The Asus ZenWiFi BD4 offers a strong entry into WiFi 7 mesh systems, providing extensive coverage and high-speed internet for modern homes, especially those with smart devices and high-bandwidth needs. It is designed for budget conscious users who want to experience WiFi 7 with Mesh option.
Key Features
The BD4 supports WiFi 7 (802.11be), delivering dual-band speeds up to 3.6 Gbps (688 Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2882 Mbps on 5GHz). It uses Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to combine and switch between bands for smoother connectivity and 4K-QAM for more efficient data transmission. It also supports wide 160 MHz channels for faster transfers and lower latency.
For the price, I guess you can’t really blame the ZenWiFi BD4 only comes equipped with dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) instead of tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz). Hey, this is an entry-level mesh router.
Its AiMesh technology creates a scalable whole-home mesh WiFi system. A 2-pack covers up to 4,900 sq. ft., and a 3-pack up to 6,500 sq. ft., eliminating dead zones with seamless roaming under a single network name.
It’s compatible with other AiMesh-enabled ASUS routers for easy expansion.
The BD4 includes dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto WAN/LAN detection, ready for multi-gigabit internet and ultra-fast wired backhaul between mesh nodes, ensuring strong connectivity even through walls. Powering the system is a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with 512MB RAM, enabling efficient network optimization. It features four internal antennas and high-power front-end modules for robust signal coverage.
User Experience
Setup is straightforward using the ASUSWRT interface or the ASUS Router app, making network monitoring, control, and security management simple. Users can easily manage internet usage, parental controls, and VPNs through the intuitive interface. As a WiFi 7 system with 2.5G ports, it offers a decent setup for evolving smart home needs and increasing internet speeds. However, note that MLO currently primarily benefits connections between devices of the same model. The BD4 as a good balance of innovation, functionality, and price for those adopting WiFi 7.
I strongly suggest potential customers to setup the mesh with wired backhauling to obtain the best performance.
For security, AiProtection Pro by Trend Micro offers commercial-grade protection, including malicious site blocking, two-way IPS, and infected device prevention. It supports various VPN protocols (Client and Server) and Instant Guard for secure remote access. This services comes pre-installed on the router with no additional subscription.
Advanced parental controls provide an Internet Activity Dashboard, age-level profiles, time scheduling, and safe Browse filters without subscriptions.
It also simplifies smart home setup by allowing IoT networks under a unified SSID. This is especially useful for legacy devices that still relying on a separate 2.4GHz network to function properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Asus ZenWiFi BD4 is a decent entry point into the world of WiFi 7 mesh networking. It’s not just about adopting the newest standard; it’s about delivering a tangible upgrade to your home’s connectivity experience. With its WiFi 7 capabilities, robust AiMesh system for comprehensive coverage, and essential dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, it provides a powerful foundation for most digital households.
Beyond raw performance, the BD4 excels in practicality. Features like AiProtection Pro and advanced parental controls offer peace of mind, securing your network and managing online access effectively. The intuitive setup process and user-friendly management via the ASUSWRT interface or mobile app ensure that even less tech-savvy users can harness its full potential.
For homeowners seeking to future-proof their network, eliminate dead zones, and enjoy the benefits of faster, more efficient WiFi for streaming, gaming, and smart home integration, the ZenWiFi BD4 presents an exceptionally strong value proposition.
