USER EXPERIENCE & CONCLUSION
Setting up the EDIMAX BR-6258nL is pretty straightforward. Any EDIMAX user would probably be accustomed to the configuration interface once connected. The user will be presented with the initial screen as follows.
Setup would go as with any other router: there is a quick setup and there’s the manual setup. Quick setup dashes through auto-configuration and guides the user throughout some screens which would enable us to setup our connection method. As highlighted in page 3 of this review, the EDIMAX BR-6258nL Travel Router supports multiple modes of operations. Extender mode functions similar to our previously reviewed product from EDIMAX, the Edimax EW-7438RPn N300 Universal Wi-Fi Extender, which is more or less similar to the WISP mode in areas with wireless AP facilities.
In our testing, we’ll use the wired mode. In this mode the device is connected to an RJ45 LAN cable leading to any source of Internet access such as a modem or the hotel LAN. To test out the performance, we’ll be showcasing the Edimax Travel Router’s SpeedTest.net performance against a more standard router in the WD N600.
Disregarding the fact that my country has terrible connection speeds, we can see that there is a slight drop in performance going from our N600 to the BR-6258nL. That 20% difference may look big but considering the size and versatility of the EDIMAX, it more than makes up for it. Range was also a concern for us but considering the usage scenarios that the product will be facing, we manage to get decent signals within a 10-16m room with typical walls before experiencing signal dropouts outside that range. Utilizing multiple wireless devices, we hooked up some high-usage scenarios (TORRENTS!) on 3 laptops and the EDIMAX will occasionally choke or crash due to the overwhelming traffic. Some reconfiguration on the software may correct the situation but this shows us the travel router isn’t designed to handle such situations.
All in all, the EDIMAX BR-6258nL doesn’t set out to replace standard routers but instead, brings the functionality of a full-sized router in a more convenient and easy-to-carry package. Many travelers seek to separate themselves from the public LAN in hotels and such, and the EDIMAX Travel Router does just that with its multiple modes of operation. Retailing for ₱1,540, the EDIMAX BR-6258nL isn’t really cheap but again, looking at its intended market. Portability and versatility far outweighs the cost at which to gain its functionality. With that said, we give the EDIMAX BR-6258nL our Editor’s Choice Award (because I travel, and I know that feels my traveling business bros.)