ExpertWiFi EBR63 is not the first ASUS router made for businesses but it’s the first in the company’s new ExpertWiFi line-up. ASUS has dabbled with such routers in the past (I remember testing ASUS BRT-AC828 back in 2017) but never seriously developed a separate line of products. As of 2023, this is changing, and the ExpertWiFi EBR63 is their first Wi-Fi 6 router for small to medium-sized businesses. If you want to know what this product has to offer and how it’s different from ASUS’ consumer routers, read this review:
The packaging for ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is eco-friendly
On the back and sides of the box, you see details about the router’s hardware and features. The company highlights important capabilities like VPN, Guest Portal, or Dual WAN. More details about these features can be found on the second page of this review, so keep reading.
On the back of the box you find details about the most important features
When you take everything out of the box, you find the following: the router and its power adapter, a CAT5e network cable, the quick setup guide, the warranty card, a guide for mounting the router on walls, a troubleshooting guide, and other leaflets. A nice touch is that the European version of this router bundles two power plugs to match both the EU and the UK standards.
Everything you find inside the box
I enjoyed unpacking the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63, and I appreciate that the company offers everything you need to get started. The packaging is eco-friendly and sourced from FSC-certified responsible forestry, which is great. I hope that the company extends this approach to its other products.
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 has four nondetachable antennas
The router can be placed horizontally and vertically (thanks to the built-in bracket) and mounted on walls. This is great for business users who need flexibility in optimizing how they use their space for networking equipment.
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 can be placed vertically
On the back of ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63, you find the WPS button, the Reset jack, the Power button, the Power jack, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, the WAN port, and four LAN ports, all working at 1 Gbps.
The ports on the back of the router
As you can see in the picture below, there are no buttons or LEDs on the sides of the router. The rounded corners and the matte finish look good.
Do you like the rounded corners of this router?
On the bottom of the router, you have the holes for mounting the router on walls, four rubber feet for holding it into place, and a sticker with details about the default Wi-Fi name and password used by the router. You also see many ventilation grids which help keep the router cool.
The bottom side of the router
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is a dual-band AX3000 wireless router with a theoretical maximum bandwidth split like this: 574 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz band and 2402 Mbps for the 5 GHz band. To be more exact, this totals to 2976 Mbps. It is important to remember that these numbers are theoretical and do not reveal the real throughput you get under normal use. Inside the router, you find a quad-core Broadcom BCM 6756 processor running at a maximum frequency of 1.7 GHz, 512 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of storage space for the firmware. It is powerful enough to handle a typical network for a small to medium-sized business. However, if you have many devices on your network and you want to activate features like VPN Server or VPN Fusion, you may want a router with 1 GB of RAM for optimal performance. Another important aspect is that ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 offers 2x2 MU-MIMO wireless transfers, typical for affordable mid-range routers.
As you can see, the specs of this router are those of a mid-range device, which should perform well when used for managing small or medium-sized business networks. For more information about this product and its specifications, visit this page: ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63.
You manage the router using the ExpertWiFi app
One of the most important features of the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is the Self-Defined Network found in the SDN tab. It allows you to create all kinds of networks based on the type of business that you’re running and your specific needs. With it, creating your own special Wi-Fi is easy, like a network giving timed one-time access to your company’s customers.
Setting up a Self-Defined Network is easy
The ExpertWiFi app looks good and is easy to navigate and use. It also offers access to many of the tools and features found on the router. However, for complete access, you should open a web browser on your laptop and log in to expertwifi.net.
You are welcomed by the Dashboard created by ASUS for its ExpertWiFi line-up. It includes all kinds of technical information about your primary internet connection, the number of clients connected to the network, the status of the system, and the real-time traffic. The Dashboard can be personalized, and you can add other data. However, you can’t rearrange the order of the information cards included in it. Most probably, this feature will be added in a later firmware update.
The web interface for ExpertWiFi
On the left side, you will find a sidebar with several sections. Each gives you access to a different set of features and tools. You’ll be happy to know that ExpertWiFi EBR63 is an extendable router with support for AiMesh. Therefore, you can easily increase the coverage of your network by adding other ASUS routers with support for AiMesh.
