Mercusys mr70x entry-level gaming router

Today we have on review one of the most affordable dual-band Wi-Fi 6 routers, the flagship in the line of Mercusys, the mr70x (AX1800) model based on a Mediatek MT7621DAT dual-core processor with a frequency of 880 MHz. By the way, the same processor is installed in the more expensive and popular Keenetic speedster kn-3010 router. Built-in DDR3 RAM, 128 MB and 16 MB permanent memory (for storing software). The radio unit is MediaTek MT7915D, which supports the Wi-Fi 802.11ax standard and a 2x2 antenna configuration in each of the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

Let's take a look at what this router might be of interest to a gamer. The color scheme and size of the box immediately create the impression of a big purchase and distinguish it favorably from other routers on the store shelves. The box is large, it looks like a feature of the manufacturer Mercusys, for example, the more budget model Mercusys AC1200 is supplied in the same box.

The package contains - a router, a 12V 1A power supply, a 1.5m long gigabit patch cord, a user manual in different languages, including English, Russian, Ukrainian.

Let's move on to a detailed examination of the design and quality of the device. The router is made a bit in a futuristic design, somewhat resembles a star ship, the plastic is solid, the assembly is good, there is no smell of Chinese plastic. On the upper part there are glossy inserts and ribbed plastic in the form of ventilation grilles.

The front panel contains a two-color device status indicator. During normal operation, the indicator is permanently lit in a dim green color. When connecting WPS, the indicator will flash quickly. Blinking slowly means the device is starting up or the firmware is being updated. If the orange light is constantly on, the wireless networks are turned off.

The rear panel of the device contains:

1. Connector for the power adapter
2. WPS button/Reset settings
3. Gigabit WAN port
4. Gigabit LAN Port 1
   
5. Gigabit LAN Port 2
6. Gigabit LAN Port 3

The power on/off buttons and the USB port were not delivered, which is a little upsetting.

The router is equipped with four fixed omnidirectional antennas with a gain of 5 dBi.

Unfortunately, there are no holes for mounting on the wall, but due to its light weight, the router can be attached to the wall using double-sided tape or special 3M sticky mounts for paintings, which are sold in hardware or hardware stores.

We will not dwell on the admin panel of the router and its functional features. This router is positioned for undemanding gamers and all the settings are as clear as possible and supplemented with tips.

During a week of testing in an ordinary two-room apartment with an area of 56m2, the router showed excellent performance on all devices. Number of devices - 2 computers, 1 xbox one, 5 smartphones, 1 laptop and 1 tablet. 2 PCs and xbox one are connected by cable, the rest of the devices are wireless.

Note the high-quality work of the seamless transition between the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. At peak loads, no drawdowns were observed when watching videos online and simultaneously gaming in CS GO, PUBG, Valorant. On all devices, the network was kept flawlessly. Ping within 1-3ms, packet loss 0. At the same time, the heating of the router case is minimal.

As for games on a smartphone, Wild Rift, PUBG Mobile keep in touch at 5 GHz, and only at the most remote point of the apartment (through 3 concrete walls), the network switches to the 2.4 GHz band. At the same time, changing the frequency range has absolutely no effect on the gameplay!

A “set up and running” router is perfect for high-quality gaming. Despite its simplicity, it has a lot of useful functions:

• Parental control;
• The ability to create a separate guest network for your safety and privacy;
• QoS technology prioritizes device traffic for better performance; Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, bridging and VLAN tagging to optimize IPTV streams;
• OpenVPN and PPTP support will create a secure VPN connection for remote access;
• Ability to use provider services and visit IPv6 sites.

Of course, if you need a router for some specific tasks or more flexible settings, or maybe you are just a technologist, then it is better to pay attention to routers from Mikrotik, Cisco, Keenetic. As an entry-level gaming solution, we recommend you consider purchasing the Mercusys mr70x.