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Asus EA-AC87 4×4 wireless bridge review

Since the EA-AC87 is a dual-mode device, it has two completely different user interfaces, each suited to the separate functions. As a bridge it lets you browse local 5GHz wireless networks and connect to them, while as an access point it provides some settings to customise the standalone SSID it provides in this mode.

ac87 interface 1ac87 interface 2

Whichever mode you use, before you can use the EA-AC87, you’ll need to configure it, and that’s done either by pressing the WPS button on the side or logging into it remotely, as you would with any router.

ac87 bridge 1ac87 bridge 2
With the button at the back of the EA-AC87 set to ‘Media Bridge’ mode, you get a really simple interface with a list of local 5GHz wireless networks.

ac87 bridge 3

Once the EA-AC87 is connected to your existing WiFi network, its own SSID disappears, and it switches over to your main router’s IP pool. It mirrors your existing wireless network, and you can no longer log into its software without pressing the reset button on the side, or using ther Device Discovery software. Effectively, it becomes invisible.

ac87 ap interface

With the EA-AC87 in access point mode, you get an interface that looks very much like those on Asus’ routers. There’s a ‘Network Map’, a notification system at the top with a yellow exclamation mark to warn about firmware updates and password changes, and a menu of settings on the left.

ac87 ap wireless

The wireless menu lets you force 802.11n, choose a channel, and so on.

ac87 ap network tools

You get some simple networking tools, such as ping and nslookup.

ac87 ap logs

As with Asus’ full-sized routers, there’s a comprehensive logging system.

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