The ESR750H’s coverage isn’t just adequate for my apartment (aprox. 1700 square feet),
but reaches far beyond that which my own router handles. Two examples point this out:
the first being the gym in my building which is about 50 feet away from my front door
and from where I can not get a signal from my own network (drywalls primarily between
the gym and me). That isn’t the case with the ESR750H, which is providing me with about
60-65% strength in the gym. That might not be optimal for streaming movies, but for most
other uses — including streaming music — it’s better than just “good.” Especially since in
comparison I got no signal whatsoever.
The other example is outside. I’m able to get a signal with my net-
work when I go downstairs (one flight) to the lobby and then outside
and up the block for about 40-50 feet — almost full strength. But
going across the street and about 100 feet away — no go. Again,
the ESR750H doesn’t see that as an obstacle and is providing me with
almost full signal strength. The only negative thing here is that I better
increase the password strength since now a whole lot more people can
pick up my signal. Just another example of technology versus human
nature, I guess.
But the real “proof of the pudding” comes over time, and in varying situations and locations
around that “circle” where the router is to provide a signal; no drop-offs or stability issues
existed. Not having exoteric equipment to test for signal strength and the like, I can only
go from my experiences over time — which is pretty much the whole
idea when you use something in the first place: does it doe what it’s
supposed to do and do it time and time again. The answer here is yes,
but with a caveat: your own location will be different and affected by
things that I didn’t encounter (i.e., more powerful networks running,
power line transformers, etc.).
Bottom line:
To stand out from other routers, the EnGenius X-TRA RANGE
ESR750H Dual Concurrent Wireless Media Router touts the effectiveness of
it providing a wireless signal over a long distance — and with stability and
strength. Paying $129 for a router to use in your home network isn’t a hard-
ship, but not getting a signal in those locations where you want one is. No
complaints here.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Marshal Rosenthal is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and journalist specializing in
technology, consumer electronics and pop culture.
Pros
Small footprintFront-panel LED status
Cons
Antennas can get a bit wobbly over an extended length of
time
—3—