4 antenna version of AX56U merlin support

[chatr]

I saw this 4 antenna AX56U version in chinese apps. They carry the same model name but their price is significantly cheaper (399 CNY vs. 899 CNY). It's a bargain if they are electrically identical and Merlin firmware supported. Any idea?

 

[Flipmode11]

The computer says "yes".

About | Asuswrt-Merlin

www.asuswrt-merlin.net

Do more research and see if you can find a photo of the rear of the 4 antenna box. Could be a hardware difference (v2) or model change AX56U on front but AX56U-CN on back (for example).

 

[chatr]

Comparing their back photos, they're not electronically identical.

 

[Gar]

Looks like this:

ASUS RT-AX55 AX1800 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gigabit Router, 802.11ax, Lifetime internet security, Parental Control, Mesh WiFi support, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 4 Gigabit LAN Ports, Beamforming - Newegg.com

Buy ASUS RT-AX55 AX1800 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gigabit Router, 802.11ax, Lifetime internet security, Parental Control, Mesh WiFi support, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 4 Gigabit LAN Ports, Beamforming with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

EDIT: Was $100 after $30 coupon code and these prices often repeat on Newegg. No idea about f/w compatibility though.

 

[JGrana]

Uses a Broadcom BCM6755 quad core CPU. Appears to be the same SOC used in the RT-AX56U.

According to Broadcom's data sheet, it looks like it is SW upgrade-able to Wifi6e:
Expanded 6 GHz frequency coverage including spectrum up to 7125 MHz expected to become available under new regulatory rules

At ~$130USD, might make a nice media bridge.

 

[chatr]

Uses a Broadcom BCM6755 quad core CPU. Appears to be the same SOC used in the RT-AX56U.

According to Broadcom's data sheet, it looks like it is SW upgrade-able to Wifi6e:
Expanded 6 GHz frequency coverage including spectrum up to 7125 MHz expected to become available under new regulatory rules

At ~$130USD, might make a nice media bridge.

SOC (system on chip) without utilization of external PA/LNA (power amp/low noise amp) would have weak radio signal/low radio sensitivity comparing to the one with external PA/LNA. But, current external PA/LNA chips in the market don't support 6Ghz nor the original antennas though if they're external, they're replacable.