Review: Asus Lyra Trio Mesh Wi-Fi System

Let’s face it. Your internet connection is a pretty important thing. Don’t believe me? Then just go over to your modem or router right now and switch it off and see how long before someone in your family is freaking out that they can’t get online. And often, that all-so-important internet connection just doesn’t quite reach to all the corners of your home, does it? Those are called “dead spots” and they’re caused by a router or modem with insufficient range to cover your home properly, or because the internet signal is getting blocked by walls, beams or something else in the home’s architecture. You could try moving your modem around to see if you can get it to a spot where it can cover the area more efficiently, or you could invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system, such as the Asus Lyra Trio, which coincidentally I had the opportunity to review.

What is a Mesh Wi-Fi System?

When it comes to solving the problem of Wi-Fi dead spots in your home, many people opt for Wi-Fi extenders. As the name implies, these devices extend the reach of your wireless network by tapping into the existing Wi-Fi signal and extending it beyond its previous reach by providing sort of a digital lily pad from which it can leapfrog off.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of two or more router-like gadgets that work in unison to cover your home in a Wi-Fi signal. A mesh system is essentially a system of multiple Wi-Fi extenders that are usually easy to set up. The major difference between using an extender and a Wi-Fi mesh system, is that the mesh Wi-Fi system actually is meant to replace your router, while an extender merely works alongside it. A Wi-Fi mesh system such as the Lyra Trio creates a whole new Wi-Fi network separate from your current router’s Wi-Fi, while extenders simply boost that main router’s signal. Got it?

Asus Lyra Trio Out of the Box

Upon opening up the Asus Lyra Trio box, you’ll find three pyramid-shaped routers arranged neatly in recessed compartments. Underneath, are the units’ power cords, a cable cord, and of course the various documentation and quick start guide.

Unlike a lot of current devices that try to remain discreet-looking, the Lyra Trio routers have a unique shape that will get them noticed. Each of the dome/triangle/pyramid-like routers is made of bright white plastic with grey/blue accents under the arches. In the back of each router you will find Lan, LAN/Wan and power inputs, while the front sports a discreet ASUS logo.

Setting Up the Asus Lyra Trio Mesh Network

To connect the Lyra Trip whole home mesh Wi-Fi system, you’ll need to unplug your current router, first. Next, you will connect one of the Lyra Trio units to the modem using the supplied cable. Then, you have to power up your modem again, and wait for its lights to indicate an internet connection is active. Now plug the Lyra’s power adapter in and wait for a solid white light on the unit to indicate it is ready to setup.

ASUS offers two equally easy methods for setting up your Lyra Trio system. The first method uses the ASUS Lyra app, found on your smart device’s app store. You simply launch the app on your mobile device, follow the instructions to create a new network, and within a few moments you will be connected. The second method is to use a PC, which then connects to the Lyra Trio via a web browser setup wizard.

Once you’ve set up your Lyra Trio network, you can then go about adding the other two Trios (that sounds weird, right?). Again, ASUS gives you two methods for adding the other devices to the network. The first method is to use the Lyra mobile app, and then click on the “+” icon, and then choose “add Lyra to current network,” then follow the instructions. The second method is to simply press the “Pair” button on your primary (connected to the router) Lyra until the LED light turns green and starts to blink. Then take your other Lyra Trio (to whichever room you wish to place it), plug it into the power outlet, and then press the “Pair” button on the bottom left of that unit. The LED light will turn green as well, and start blinking, and then turn cyan (or blue to those who don’t know fancy colour names!), indicating the pairing process is complete.

Using the ASUS Lyra Trio Wi-Fi Mesh Network

I live in a regular-sized townhouse, and even with its relatively compact size, there have been dead spots for the internet in my home. I actually fixed it by moving my router a few inches in one direction, however the signal still gets spotty in certain rooms, sometimes. Using just two Lyra Trio units, I was able to extend that signal to efficiently cover every nook and cranny of my home. ASUS says one Trio unit is meant for single-floored coverage of about 1,800 square feet, while two units can blanket a two-story home ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 square feet with slid Wi-Fi, and the whole set of three Trios covers a two or three-story home ranging from 3,600 to 5,400 square feet in size.

Apparently, it is the dome/pyramid shape of the Trio routers that enable better coverage, plus they utilize 3×3 MIMO technology and seamless roaming to automatically connect you to the best signal in your home with stronger Wi-Fi connections. Another great plus that comes with owning the Lyra Trio is that it comes with a free lifetime subscription to Trend Micro’s cloud-based security to block malicious sites, detect infected devices and keep your personal data secure. Other features include parental controls so you can make sure your kids aren’t going to any of “those” web sites, as well as network diagnosis functions that let you know when something is wrong with your internet, and the ability to create a guest Wi-Fi network.

The Final Word

If you are having issues with internet dead spots in your home, the Lyra Trio Whole Home Wi-Fi Mesh Network System is an easy-to-set-up and simple way to extend the signal to every corner of your house, while providing a smooth, safe, fast and strong connection to the online world.