The AmpliFi Alien router is a tri-band router. This wireless router offers hardware amplifiers and antennas that are custom-tuned to work together for better performance than standard amplifiers or off-the-shelf antennae. Do you want to know more about the AmpliFi router? Come on, let's go and take a look at its features and benefits closer!
PROS
CONS
Main Features and Benefits
Unique Design & Simple Setup
The AmpliFi Alien router and its companion mesh point are black stiff cylindrical cylinders with yellow-green illumination rings around the base. There is one WAN port on the bottom of the router and four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back.
This router can be placed on any flat surface or hung on a wall using the built-in hanger. Through this simple interface, you'll see everything going on with amplifiers inside homes where AmpliFi is installed.
Performance
The AmpliFi HD uses the latest 802.11ax WiFi 6 technology delivering up to 4x the capacity of the overall network and 2x the coverage. This amplifies your wireless signal to previously unreachable areas of your home.
With speeds of up to 7685 Mbps, you may assure that your gaming and streaming experience will be butter smooth even with multiple users on the network. And when it comes to range, the AmpliFi HD can cover 6000 sq. ft (router and mesh points), which is more than enough for large homes needing full coverage.
In the test conducted, the AmpliFi Alien managed to stand out from its competitors, Synology RT2600AC and MR2600AC mesh systems. It delivers better bandwidth across the board and has better connectivity even as a standalone unit.
MU-MIMO
Most routers in the market today support MU-MIMO, and the AmpliFi HD is no exemption. The Multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output technology, also known as MU-MIMO, let the router handle multiple devices simultaneously without any speed reduction.
This works by dividing each stream into sub-streams, each of which is then sent to a different device. The result is that every user gets the full bandwidth they are paying for. This is especially beneficial if you have many family members and a lot of devices that are always connected to the internet at your home.
OFDMA
The other technology used in the AmpliFi HD is Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). This is different from MU-MIMO because it does not send each stream to a different device. Instead, it allows the access point to allocate the whole channel to a single user or divide the channel to serve multiple users.
This means that you can have more wireless devices using the internet simultaneously without any speed reduction. One of the benefits of this technology is that it reduces latency and increases efficiency. Each stream takes a different path to its destination, which will not affect other streams if one is delayed.
Touch screen Displays
The AmpliFi Alien router uses a touch screen display to make it easier for you to monitor your home network. This intuitive display gives at-a-glance information about all the amplifiers in your system, including real-time signal strength feedback, amplifiers’ switch status, guess access settings, and many more!
Scalable Mesh System
Utilizing the powerful Wi-Fi 6, the AmpliFi Alien system easily covers the entire home, ensuring internet connection everywhere. It provides simultaneous 4K/8K UHD streaming and online gaming to multiple clients from any room.
This router supports True Wireless Gigabit speed with no discernible latency between the router and the mesh point. In addition to that, the AmpliFi Alien router has no limitations to expanding your network with additional AmpliFi routers.
Simple and Powerful App
The AmpliFi Alien App is a powerful, full-featured app that gives you complete control over your network from anywhere in the world.
Need to prioritize bandwidth to the kids' devices? Want to ensure guests have an open guest network connection? No problem!
Simply use the intuitive interface and see what's happening on your home Wi-Fi signal at all times, then get more in-depth with advanced features like priority device lists, parental controls, and more.
On the App, another tab called Amplifiers allows you to turn off or on one of four amplifiers available in each device so they don’t overheat while not being used. You have to have an amp plugged into every spot. This is beneficial because often, devices run hot even when powered down.
Configurable Settings
The AmpliFi Alien router has configurable settings. You can change everything in the settings, from the device name to the time zone and time format. On the router's wireless settings, you will see two sliders here: one for sharing your SSID across the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands and another for enabling or disabling the second 5GHz band.
Parental Controls
The AmpliFi Alien review will not be completed without mentioning its Parental Control feature. This feature is crucial, especially for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids' online activities.
By setting up a user profile for each family member, you can easily monitor and control the websites they visit and their apps. You can also set time limits for certain apps or block them entirely.
Knowing that your kids are safe online is a huge relief for any parent. So, if you're looking for a Wi-Fi router that can offer you peace of mind, the AmpliFi Alien is worth considering.
