Xiaomi AX3000 – Press review

Xiaomi AX3000 - Revue de presse

In the modern “always connected” world, it is increasingly important to have good connectivity at home. While you may be paying top dollar for your fiber or 5G connectivity from your ISP, some home or office users may not have the best experience with a central Wi-Fi router or hotspot. This is where a mesh network or Wi-Fi extender comes into its own. Xiaomi offers many products to meet the needs of individuals and small businesses. One of them is the Xiaomi AX3000 mesh router.

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A connected home makes all the difference in the quality of the Internet throughout the home. Frustration with losing Wi-Fi connectivity or slow download speeds in certain areas of the home is a common problem for many users. A simple mesh solution is the easiest and most cost-effective way to solve this problem, and the Xiaomi AX3000 is an affordable entry point to get the job done. We examine its capabilities.

Conception and design

It may not be the priority of users, but an aesthetically pleasing device plays an important role in the final purchasing decision. The most conventional approach to mesh routers is the flat approach with five or six antennas protruding out the back. However, the Xiaomi AX3000 offers a much sleeker setup.

The box contains two routers, both rectangular in shape. This rectangular prism shape (or parallelepiped if you prefer the scientific reference) resembles a small Xbox Series X. The matte black finish of the plastic gives it the same aesthetic. It measures 97x97x222mm and is very light. Its antennas are built into the device so as not to disrupt the otherwise awesome design.

The design is divided into four segments. This creates an “X” shape on the top and bottom of the device and also features a threaded design on each corner to improve its appearance. On the front there are two light-emitting diodes on one of the edges, while on the back there are all the ports and the reset button.

In terms of connectivity, the device offers 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless options. Additionally, it has three Ethernet ports on the back. These are 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports to connect your TV and other devices for faster speeds.

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Installation and configuration

Installing a mesh network is not as simple as many other modern devices. That said, it is quite easy to follow the instructions provided during the installation process, provided you understand the technical terms.

In the box, you will first need to choose the optimal location of the two (or three) routers depending on your configuration. Devices need a plug point, which can also limit location. However, each device has a decent range for its broadcast, so it's not too much of an issue.

Once plugged in, the two LED indicators on the front confirm their power status. The first light indicates the status of the extended network, the second indicates Internet connectivity. Next, you will need to decide how to configure your network.

The first option is the simplest. Users can use both routers as extensions for their existing Wi-Fi routers. It will act as an APN to connect to different parts of the house, although you will have to switch between routers.

The second option is to connect your current router to both mesh routers, allowing you to access the internet. The two routers will still act as APNs but will switch from one router to the other as if they were a single network connection. In this case, you will not use the original router to connect, but only to provide the internet. Fiber optic users will connect their modem or LAN cable to both routers.

Configuring your network can be done using the Xiaomi Home app. If you already have other Xiaomi devices connected, this will simply add to the existing ecosystem in your home or small office. This is very useful because you will be able to connect all your devices to a single point while controlling network management for each device.

Using the app is simple, as it follows a step-by-step guide for each configuration required. Considering the use of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connection options, you can configure individual network names for each of them or group them under one name, allowing your device to choose the connection optimal.

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Features and performance

Once you've set up your network, you can take advantage of a whole host of features beyond just connectivity throughout your home. Starting with the most basic, administrator users can control network access by creating a security list or blocking certain devices from connecting. This feature provides an additional level of security to your home network.

Additionally, for the more tech-savvy, you can configure address reservation (DHCP IP reservation), port forwarding, or dynamic DNS to set up a small server environment. In addition, you can also set rules for each of the connected devices, such as speed limitation. This is especially handy when you have multiple devices connected to the network and want to prioritize certain devices, like your living room TV when streaming.

Although the initial setup is done through the app, where you can still control several settings, you will need to access the web portal for more advanced features and settings, as mentioned above. There are quite a few features to configure in addition to these.

One aspect I haven't been able to locate is the parental lock option. No parental controls are available on the Xiaomi AX3000 to help you manage your children's devices from a single point. This would be a useful safety feature for parents, but it's not available on this budget mesh router.

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Conclusion

It is difficult for the average user to navigate the technological landscape regarding specific products. Routers and network devices generally don't get a lot of coverage when it comes to searching for reviews and details. It is also not easy to find ten or more products with the same or similar name. That said, if you're looking for a router to connect your home, the Xiaomi AX3000 is a great option. Besides the fact that it offers mesh network connectivity throughout the home, it has several features that make it interesting.

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There are several options available when purchasing the Xiaomi AX3000 as it comes in different pack sizes. Depending on the size of your home, you can opt for a single pack, a double pack or even a triple pack. Regardless of your needs, you can continue to add additional units to the mesh network to create an optimal solution. The price is also very affordable: the single pack costs 1,499 euros, the double pack 2,499 euros and the triple pack 3,499 euros.

Review

Xiaomi AX3000 Mesh Router

BENEFITS

  • Affordable mesh network
  • Basic functions that are easy to configure
  • Wi-Fi 6 compatible
  • Attractive design

CONS

  • No parental controls
  • The construction is not the most robust

Exam Breakdown

  • Ease of learning
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  • Ease of use
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  • Design
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  • Performance
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  • Value for money
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