WAVLINK AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router (573HX3): speeds, ports and coverage

The WAVLINK AX6000 (model 573HX3) is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router for homes and small offices. It has eight antennas, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and one 2.5G LAN port, and WAVLINK says it covers up to 2,150 sq. ft. (about 200 square metres).

What AX6000 means

AX6000 is a combined figure: it adds up the theoretical top speeds of both bands. WAVLINK lists 4804 Mbps on 5 GHz and 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. No single device gets 6000 Mbps; a phone or laptop connects to one band at a time, and real speeds depend on the device, distance and walls. The 5 GHz band is faster over short distances, and 2.4 GHz travels further through walls.

Ports

The router has a 2.5G WAN port, one 2.5G LAN port and three Gigabit LAN ports. A 2.5G WAN port is useful if your internet plan or modem is faster than 1 Gbps. Otherwise, the 2.5G LAN port suits a wired PC or network storage device.

Coverage and many devices

WAVLINK pairs the eight 5 dBi antennas with MU-MIMO and beamforming. MU-MIMO lets the router talk to several devices at once, and beamforming focuses the signal toward them. The brand says it supports over 256 simultaneous connections, which suits homes full of phones, TVs and smart devices. Coverage depends on the building: thick walls and floors cut range.

Traffic priority and modes

The AI QoS (quality of service) feature prioritises bandwidth for gaming, calls and streaming. The router also works in Router, Access Point, Repeater and Mesh modes. WAVLINK says mesh mode can build a whole-home network with one network name, which means you need compatible units for that.

Security

WAVLINK lists WPA3, an SPI firewall, access control, a website blocker, DDoS prevention and parental controls, with VPN support. WPA3 is the newer Wi-Fi security standard, but older devices may only use WPA2, so check what your devices support. Keeping the firmware updated is standard advice.

Compatibility

The listing says it works with all internet providers and names several large US ones. You will still need a modem (or fibre ONT) from your provider.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan: does it exceed 1 Gbps, to make use of the 2.5G WAN port?
• Your devices: Wi-Fi 6 gains only appear with Wi-Fi 6 devices; older ones still connect.
• Wired devices: count how many wired ports you need (one 2.5G and three Gigabit).
• Home size and layout: compare 2,150 sq. ft. with your space and building materials.
• Mesh plans: confirm what is needed to add more units.
• Placement: keep it central and off the floor, with antennas upright.

The short version

• A dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router: 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) plus 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
• A 2.5G WAN port, one 2.5G LAN port and three Gigabit LAN ports.
• Eight 5 dBi antennas, MU-MIMO and beamforming, rated for 2,150 sq. ft.
• WPA3, firewall, parental controls, and Router, AP, Repeater and Mesh modes.

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