Pre-Configured Wi-Fi Name & Password
With this router, you do not need to worry about creating a strong password because AmpliFi has already done it for you! Even if someone stands right next to your router, they won't have the power needed to log in. This feature makes this AmpliFi router very secure and safe, which means peace of mind throughout all hours of use during any day.
Listing Priority Device
The Listing Priority Device features allow you to automatically prioritize bandwidth to specific connected devices on your Wi-Fi network based on what’s most important. This ensures that those who matter most to you will receive priority access when they need it most. AmpliFi helps ensure smooth HD streaming and lag-free gameplay every time!
Guest Network Control
With Guest Network Control, you can give temporary permissions to anyone with just a few taps! You have to create a separate password-protected guest network connection by choosing their name from recent guests or setting up a new one so they have full access when needed. The good thing is no other part of your private network is accessible.
Simple Web User Interface with Ad-Blocking
In addition to the mobile App, the AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 router has a unified web interface. The user can modify several settings on this web page, including DNS-based ad blockers. When this feature is enabled, it prevents online advertisements from entering home networks.
Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN
These ports are available on the back of the AmpliFi Alien router. They can be combined into an aggregated link or used separately for faster transfer speeds between wired devices in a home network.
Super Antenna System
The AmpliFi Alien router has an 8x8 super antenna system with AmpliFi technology. This means you can expand your wireless range to an impressive 3000 sq. ft. (main router) and enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage in every corner of your home or office.
Built-in Speaker
The AmpliFi Alien router comes with a speaker that can be used as an alternative to Wi-Fi speakers. It has the same features but amplifies sound from any device connected wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable. This allows you to use AmpliFi for music streaming and voice services like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
AmpliFi Teleport
This feature allows you to extend your home network to any location in the world with an Internet connection. This is designed for mobile devices and works with a Teleport app downloadable in AppStore and PlayStore.
The Teleport app is a unique VPN that secures your data and online presence by allowing you to connect to your home AmpliFi network via a secure tunnel, then tunneling connections back to your home securely by masking your IP address.
Google Chromecast Built-In
Chromecast works best when paired with the AmpliFi App, in which you may control settings such as volume control and playback options directly from mobile devices without having to switch between apps. You don't need to go near the AmpliFi Alien router to access the App controls.
Apple Airplay Compatible
AirPlay allows you to wirelessly stream music, photos, and videos from your iOS device or Mac directly to the AmpliFi’s built-in speakers. The only downside is that AmpliFi does not support Apple HomeKit wireless home automation devices like lights, switches, and thermostats.
Cons
Lack of Multi-Gig WAN Port
One thing that sets this back from its competitors is the lack of a Multi-Gig WAN Port. The AmpliFi Alien has a single multi-gig WAN port, a limiting factor in expandability. Unlike other routers with multiple WAN ports, this router’s one WAN port may not prepare you for failover or link aggregation. So, if your internet connection fails, you are out of luck.
Device Freezes When Rebooting
Another disadvantage of this router is that it freezes when rebooting. One user has reported that the device froze twice when rebooting. A firmware update may solve this problem, though.
What is the AmpliFi Alien Mesh System Best For
The AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 system is designed to be the ultimate Wi-Fi mesh router and range extender. By using AmpliFi’s App, you can easily monitor your network performance and manage all settings from any iOS or Android device without touching a wireless configuration screen.
This makes the AmpliFi Alien ideal for extending fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout large homes or offices up to 3000 sq. ft. (main router) and up to 6000 sq. ft. (with MeshPoint) with no dead zones.
What Buyers Have To Say About AmpliFi Alien Wi-Fi 6 Router
I just bought a HUGE house. We put the main unit on the first floor and the second unit on the second floor. No dropped Wi-Fi or buffering.
Works well, easy set up
Great range I love it
Conclusion
Overall, the AmpliFi Alien Mesh Wi-Fi System is the best router for expanding your current network. It is not the cheapest home router on the market, but it performs like a top-tier router!
Did this AmpliFi Alien review help you make a decision? If you have questions that we can help with your decision, please leave them in the comments section! We'd love to hear from you!