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is an extendable router
In the Settings section, you find most things you can configure about the router and your network. Here, you can set the DNS servers for your network, enable Dual-WAN, configure the Adaptive QoS, or enable IPv6 addresses for your company’s network.
Setting up IPv6
Finding your way and understanding the options available is easy if you have some technical knowledge. It also helps that the user interface has been translated into 25 languages. One downside is that there’s no help documentation available, as is the case for the ASUS routers made for consumers. Hopefully, it will be created in the coming months as the company releases more ExpertWiFi products.
The user interface is available in 25 languages
During my testing, I appreciated the advanced features of the ExpertWiFi EBR63 and its performance on the 2.4 GHz band. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port was fast too. 🙂However, when using the 5 GHz band, I found this router slower than expected. The cooling system seems to do a good job, and the router didn’t suffer from overheating during my testing. Also, the power consumption was pretty low, hitting an average of 0.124 kWh daily. Overall, I’m satisfied with my testing experience for ExpertWiFi EBR63.
If you want to know more about the real-world performance offered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63, including a comparison with other routers, go to the next page of this review.
The apartment where I tested ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63
I evaluated the quality of the wireless network managed by this router through measurements made in three different places:
Signal strength on Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz band)
Switching to Wi-Fi 6 on the 2.4 GHz band meant that I got better signal strength in some rooms. However, ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 remained outmatched by the routers I compared it to.
Signal strength on Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz band)
I continued with the SpeedTest app and measured the maximum speed you get when transferring data to and from the internet on the 2.4 GHz band, using Wi-Fi 4. ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 performed very well, delivering fast downloads.
SpeedTest - The download speed on Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz)
When measuring the upload speed, ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 was significantly faster than the routers I’ve compared it to.
SpeedTest - The upload speed on Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz)
I then switched to Wi-Fi 6 on the same 2.4 GHz band and repeated the same test. The download speeds increased slightly, but only in some places in my apartment.
SpeedTest - The download speed on Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz)
However, the upload speeds were much faster on Wi-Fi 6 than on Wi-Fi 4, which is great. 🙂
SpeedTest - The upload speed on Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz)
For the next set of measurements, I used the PassMark Performance test to transfer data between two computers connected to the network. Again, I started on the 2.4 GHz band using the Wi-Fi 4 standard. The download speeds offered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 were excellent everywhere in my apartment.
Network downloads on Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz)
Uploads were again very fast and way faster than those offered by the routers I’ve compared it to.
Network uploads on Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz)
I repeated the PassMark Performance test measurements on the 2.4 GHz band using the Wi-Fi 6 standard. The download speed increased in all rooms.🙂
Network downloads on Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz)
The upload speeds also improved, as shown in the chart below.
Network uploads on Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz)
I was very happy with the performance offered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 on the 2.4 GHz band, both when using the Wi-Fi 6 standard and the older Wi-Fi 4. This router is a great choice for networks with multiple IoT devices that use the 2.4 GHz band.
Signal strength on Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz band)
Switching to Wi-Fi 6 meant the situation improved, and ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 was no longer lagging behind the other models in my comparison.
Signal strength on Wi-Fi 6 (5 GHz band)
I used the SpeedTest app to see how fast the internet connection is when using the Wi-Fi 5 standard. The download speeds delivered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 were OK but did not impress.
SpeedTest - The download speed on Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz)
Unfortunately, uploads were a lot slower than those of the routers I compared it to.
SpeedTest - The upload speed on Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz)
Switching from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 on the 5 GHz band could have delivered more meaningful improvements. Unfortunately, the downloads offered by this router were slower than expected.
SpeedTest - The download speed on Wi-Fi 6 (5 GHz)
Uploads on Wi-Fi 6 were slower than on Wi-Fi 5, which is frustrating.
SpeedTest - The upload speed on Wi-Fi 6 (5 GHz)
Lastly, I used the PassMark Performance test and transferred data between two computers connected to the network. This benchmark tells me the average speed you get when transferring data only inside the network and not on the internet. As you can see, the downloads offered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 were much slower than those of the other routers in this comparison.
