160 MHz bandwidth with the latest OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology to deliver great WiFi capacity and efficiency. WiFi 6 also enables faster networking speeds of up to 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz band) and 2404 Mbps (5 GHz band) — up to 2.5X faster than 802.11ac dual-band routers.

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ASUS RT-AX82U

This AX5400 Dual Band WiFi6 Gaming Router offers WiFi 6 802.11ax, Mobile Game Mode, ASUS AURA RGB, Lifetime Free Internet Security, Mesh WiFi support, Gear Accelerator, Gaming Port, Adaptive QoS, and Port Forwarding. The RT-AX82U is also an extendable router that supports ASUS AiMesh, a unique mesh-networking technology that creates a whole-home network using multiple ASUS routers. With easy central control and seamless roaming, even non-experts can set it up with any AiMesh-capable routers you own. Say goodbye to WiFi dead zones.

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ASUS RT-AX88U Pro

The RT-AX88U is a 4×4 dual-band Wi-Fi router that provides 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM. It offers a total networking speed of about 6000Mbps-1148Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804Mbps on the 5GHz band. With a combination of OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, 802.11ax technology provides up to 4X greater network capacity and efficiency in traffic-dense environments.

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ASUS GT-AX6000

The ASUS ROG GT-AX6000 Dual-Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Gaming Router offers dual 2.5G ports, enhanced hardware, WAN aggregation, VPN Fusion, Triple-Level Game Acceleration, and free network security. It is also an extendable router. The GT-AX6000 has dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports that support link aggregation and load balancing, giving you the flexibility to give massive bandwidth to connected devices or take advantage of ultra-highspeed internet connections.

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ASUS RT-AXE7800

The AXE7800 Tri-band WiFi 6E (802.11ax) router offers the new 6GHz band. It also accompanies features such as ASUS Safe Browsing, enhanced network security with AiProtection Pro and Instant Guard Sharable Secure VPN, Free Parental Controls, a 2.5G Port, and Link Aggregation. WiFi 6E has up to seven additional high-speed 160 MHz channels, enabling multi-gigabit speeds with stable and consistent connections. It increases network capacity while reducing congestion, delivering higher performance for every WiFi 6E device.

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ASUS GT-AXE16000

The ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is the world’s very first quad-band WiFi 6E gaming router, delivering incredible speeds of up to 16000 Mbps. With this router, ASUS ROG has unlocked the full potential of the four frequency bands — 2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz bands, and 6 GHz — with 160 MHz channels in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to bring users the fastest speeds possible.

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Selecting your next or first laptop is a significant decision for any enthusiastic user, and one that you wouldn’t want to make a mistake with. It is a costly investment that you wouldn’t want to replace frequently. This is especially true for content creators who require their laptops to work efficiently and quickly, enabling them to create content seamlessly. In this buying guide, we’ll assist you in determining which laptops you’ll require to create your best content ever!

Start Here!
To obtain the ideal laptop for your needs, consider the following:

1. Performance: Identify your workflow and determine its critical components to optimize accordingly.
2. Display – Prioritize Colour Accuracy: While an exceptional display is excellent for content consumption, it may distort colours, which isn’t suitable for content creation. Therefore, strive for maximum colour accuracy.
3. Choose Your Form Factor: Several distinct designs are available to cater to content creators’ diverse preferences.
4. Distinguish Between Your Needs and Wants: Do you need more USB ports? Do you want a specific keyboard type? Do you prefer a larger touchpad? How crucial is battery life to you?

Performance First!
Investing wisely in your system requires understanding the crucial components of your creative workflow to maximize performance.

1. GPU: The majority of critical and time-consuming tasks in creative applications are GPU-accelerated. The latest features, such as AI, require dedicated hardware acceleration to run effectively.
2. CPU: This component is vital in feeding tasks to the GPU, and it must be fast enough to avoid creating a bottleneck. However, beyond a certain point, there are diminishing returns to scale. Note that H-class CPUs are high-performance, while U-class CPUs are designed for mobility and have lower performance.
3. RAM: Used to load textures and assets for processing by the CPU. Like the CPU, the aim is to avoid bottlenecks. Opt for RAM that uses dual memory sticks and is fast, such as DDR4 or DDR5. Low latency is not a major concern.
4. Hard Drive: The speed of the hard drive affects the time taken for assets to be loaded. Therefore, choose a super-fast solid-state hard drive or SSD to avoid any delays.

Here then are a few options from ASUS you should definitely consider.

ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (M7600)

The new Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (M7600) is a creator laptop that is aimed at content creators, vloggers, and artists. Design-wise, it is less minimalistic and traditional than a Zenbook Pro, but not as colourful as ASUS’ regular Vivobooks. The M7600 comes in two variants – a 14-inches version and a 16-inch model. The OLED NanoEdge panel used on the 16-inches variant is a 4K display with an aspect ratio of 16:10. You also get a 1000000:1 contrast ratio and impressive blacks.

The display also supports 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut and comes packed with a blue light filter to keep your eyes safe during extended usage. The display is also PANTONE validated, which means you get accurate colours on projects produced using this laptop.

Under the hood, the Vivobook Pro 16X OLED is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Mobile CPU, running at a clock speed of 3.3-GHz. Graphics are handled by an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU. You also get 32GB of RAM and 1TB of M.2 SSD storage. The battery on this laptop is rated at 96W.

Read the review of the ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (M7600) 

ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (UX8402)

ASUS has improved its Zenbook industrial design as it has gone through a redesign of sorts. According to ASUS, the new internal layout redesign now allows the ASUS Active Aerodynamic System Ultra (AAS Ultra) hinge, which not only lifts the ScreenPad Plus to an ergonomic viewing angle but also enhances the thermal performance. And once you do open the lid, you come face to face with the main 14.5-inch OLED HDR touchscreen which offers an aspect ratio of 16:10.

The display also offers a resolution of 2880-by-1800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz on an OLED display. You also get an extremely fast response time of 0.2ms. The main display also supports a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, up to 550 nits of peak brightness, and 0.0005 nits of deep black brightness. This means content creators can enjoy a brighter and more detailed viewing experience.

Besides an ultrawide colour gamut of 100% DCI-P3 and HDR content support, the display is also certified for VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and is PANTONE Validated, assuring accurate colour and high dynamic contrast reproduction. In addition, the OLED panel emits 70% less harmful blue light than LCD panels and it has been certified by TÜV Rhineland to ensure that the device adheres to high safety and quality standards.

Read the review of the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (UX84)

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED (H5600)

ASUS recently announced a slew of new laptops aimed at content creators, one of which is the new ProArt Sudiobook 16 OLED H5600. This laptop has been designed for those who demand the best of the best for jobs such as 3D rendering, 8K video editing, and even high-quality livestreaming. What makes this laptop special is that it comes with the ASUS Dial design and a touchpad that can support a stylus.

In addition, the ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED also comes with three physical buttons, allowing 3D creators to move and select or rotate 3D objects conveniently, even without using a mouse or a sketch pad. The Studiobook’s keyboard also adds a shortcut key and a Windows key which can be set to perform a wide range of functions through the ProArt Creator Hub.

Let’s talk about the ASUS Dial. You can press and hold the ASUS Dial to turn on the ProArt Creator Hub menu of tools and rotate it to adjust settings, making it easier and faster for you to create content while customising your workflow. The ASUS Dial works with popular professional-grade software such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Lightroom Classic, and After Effects. When you press the ASUS Dial, it displays the ASUS Dial menu suited to the related Adobe app, allowing for easy adjustment of commonly used functions such as zoom, brightness, and contrast via rotating dials.

Read the review of the ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED (H5600)

Working from home has numerous benefits, including a short commute time of just 30 seconds. Although working from a couch, backyard, or bed may seem appealing, a dedicated workspace with a desk and chair may boost productivity. When setting up a home office, you have the freedom to personalize it with your own style. However, the following tips will help you create an effective work-from-home space.

Choose the Right Location

Having a dedicated room for a home office is a luxury for some, but not everyone has that option. If you’re tight on space, consider using part of your kitchen table or finding an unused corner in a larger room, a spacious closet, or even under the stairs. With a bit of creativity, any space can be transformed into a functional office. Just keep in mind, if you opt for the kitchen table, you’ll need to pack up your office before each meal. If that doesn’t appeal to you, look for a more permanent solution.

Ensure Privacy

If you have a separate room for your home office, you likely have complete privacy with full-length walls and a solid door. However, if your office is located in a shared space, such as a corner of your bedroom, it can be challenging to separate work from personal life.

To overcome this, consider adding a privacy divider to your home office setup. You can opt for traditional floor-standing dividers, or try hanging a curtain from the ceiling or a rod. Curtains are a cost-effective and versatile option for closing off your workspace and offer the opportunity to choose a design that matches your decor or adds a touch of personality.

Think About Other Users of the Space

When creating your home office, keep in mind the other people who will be using it and choose the location and furniture accordingly. Will children use the office for homework or will your spouse also be working from home? Consider a dual-user desk setup if so.

Will clients be visiting? Meeting them in the living room may not always be the ideal option, so ensure there’s adequate seating and table space for them as well.

