Page 4 - Performance Tests
For the tests, the wireless router was placed on the main floor of my house. My media PC with a Gigabyte UD Pro 256GB SSD was connected to the router via a CAT5e cable on a Gigabit Ethernet connection. On the client side, a 2018 13" HP Envy 13 with an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 network adapter card installed running Totusoft's LAN Speed Test application was used to transfer 500MB test files to evaluate real-world throughput. In our results, "upload" is defined as data transfer from the client to the server via the wireless router; conversely, "download" is defined as data transfer from the server to the client via the wireless router.
Since wireless channels are generally characterized by path loss, large scale fading, and small-scale fading, the router was tested in six different locations described above to comprehensively measure its true throughput performance. This includes a combination of line of sight and non-light of sight spots, different distance and positions relative to the router, as well as shadowing caused by objects between the laptop and the router. In order to overcome inconsistencies due to small scale fading, a relatively large 500MB test file was used. Furthermore, movement of people and objects within the vicinity of the devices during testing was eliminated whenever possible.
A brief description of the test locations is as follows:
- Location 1: Line of sight to router, approximately 2m distance
- Location 2: Non-line of sight to router, bedroom, one floor up
- Location 3: Non-line of sight to router, bedroom, one floor up, end of house
- Location 4: Non-line of sight to router, bedroom, one floor down
- Location 5: Non-line of sight to router, patio balcony, same level
- Location 6: Non-line of sight to router, attached garage, one floor down
Compared Hardware:
- D-Link DIR-X5460 (AX5400)
- TP-Link Archer AX6000 (AX6000)
In Location 1, the D-Link DIR-X5460 delivered the best combined performance between upload and download, although this is not too surprising considering the line of sight. Results from Locations 2 and 4, which are almost just above or below the router, respectively, showed the antenna array strength when the laptop is above or below, even if it did not have direct line of sight. In both of these locations, the DIR-X5460 performed quite well with download speeds being near the line of sight Location 1 numbers. Upload speeds were a bit lower, but they were still quite good in both of these locations. Location 5 is outdoors and separated by a sliding glass door, but is generally still close to the router. However, due to its horizontal distance, its speeds are getting closer to that of Location 3. Speaking of which, Locations 3 and 6 are trickier regions, as they are the further away from the router and not directly above or below. Location 3 showed still very good download rates, but slower upload. Location 6 was the furthest distance from the router while being one floor below. Both upload and download slowed notably, but it was not terrible. When compared to the Archer AX6000, all of the rated download speeds on the DIR-X5460 were faster, while the upload speeds were much closer and within margin of error.
Overall, the D-Link DIR-X5460 delivered excellent wireless throughput from short to long range. Its peak download numbers of 783.9Mbps while never dipping below 350Mbps were both great to see. Some of these locations were quite challenging, but this D-Link router was up to the challenge.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Configuration and User Interface
4. Performance Tests
5. Conclusion