Network downloads on Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz)
Uploads were faster in PassMark than in SpeedTest. However, ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 remained last in my comparison.
Network uploads on Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz)
Switching to the Wi-Fi 6 standard improved the situation. Even so, downloads were slower on ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 than on the other routers.
Network downloads on Wi-Fi 6 (5 GHz)
The upload speeds on Wi-Fi 6 were very similar to those on Wi-Fi 5, which is disappointing.
Network uploads on Wi-Fi 6 (5 GHz)
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 failed to impress on the 5 GHz band. When using its initial firmware version, the speeds offered by this router tend to be lower than what you get from other AX3000 wireless routers. Another issue is that there’s no meaningful difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 on the 5 GHz band. Switching to Wi-Fi 6 should have meant faster throughput. I communicated my findings with ASUS, and the company told me they will focus on improving 5 GHz performance in future firmware updates.
SpeedTest on Ethernet connections
Many users will appreciate that ASUS’ ExpertWiFi EBR63 includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and another slower USB 2.0 port. Organizations using this router can connect an external hard drive and turn the router into a NAS (Network Attached Storage). They can also plug in other devices like a printer or USB modem. To test the USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, I plugged a fast SSD drive into it and made some data transfers to and from the SSD. I measured 701.01 Mbps for downloading data from the SSD and 387.86 Mbps for uploading the data to it. While other, more expensive routers can be even faster, most users will be satisfied with what they get from the ExpertWiFi EBR63.
The speed of the USB port
The ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 does a good job at handling Ethernet connections. They work at speeds that are close to 1 Gbps. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 port is also fast, allowing organizations to take full advantage of it, especially when connecting storage devices to the router.
Self-defined Network (SDN)
To complement SDN and make things even easier, ASUS included a Scenarios Explorer, which guides users into creating the kind of network they need, with the necessary rules, in a visual manner. For example, if you run a coffee shop, Scenarios Explorer recommends that you create a Guest Portal with free internet access to your customers and promote the social media page of your business or its official website.
Creating a Guest Portal is easy
VPN is another major focus area for ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63. You can set the router as a VPN Server using the PPTP, OpenVPN, IPSec, and WireGuard VPN protocols. You can also set up and use VPN Fusion, which allows you to connect to multiple VPN servers simultaneously and assign your client devices to connect to different VPN tunnels.
You have plenty of options for setting up a VPN server
The AiProtection module found on most ASUS products is also included in the firmware created for the ExpertWiFi EBR63. While its user interface looks different, its protection features remain the same. You get comprehensive security tools that protect your network from attacks, malicious sites, infected devices, and poor router settings.
ASUS AiProtection is availabe on ExpertWiFi too
Other important business features are the following:
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63: Who is it good for?