Invest in Quality for Lasting Benefits

Setting up a home office requires investing in yourself and creating a professional environment that supports productivity and comfort. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest furniture options, keep in mind that a low-cost desk might need to be replaced sooner, resulting in additional expenses in the long run. Consider quality when making your purchase, especially if you plan to spend 40 hours a week in your home office. Consider investing in quality to save money in the long run.

Emphasise Comfort

While it may seem convenient to use a dining room chair for your home office, spending extended periods sitting at a desk without proper back support can lead to posture issues. To prevent this, it’s important to invest in an ergonomic office chair that provides the necessary comfort and support while you work. Remember, investing in comfortable furniture is an investment in yourself and your health.

An ergonomic chair should have the following adjustable features:

1. Height adjustment
2. 360-degree swivel base
3. Adjustable backrest and armrests
4. Adjustable seat depth
5. Built-in lumbar support for proper back support

Optimize Screen Position for Neck and Eye Comfort

Proper positioning of your monitor is important for both neck and eye comfort. Find the ideal spot by following these guidelines:

1. Maintain a neutral spinal position
2. Position the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level
3. Place the monitor at least 20 inches from your eyes, or further if you have a large monitor
4. Ensure you are looking slightly down at the middle of the screen to maintain proper neck alignment
5. Tilt the screen back at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees, or between 30 and 45 degrees if you wear bifocals
6. Most monitors are adjustable, but in case of need, a screen riser, books, or an old box can also be used to achieve the right adjustment

Choose the Right Desk for You

When working from home, your desk becomes an integral part of your daily routine. Therefore, it’s important to invest in a desk that fits your budget, supports your workflow, and enhances your overall productivity.

According to various studies, sitting for long periods can lead to aches and pains, or even long-term health issues. Consider opting for an ergonomic height-adjustable desk, which allows you to switch between sitting and standing positions with ease.

In addition to reducing physical discomfort, standing desks have been linked to improved health. Research has shown that standing for six hours a day, instead of sitting, can result in a loss of 2.49 kgs of body fat a year. By choosing a standing desk, you may improve your long-term health while promoting a more active lifestyle.

Store Your Supplies

When working remotely, our first thought often centers on just having a laptop. However, depending on your job, you may need additional items such as papers, pens, other office supplies, or even paper files.

Having dedicated storage solutions can not only benefit your household but also help keep your home office organized by providing a place for your files, papers, stationery, and more. It doesn’t have to be large cabinets or desks with many drawers, a simple cubby system with small bins or plastic storage tubs for easy packing at the end of the day can suffice. Even just dedicating a small section of your existing shelving unit to work items can instantly make you feel more organized.

Secure Sensitive Documents

Not all your storage needs can be met by shelves and cubbies. When you have confidential documents that can’t be left unsecured, it’s wise to invest in locking file cabinets. Luckily, security doesn’t have to compromise aesthetics. There are stylish, locking cabinets and drawers that blend in with your home office design.

Manage Your Cords

Having Wi-Fi is convenient, but it doesn’t mean you’ll escape from cords in your home office. Devices like laptops and smartphones still need to be charged and the home office is the perfect place for cords to accumulate.

Get organized with a cord management system. It could be a simple twist tie or something more sophisticated. Ensure that you implement it once you get it. When your office is located in a shared area, take note of the outlet placement when setting up. If you have to run power strips and extension cords, make sure they are covered and laid out safely.

Additionally, while organising your cords, consider your Wi-Fi coverage. There may be days when you prefer to work from a different location in the house or outside. Ensure that your router provides a strong connection to the desired location, you may need a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system for optimal coverage.

Light Up Your Space

Lighting is often underestimated in the creation of a home office. We often assume that sufficient light is provided by computer monitors and keyboards, but this is not the case. Poor lighting in your office can lead to eye strain and headaches, affecting your overall productivity. So, it’s important to make sure you have the right lighting setup.

Opt for a location in your home office with plenty of natural light. Not only will this improve your mood and potentially increase your productivity, but it’s also environmentally friendly. In cases where natural light is scarce or additional light is required, invest in appropriate lamps.

Overhead lighting may seem like a good idea, but it can cause glare on your screen or desk, making it difficult to see. Task lamps with a solid shade can direct light where it’s needed, while indirect lighting with lamp shades or diffusers can soften the light, reducing glare and eye strain. Just be mindful not to choose a light that is too diffused, as it may affect visibility.

A home office can be designed to your specific needs and located in any area that suits you, whether it be a comfortable corner or an expansive basement. The only restrictions are the available space and your creativity.