Everything you need to know about the EnGenius ESR580 [A Review]

Generally, mesh routers such as the EnGenius ESR580 are comprised of a main router that you should directly connect to your modem and satellite nodes that you put around your house so that you are able to get full Wi-Fi coverage. All these together form a single wireless network under the same network name and password.

Majority of the time when I would look up mesh routers, I would often come across the NETGEAR Orbi or maybe the Google Nest Wi-Fi. However, there is one particular router mesh system that I find really impressive and that is the EnGenius ESR580. It has exceptional network performance and has been able to extend the Wi-Fi coverage throughout my home. Also, it has a compact design that has been able to blend well into the aesthetic fabric of my home and its installation is hassle-free.

EnGenius ESR580 Review and Breakdown

EnGenius Whole Home Mesh WiFi System – Tri-Band AC2200 Whole-Home Mesh Network, up to 3,000 sq. ft. Coverage ultrafast Performance WiFi Router (ESR580-2PACK)

• The hottest High-tech 11AC Wave 2 features MU-MIMO and beamforming technology
• Ultrafast tri-band mesh technology auto detects the best connection for superb whole-home coverage

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The EnGenius ESR580 is a tri-band router system that has been designed to increase the Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.  It provides data throughput speeds of 2,200 Mbps to your connected devices and supports mesh technology that allows you to create a single network under the same SSID and password when you put multiple mesh routers together that are compatible.  It comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to establish a wired connection to your gaming consoles or your computers.

Its performance is optimized with the MU-MIMO technology which allows for multiple simultaneous data streaming and its beamforming technology focuses the Wi-Fi signals directly to your devices so that it can prevent interferences from nearby wireless devices. You are able to customize the tri-band of this router based on the devices you would want to prioritize. Also, you are able to connect it to the EnMesh app which allows you to monitor and manage your network. It is also very easy to setup and install.

Through its personal cloud storage feature, it allows you to connect and configure your USB storage devices such as flash discs and hard drives with the EnMesh app so you are able to securely access your files and media no matter where you are. Also, it allows you to easily carry out internet speed tests and mesh speed tests between the nodes to constantly monitor the performance rates on your network. It also automatically updates its firmware when need be.

On the negative side, it only comes with the USB 2.0 port which may cause it to have slow NAS performance. Also, you may need to continually restart it because it may have connectivity failures between the nodes. It does not come with anti-virus protection or even anti-malware protection which may require you to pay for this separately.

What we liked;

• It has excellent range coverage
• Easy to setup and install
• It has reliable throughput speeds
• It comes with USB connectivity

What we didn’t like;

• It has slow NAS performance as it only has the USB 2.0 port
• It doesn’t have anti-virus or anti-malware protection
• You may need to regularly restart it following connectivity issues

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EnGenius ESR580 Specifications

EnGenius ESR580 Features

Design and Structure

The EnGenius ESR580 comes as a pack of two identical nodes. Among the two nodes, one functions as a router and the other functions as a satellite. The nodes are white in color and round in shape. Each node has its size dimensions at 2.2 x 5 x 5 inches and weighs about 2.7 pounds which makes them sturdy to avoid toppling over.

At the top of each node, there is a small LED light which indicates the status of your EnGenius ESR580 and the status of your internet connection. When the light turns white it indicates that the nodes are connected, when it turns red it shows there is no established connection or there is a connectivity failure. When it turns orange and starts blinking it shows that the signal of your EnGenius ESR580 mesh router is weak. Towards the back of each node, there is a power jack, a USB 2.0 port and two Gigabit LAN ports.

Speed and Performance

The EnGenius ESR580 is a tri band mesh router which has a single 2.4 GHz band and two separate 5 GHz bands for optimal performance. It provides you with throughout speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps which has been distributed as 400 Mbps maximum on the 2.4 GHz band and 850 Mbps maximum on each of the two 5 GHz bands.

Each node of your EnGenius ESR580 is powered by a 717 MHz quad core central processing and each one of them has been fitted with six internal antennas for added Wi-Fi coverage. One of the 5 GHz bands on the EnGenius ESR580 mesh router is used as a wireless backhaul that allows data transmission between the router and the satellite. Also, you can use one of the LAN ports as a wireless backhaul depending on your preference.

This particular mesh system supports MU-MIMO technology that supports simultaneous data streaming when you are using multiple devices on your network. Also, it is featured with beamforming technology which directly focuses the Wi-Fi signal to your connected devices. This way wireless interferences on your network from nearby devices are reduced and you are able to enjoy a lag-free internet connection.

Range and Capacity

The EnGenius ESR580 mesh router has been designed to give you Wi-Fi coverage of up to 3,000 square feet. Each node provides Wi-Fi coverage over a range of up to 1,500 square feet. Within these recommended ranges, the mesh router works best, when you move your devices a further distance than this you may find yourself experiencing connectivity issues such as dropping Wi-Fi signals and lost internet connection. In the event that you would want added coverage across longer distances, you should purchase more modes which sometimes come in a single pack and double pack depending on your environment.

Security and Network control

The EnGenius ESR580 allows you to manage and control your network through the EnMesh mobile app for your mobile devices and a web console for your computers. In the app you are able to keep track of your internet status, view your internet test results, check your connection log and make use of parental controls. Here, you can also change your network details, choose a security type that you would like for your network and create a separate guest network for your visitors and friends without tampering with your personal account.

Who is it best suited for?

If you are looking to extend the wireless coverage throughout your home, the EnGenius ESR580 would be ideal for you. You can use the EnGenius mesh system to replace your router because it offers better throughput speeds and Wi-Fi range coverage.

Are there any alternatives to the EnGenius ESR580?

Yes. Alternative routers to the EnGenius ESR580 are the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus, the Zyxel Multy X AC3000 and the Amped Wireless Ally plus Mesh systems.

Features of the alternative mesh systems

Verdict: Should you get the EnGenius ESR580?

Yes. The EnGenius ESR580 allows you to experience significant levels of Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Its throughput speeds are able to seamlessly support your high bandwidth activities such as online gaming and 4K video streaming. Also, it allows for USB connectivity which allows you to add external storage to your router.

FAQs

How far should I place the nodes of my EnGenius ESR580 mesh router?

How you place your nodes is determined by the application load on your network, the Radio Frequency environment and the capabilities of your devices. The recommended Radio Frequency environment for the 2.4 GHz band is about 150 feet and the 5 GHz band is about 75 feet.

Am I able to establish wired connections on my EnGenius ESR580 mesh router?

Yes you can. The EnGenius ESR580 router comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to establish wired connections with your devices via an Ethernet cable.