ASUS RT-AX57 Go - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router, Support 4G/5G Mobile tethering&Public WiFi (WISP) Mode, Subscription-Free Network Security, VPN Features, AiMesh, Guest Portal

I was looking for a higher end Asus AiMesh access point to bring Wi-Fi to an area of a house with low signal. (I already have another Asus router in the same house.) At first I bought a different Asus wifi access point that sounded good on paper (the Asus ExpertWifi EBA63, which is a dedicated access point). However after trying two different units of that model, it turned out that the EBA63 units I tried made an audible buzzing noise when they were transmitting. So I returned the EBA63 units, did some research, and bought this Asus RT-AX57 Go travel router. I bought this router after learning that it could be used as an AiMesh access point. Adding this router as an AiMesh node is pretty simple, which is nice. It basically involves clicking one button called "Add AiMesh Node", from your main Asus router's web interface.I was looking for a wall mountable Asus AiMesh access point with low or no audible noise. (This travel router doesn't make any noise that I could detect.) Although this router is technically a complete router and not marketed only as an access point, all modern Asus routers that support AiMesh can be set to either of two different modes that allow them to function as an access point. One software mode is called "Access Point", and the other mode is called an "AiMesh Node". I set up this travel router as an AiMesh Node, because the set up and management is simpler than the other options. Also, the AiMesh mode reportedly allows smoother Wi-Fi handoffs than the access point mode.A possible downside of this router model is that it does not support power over ethernet (POE), so it needs to be installed close enough to a power outlet. However the router has been very capable so far and nice looking. It is wall mountable. It offers ethernet backhaul. It can support multiple wifi networks at the same time (SSIDs). I also noticed that the LED light can be turned off in software or covered with a piece of tape, which is good if you happen to be installing it where someone sleeps. So basically, it worked well for the purpose.

Great travel router, works well at hotels. I sign the router into the hotel wireless, and all of my other devices sign onto the router and jump onto the internet.

I have a large family, so when traveling alot of places restrict the free wifi to only a few devices, so this router came in clutch on our family trips. I set it up at home so when i am on the road, i can simply plug it in, and conenct to the captive wifi, and setup is a breeze, everyone is up and running in under 5 minutes,great connectivity, strong signal, super fast speeds, and at a great price point

Never thought its software/firmware can be designed this bad. After upgraded to the latest firmware, the unit became unusable at all, not to mention that I had to factory reset it several times just to get connected again. Precious 2 morning hours wasted.

What a piece of trash after the december 2024 firmware update. i shared with them that the update had made WISP mode unusable. after you tie the router to a network thats the last time it will work unless you do a software restart. then you can pair it to a different network. can you imagine going to 14 different hotels and resetting your router to factory just to use it. i mean all my setting. backed up then wiped. and guess what. it wont let you do that with the firmware from december of 24. buyer beware. if you plan to use this as a travel network like its advertised then be sure to not just walk but RUN away from this turd of a network solution. ASUS ignored my test findings, feedback, and proof of issues with their new firmware and they still havent fixed it 5 months in!! i really cannot wait to get back to GLINET. their devices always worked for me and i will not make the same mistake twice with ASUS. shame on you asus. thanks for the worlds worst paperweight

Works for traveling but not as easy to use as cheaper competitor units.

Great little device with a full feature set of a regular Asus router. Can be used as a router for an apartment or a small house, but will really shine as a travel device. Can also be configured as an AiMesh node, wireless bridge and supports VPN (client and server). Great at connecting to public WiFi or mobile phone hotspot (USB tethering) and providing VPN protected connectivity to all your devices while traveling. Can be configured to turn VPN on/off with a button. Looks like this will be a part of my laptop travel bag going forward.Currently have this router in the public WiFi mode, but connected to my home WiFi with a different SSID running with a VPN client. So any device needing a quick VPN connection can connect to this SSID and have full VPN protection (without turning on a VPN client on the main home router). A good use case, when not traveling.

Setup was a lot less complicated than the last few routers I have worked with. Compact size, no antennas to break off. Easily fits in a backpack.