ASUS 4G-AX56 WiFi 6 4G LTE Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS 4G-AX56 is a dual-band WiFi 6 router that also supports 4G LTE mobile broadband. That combination suits places where a fixed-line connection isn't available or needs a backup, such as a temporary office, a holiday property or a market stall. It also includes a guest WiFi portal for sharing a connection with customers or visitors.

WiFi 6 and what the speed figure means

The router uses the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard. ASUS quotes speeds of up to 1800 Mbps with 80MHz channel bandwidth, and says the standard improves capacity and efficiency. That headline number is a combined theoretical figure across the router's two bands, not what a single device will see. Real speeds depend on distance, walls, interference and the device's own WiFi hardware.

WiFi 6 is designed to handle many connected devices more efficiently than older standards. That matters in homes and small businesses where phones, laptops, tablets and smart devices all share one network. Older devices still connect, but they use their own, slower standards.

What "dual-band" means

A dual-band router broadcasts on two radio frequencies, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band typically reaches farther and through walls but is slower and more crowded. The 5GHz band is usually faster over shorter distances. Devices can pick the band that suits them best.

4G LTE Category 6 connectivity

The router includes 4G LTE Category 6 technology. ASUS says this gives speeds seven times faster than 3G mobile broadband. Category 6 is a mid-range LTE class, and actual mobile speeds depend heavily on the carrier, the plan and the signal strength where you place the router. Routers of this kind typically use a data SIM card from a mobile carrier, so check the manual for the SIM size and set-up steps.

Easy WiFi Portal for guests and customers

The Easy WiFi Portal lets you share the network through a click-through free WiFi page. ASUS also describes a sign-on Captive Portal for setting up customer or visitor WiFi in a few steps. A captive portal is the page that appears when someone joins a network, often asking them to accept terms before they go online. It keeps guest access separate from your main devices' setup.

Ports, size and weight

The listing describes a Gigabit Ethernet router, so wired devices such as a PC, printer or media player can connect over cable. It measures about 13.3 x 4.6 x 9.2 inches (about 34 x 12 x 23 cm) including its stand and weighs 1.7 lb (about 0.8 kg). ASUS lists a two-year warranty against factory defects.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, cafés and rental properties that want to offer guest WiFi, and homes in areas where mobile broadband is the practical way online. It can also serve as a backup if a fixed line goes down, depending on how the router is set up.

What to check before you buy

• Carrier compatibility: confirm that your mobile carrier's LTE bands are supported, and that the SIM you plan to use will work.
• Signal strength: check your mobile reception where you'll place the router, since it affects speed.
• Data allowance: mobile plans often have data limits that fixed-line plans don't.
• Coverage area: the size and layout of your space affect how far the WiFi reaches.
• Region: check that the model and its LTE bands are made for the region where you'll use it.
• Set-up: read the manual for the guest portal settings and security options.

The short version

• A dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) router with Gigabit Ethernet, rated by ASUS at up to 1800 Mbps.
• Built-in 4G LTE Category 6 mobile broadband.
• Easy WiFi Portal and Captive Portal for guest or customer WiFi.
• About 13.3 x 4.6 x 9.2 inches and 1.7 lb.
• Two-year warranty against factory defects, as stated in the listing.

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