Introduction

The AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (Model Number: M3000) promises a significant upgrade to home networking, boasting impressive speeds and advanced features. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces in my home, testing its performance in various scenarios. This review will detail my experience, examining its strengths and weaknesses.

Key Features

The M3000 packs a punch with its features. The WiFi 6 standard provides faster speeds and improved efficiency compared to older generations. The 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit WAN port is a standout feature, ideal for those with high-speed internet plans. The advertised coverage of up to 2,500 sq ft is impressive, and the ability to connect over 200 devices should satisfy even the most demanding households. Security is also a strong point, with support for WPA3, various VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, Zerotier, PPTP, L2TP), and DNS encryption options.

Parental controls are another welcome addition, allowing for granular control over internet access for children.

Performance & Speed Tests

In my testing, the M3000 consistently delivered impressive speeds. I achieved speeds exceeding 900Mbps on 5GHz in close proximity to the router, and still maintained a usable connection of over 400Mbps in more distant areas of my 1800 sq ft home. The 2.5Gbps WAN port was a game-changer for my gigabit internet connection, reducing latency and improving overall performance. Streaming 4K video was flawless, even with multiple devices connected simultaneously. Online gaming also experienced a significant improvement in responsiveness. While the advertised 2500 sq ft coverage might be optimistic depending on building materials, it certainly exceeded the capabilities of my previous router.

However, I did experience some minor intermittent connection drops during periods of heavy network usage, primarily when multiple devices were simultaneously streaming high-bandwidth content. This was infrequent, but worth noting.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent speed, robust WiFi 6 performance, 2.5Gbps WAN port, comprehensive security features, effective parental controls, handles many devices.
• Cons: Occasional minor connection drops under heavy load, advertised coverage might be optimistic in some environments.

Final Verdict

The AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (M3000) is a powerful and feature-rich router that delivers on its promises of speed and security. While minor connection hiccups were observed under extreme load, these were infrequent and didn’t significantly detract from the overall positive experience. The 2.5Gbps port is a compelling feature for users with high-speed internet. For those seeking a reliable and high-performance mesh WiFi system, the M3000 is a strong contender.

I would highly recommend this router for users who need high speeds and reliable connections across a large area.