Power Consumption and conclusion
Power consumption
We connected AX-compatible PCs directly towards the AP. We stressed the three PCs utilizing all available bandwidth. As you can see you can expect a power consumption of only 6 Watts per device. If hugely stressed, you could add a few watts at best. So in low load or idle conditions, you're looking at 5 to 6 Watts of energy consumption.
Thermals
When I picked up the unit, it felt warm during the operation. So that got me curious. Our thermal camera lets us take a peek at how hot the enclosure got. It remains warm but not hot, so no, there won't be any thermal throttling under heavy usage of the device.
Acoustics
None, there is no active fan present in the device.
Conclusion
Typically when browsing for an access point, you'll pass $400-500 before you know it. With an $89 price tag for this Engenius FIT access point, my initial expectations were moderate. While the performance on the 2.4 GHz band is a little lackluster, the 5 GHz band showcases commendable efficiency. A standout feature of this access point is its cloud connectivity, enabling users to manage the unit via a smartphone or a PC browser. While initial setup demands a rudimentary understanding of network configuration, the provided software suite dramatically simplifies the process, making the device user-friendly and adaptable. Another advantage, besides its affordability, is the device's low energy consumption, registering at approximately 5-6 Watts.
The access point notably enhances the Wi-Fi range. However, it lacks the coveted 6 GHz band. The 5 GHz band yields satisfactory results; in our test spanning 7 meters through two walls, it maintained a speed of 600-700 Mbit/s. Conversely, the speed on the 2.4 GHz band drops to around 100 Mbit/s. There's a market demand for 4x4 6G and soon WIFI7 band-compatible devices, which would alleviate congestion on the currently popular 5GHz band. Given its price point, this access point delivers substantial value. For those seeking an additional Wi-Fi boost and possessing an available network jack, this product is worth considering.
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