When it comes to online gaming, the first thing that comes to mind is internet latency, which can be minimized/eliminated using a wired connection. However, there is a limit to how many devices that can connect to a router via an ethernet cable. As a result, manufacturers have been focusing on producing high performance routers which are able to provide a seamless online gaming experience on a wired or wireless setup. The AC5400x goes for RM 1499.
A fine example of such a device is the AC5400X MU-MINO Tri-Band Gaming Router by TP-Link. As you will see, this monster of a router not only looks the part; its internal specifications match its otherworldly appearance.
Unboxing Experience & Setup
While unboxing this router, it is evident that this is a router unlike most others. This stems from the sheer size of its AC adapter, the heft of the router itself, and the satisfying clicking noise that is produced while fitting the 8 antennas. After assembling the AC5400X, you’ll be mesmerized by the size and guise of it compared to a conventional router.
Setting up the AC5400X is fairly direct, and can be done via the GUI setup on its setup page; http://tplinkwifi.net, or via the TP-Link tether app. Do note that for certain connections such as UniFi, the connection type is PPPoE, and the username and password can be gotten from your ISP. After setting up the basic LAN connection, you can further setup and tweak the WiFi connection settings to get your desired wireless internet connection speed.
Performance
From the word “Tri-Band” and “Gaming”, one can already pretty much conclude that the AC5400X is a high-performance wireless router. As in any high-performance device, this router is jam packed with high end features to ensure you get your desired wireless and wired performance out of it.
Wired Performance
- 8x RJ45 Gigabit LAN port and 1 RJ45 Gigabit WAN port
- 2x USB 3.0 ports
During any given gaming session, it is guaranteed that several gamers would want to have a completely uninterrupted gaming experience. With the AC5400X, up to 8 users can experience this, which can be a deciding factor between a win and a loss in many online games. Furthermore, Link Aggregation is also present in the AC5400X, allowing for a higher data transfer rate on a NAS device. In essence, it effectively doubles the speed of data transfer between the router and a network storage device, allowing for faster data retrieval from the said storage device. This can be achieved by aggregating LAN port 2 and LAN port 3.
Wireless Performance
Given the appearance of the AC5400X, one would not be wrong to assume that it is a WiFi powerhouse, thanks to its size and the 8 wedge shaped antennas that is connected to it. With a majority of devices migrating to wireless connections, it is evident that TP-Link has placed emphasis on this, as the AC 5400X is bursting with features to achieve its phenomenal wireless performance as listed below:
- RangeBoost
- Triple-band connections
- Mu-MIMO and Airtime Fairness technology
- Smart Connect
- Supports 802.11ac
- Backwards compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n
In tandem with its 1.8 GHz, 64-bit quad core CPU, and 1 GB of RAM, TP-Link has incorporated these features to provide users with the most immersive and seamless wireless experience possible. RangeBooster is a feature that is used to boost and maximize the range of wireless coverage of the AC5400X. This makes it convenient for users. You’ll be able to connect to the internet at distances of more than 150 feet+. Besides RangeBoost, the AC5400X supports triple band transmissions which consists of 1x 2.4 GHz band (1000 Mbps) and 2x 5 GHz bands (2x 2,167 Mpbs). In ideal conditions, it is able to transmit data with an impressive rate of 5,334 Mbps.
To add to that, triple-band connections also mean that more devices are able to connect and enjoy high transfer speeds throughout. Further adding to this, the Mu-MIMO and Airtime Fairness technology allow multiple wireless devices to enjoy a continuous data transmission while maintaining minimal latency and congestion throughout the network.
Additional features
To further show their commitment towards providing fast and stable Wi-Fi for users, TP-Link has also incorporated Smart Connect technology into the AC5400X. This technology minimizes the uncertainty when connecting multiple devices of various manufacturers. Enabling Smart Connect instructs the router to discern the optimal Wi-Fi band for each connected device; effectively delivering peak wireless performance on each device on the network. Moreover, the AC5400X also supports the 802.11ac standard. Although this standard does not provide an enormous improvement over 802.11n in terms of transmission range, it is far superior in terms of transfer speeds; supporting up to 1,300 Mbps over 802.11 n’s 450 Mbps. Users with older devices do not have to worry, as the AC5400X is backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n NICs. Hence, every user is able to enjoy the best wireless experience when this router is employed.
Testing
Throughout the 4 days that this device was tested on, this device excelled not only in gaming, but also during high resolution video streaming, on both wired and wireless connections. The router was placed on the 2nd floor of a house, and throughout extensive Mobile Legends and League of Legends sessions via Wi-Fi in a room located downstairs, the latency counter never exceeded 15ms.
Furthermore, after doing Speedtests for both WiFi and ethernet connections over a 500 Mbps connection; The results were good enough to put a smile on our faces.
| Distance (m) | WiFi (Mbps) | Ethernet (Mbps) |
| 1 | 484.0 | 500 |
| 10 | 3150.0 | na |
| 20 | 268.0 | na |
Wrapping up
Con’s
It might sound like a bed of roses, but the AC 5400X does have a few flaws which could have only been identified after having used it over a period of time. Despite its majestic appearance, its sheer size makes it slightly more difficult to mount on a surface. Furthermore, another drawback of the AC 5400X is its temperature regulation. While testing, the temperature reached uncomfortably high levels just after approximately 27 hours of usage. Finally, the direction of wireless transmission cannot be controlled, as the antennas are omnidirectional and fixed.
Final verdict
Combining the appearance of the AC5400X is its performance and all its features. This router is recommended to any user who is willing to fork out a little extra for an added performance boost. This combination will also give users bragging rights, as the AC5400X stands out from the rest. All this earns it the title the God of Gamers (GoG).
