Asus DSL-N13 review
Performance doesn't match the high price.
This router was simple to install thanks to the EZSetup software included on CD.
By default, the software generates a network name and a 128-bit WEP security key for you, although these can be customised. The web interface provides more comprehensive features, despite its sparse design.
Although the DSL-N13 doesn’t have extras like Gigabit Ethernet or dual frequency, it contains embedded software to share USB printers and storage. You can also run an FTP server directly from the router, with settings provided in the web interface to create users and set up shared folders.
The N13’s web interface offers additional control over your network. You can easily customise Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise certain types of network traffic, either from a list of presets or your own profile, and set up parental controls to block certain applications at specific times of day.
Unfortunately, the DSL-N13 was let down by mediocre performance. With our Centrino laptop, it managed a respectable 50Mbit/sec at a distance of 1 metre, but this dropped to just 4Mbit at 25 metres. With Asus’ own USB N11adapter (around £37), the DSL-N13 managed a superb 74.46Mbit/sec at close range, but dropped to a poor 5.16Mbit at 25m. Other routers offer more bang for the buck, unless you the printer and storage sharing features are a priority for you.