This wireless router is a smart choice for:- Small to medium-sized businesses that need easy-to-use networking solutions
- Locations with up to 1 Gbps internet connections
- Companies that require VPN, antivirus, firewall protection, and other advanced features
Pros and cons
Here are the things I like about ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63:- Excellent performance on the 2.4 GHz band
- Versatile networking features for business users
- It can be placed horizontally or vertically, and it can be mounted on walls
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
- Performance on the 5 GHz band deserves some improvement
Verdict
The ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is a versatile Wi-Fi 6 router: versatile in its design and the many ways it can be installed to optimize space, and versatile in its features. You can do almost anything with it, like creating a network optimized for the IoT devices in your company’s network or running a Guest Portal for your restaurant’s customers who want free Wi-Fi during their stay. You can also easily set up VPN connections or enable antimalware protection for your business network. ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is a good Wi-Fi 6 router that performs great on the 2.4 GHz band and is ideal for business networks with many IoT devices.Unboxing the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63
The packaging created by ASUS for its ExpertWiFi line-up of business networking devices uses not only a different branding but also different colors: the router comes in a white cardboard box with subtle shades of gray instead of the usual black used by the company for its consumer line-up of routers. On the front cover, the company printed the router’s name and picture. ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 can be used as a vertical router and can be mounted on walls. These features are going to be appreciated by its intended audience: small and medium-sized businesses.Hardware specifications and design
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 has a classic router design with four external antennas. While they are not detachable, they can be rotated to various angles. After testing so many black wireless routers, seeing a white one is refreshing. I like how the ExpertWiFi EBR63 looks, its rounded corners, and matte finishing. On the front, you see the ASUS logo, several LEDs that signal the working status of the router and its features, and the ExpertWiFi name discreetly printed on the right side.Setting up and using the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63
The process for installing the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 is similar to that of consumer ASUS routers. However, you need to install a new app on your smartphone called ExpertWiFi. It’s free and can be found in the App Store and Google Play. The ExpertWiFi app differs greatly from the ASUS Router app available for home users because it’s designed for business users and their needs. On the Home tab, you see the status of the network, its topology, the number of connected devices, the real-time traffic, and the hardware resources usage.Wireless network performance
My test apartment is set up like in the diagram below. I’ve placed the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 in a central position to provide good coverage in an area as large as possible.- The router’s room - I record the maximum speeds when no walls absorb the wireless signal in the room where the router is placed.
- Room 1 - is separated by one wall from the router, so the wireless signal and the Wi-Fi speed I get should be lower here.
- Room 2 - is separated from the router by two walls absorbing the wireless signal. Also, the wall between Room 1 and Room 2 is twice as thick as the one between The router’s room and Room 1. As a result, Room 2 can be a difficult challenge for many routers.
How the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 performs on the 2.4 GHz band
I first measured the signal strength using NetSpot when connected to the 2.4 GHz band on the Wi-Fi 4 standard (802.11n). The signal strength delivered by ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 was lower than that of the routers I’ve compared it to without becoming problematic.How the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 performs on the 5 GHz band
I switched to the 5 GHz band and repeated the same measurements. I started using the Wi-Fi 5 standard and fired up NetSpot to analyze the signal strength. ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 did not impress and delivered a signal strength lower than that of the routers I’ve compared it to.Wired network performance & USB port
Let’s verify how the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBR63 performs on Ethernet connections. My internet connection offers a maximum of 1 Gbps for the download speed and 800 Mbps for the upload. When testing with SpeedTest, ExpertWiFi EBR63 got close to the maximum potential of my internet connection. However, its upload speed was slightly lower than the routers I compared it to.Features for businesses
The firmware on the ExpertWiFi EBR63 includes the same tools as on other ExpertWiFi devices, like the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBM68 business mesh system I reviewed recently. The list of tools is very long, and one of the most important is Self-defined Network (SDN). It is a wizard that guides users through creating the most appropriate network setup for their organization, starting from their end goal: creating a WiFi network for their employees, setting up a VPN or network for connecting IoT devices, etc.- Traffic Monitor - displays real-time statistics about network traffic for each wireless band and all your LAN connections. You can also analyze the network traffic by devices and apps.
- Device access control - allows you to enforce rules for blocking inappropriate traffic in your company’s network. You can block access to adult content online, P2P file transfers, and other types of content.
- Adaptive QoS - useful for organizations that have limited internet bandwidth; it allows you to set which kinds of online activities get prioritized across the network.
- Bandwidth Monitor - allows organizations to log what websites employees access when connected to the company’s network.
- Dual WAN - if internet connectivity is a high priority for your organization, you can use two internet connections in parallel, both in Load Balancing and Fail Over modes. Since the router has two USB ports, you can connect a smartphone and use its mobile connection as a backup internet service for your business.
- DDNS - allows you to connect to your router from the internet, even if your internet provider assigns you a dynamic public IP address.
- USB Application - allows you to connect USB hard drives to the router and set it up as a NAS, connect a USB modem, or even a printer.
- Firewall - you can enable firewall protection and configure how it works to block DDOS attacks and filter the network traffic you don’t want.
- Network Tools - for analyzing the network and identifying what’s wrong with it. They’re helpful for troubleshooting problems.
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