Author's Note: The original review can be found at my blog - Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro Review @ JayceOoi.com.



Introduction
Yeah... I have a wireless router that support MU-MIMO (Multi-User - multiple-input and multiple-output) at last. Support simultaneous dual band 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz 802.11ac wave2 networks up to 2533Mbps. And loaded with 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Yup, Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro is the one that I am talking about now. As usual, it can be managed with Mi Wi-Fi App easily. How does it perform? Let’s find out...

Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out...

• GearBest for this Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro and Redmi Note 4X
  
• Kingston for 480GB Kingston SSDNow UV400 SSD

Package Content & Design
Xiaomi R3P Wireless Router Pro comes in a very nice and premium packaging. And well protected as you can see the router is covered with plastic. After take out Mi Wireless Router Pro, you can find US plug power adaptor and user manual in Chinese. Hmm... Will there be any issue with Chinese version? Let's find out later...





Excellent build quality is what you can get from Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro. All thanks to metal frame body and solid plastic antenna (side and back body are plastic too). And 932.2g in weight. By the way, Pro version has the same design like Xiaomi Wireless Router HD (R3D) with internal hard drive. However, Pro does not have the ability to install HDD / SSD manually as the slot is replaced with large heatsink.



4 long antennas, 3 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, Ethernet WAN port, USB 3.0 port, power port and reset button are located at back.



4 anti-skid pads are located at the bottom. Don’t be fooled by their tiny sizes. They do provide strong grip and stability here. You need to apply quite some force in order to move the router.



Installation
Hurrah!!! You can install Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro in English with Mi Wi-Fi app (can be found at Play Store and App Store for both Android and iOS devices). Just like Xiaomi WiFi Router 3 that I have. Installation is the same - simple and fast. Basically, you need to power on Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro. Then connect your cable/DSL modem Internet cable to WAN port. Use mobile phone to connect to Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro Wi-Fi. Then use MiWiFi App to setup Wi-Fi network name & password (you can set different admin password too). That’s all. You can start to use Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro now and access to Internet.



FYI. If you don't have MiWiFi App, you are stuck with web interface in Chinese then. But no worry, Google Chrome translator can help...

Software
Mi Wi-Fi English application can be used on Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro Chinese edition. Everything is working fine as it should and in English. However, there certain wordings are still in Chinese. No worry, that's around 5 percent among all as you can see on below screenshots.



Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro has lot of useful features like guest network, security (firewall), Wi-Fi boost, photo backup, QoS, Wi-Fi timer, SAMBA, schedule reboot and lot more. Every settings can be set from the app too. You can set it as repeater and access point modes on top of normal router mode too.



Just like other Xiaomi router, built-in download manager (Xunlei) is there for you. With external USB hard drive, you can use Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro to download normal http, ftp and even BT torrent files. Yes, it can act as local NAS where all your movie, photo and music are stored there. With MU-MIMO, multiple devices can access it with ease and fast. Don't forget fast USB 3.0 port too.

Performance Result
Outstanding!!! I am not expecting that Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro to beat my US$200 Asus RT-AC68U router. Seriously, it win in 2.4GHz range battle where Asus is very good in that. As usual, both of them are placed at the same spot on 1st floor. And screenshots below were taken while I was on ground floor. FYI, Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro only cost half of Asus RT-AC68U.



5GHz performance is almost on par. Yes, not far behind as you can see in WiFi Analyzer app. And in actual usage, I did not find any different at all between these two.



Here is the WiFi Analyzer time graph for your reference. As you can see, Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro 2.4GHz performance is always on top. And win by 10 dBm.



Yeah... I am getting network-attached storage (NAS) alike performance with USB hard drive on Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro through USB 3.0. That's for reading from USB SSD through Gigabit Ethernet. Writing is limited at 22MB/s on Ethernet. Don't know why as I can achieve higher writing speed through wireless.



Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro is powered by MT7621A MIPS dual core @ 880MHz. Loaded with 256MB SLC nand flash and 512MB DDR3 RAM. OS based on OpenWRT. As usual, I put it to test as Asus RT-AC68U replacement. Guess what? I am getting the same maximum file transfer rate performance with wireless and much better on Ethernet. Same apply to latency as real-time online games like Clash Royale is smooth as usual. iPerf3 results show the same best rate too. And does not slow down at all when someone is transferring file to/fro USB hard drive. All my 10+ devices are happy with it. Overall, Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro is a better wireless router at lower price.

Advantages

• 4x4 MU-MIMO 802.11ac
  
• Support up to 2533Mbps & Gigabit Ethernet
  
• 100MB/s USB 3.0 HDD reading speed
  
• Packed with lot features
  
• Built-in download manager
  
• Top-notch build quality

Limitations

• Web interface in Chinese

Conclusion
Look no further, Xiaomi Wireless Router Pro is the one that suit both your need and budget. Perfect for home and small office use. Enjoy great wireless range and fast transfer rate. Don't forget that it is loaded with lot of useful features too. Interested?

Can this be set up as a WiFi extender? If so, how to set that up?

nice review! I'm getting one to replace my current Mi Router Mini. Have you got a chance to stress test with multiple devices? Would like to know how MU-MIMO fair because I have a lot of China branded smart gadgets like smart plugs, IP cameras and so on..

Yes, just follow the simple instruction will do. No worry...

Thanks. What kind of stress test?

multiple active connections (at least 4).. This router supports 802.11ac wave2 (or more specifically MU-MIMO) which can handle multiple active connections without compromising the speed and performance. wave 1 routers will need the share the available shared wifi space and thus performance are impacted when more devices are connected, the wave 1 routers usually serve connected devices by serving them in a queue basis. Wave 2 routers on the other hand can handle it simultaneously.

This post has been edited by maxcheam: Apr 16 2017, 12:54 PM

Up to 10 active connections also no problem.

Can this be used as an Access Point?

My house is a 3-storey house
1)Modem Router is located at groudfloor, and there is a wall-LAN Port that connects to the first floor
2)First floor has the main living room, has a wall-LAN port connected from ground floor. I plan to put a powerful router/acces point here
3)Second floor, will most likely get the wifi signal from First floor

Need your advice. Thanks:)

Yes. Just plug the LAN cable into WAN port will do.

100MB/s on wireless? Why do I feel like so fake? Did you reach them on 2.4GHz or 5GHz? Which wifi adapter are you using?

I'm currently using Sunway Digital Wave as my ISP, they are on TIME backbone.

Does this router or other Xiaomi routers works with TIME?

Thanks for your prompt feedback

I must improve my writing skill. That's on Ethernet.

No idea on Sunway Digital Wave and TIME. If they can work on normal wireless router, it should work on Xiaomi routers. No VLAN requirement like HyppTV, right? That for surely Xiaomi routers can't support.

Too bad this router is not using Broadcom CPUs
Else we could install Tomato firmware on it

I hate OpenWRT - No offense to others who are using it

JayceOoi you didn't show us how you install the SSD inside that router
Some images or video or even a GIF file would be useful

This post has been edited by sHawTY: Apr 17 2017, 04:07 PM

It is connected through USB.

Noted with thanks.

Ouch, sorry
I thought this is the HD version

Any presets for Unifi, or can do VLAN settings for Hypptv?

why you hate openwrt/lede?

Nope, official firmware does not support VLAN.

Bummer!

wait for openwrt/lede support

price ?

Good job with the review, YayceOoi. I am looking for a suitable upgrade for my time 100mbps service, and i think this may be it. Where can i get it at the cheapest price?

All replied...

I just bought and started using this mi router pro.
But I'm lost with the QoS plugin configuration.
Like, how does it work? If I activated QoS on all the connected devices, and then set them all to MAX, does the QoS do anything then?
WHat if I set the QoS for a device to only 90% of my bandwidth, but then only 1 device is using the bandwidth, would the mi router be smart enough to consume all 100% of available bandwidth? Thanks

2. can this router be used standalone modem, directly with telephone lines (ADSL2) instead of ethernet?

This post has been edited by goandloveyourself: May 31 2017, 08:39 AM

just wonder if you install Mi wifi repeater, if you connected to the mi wifi repeater, are you able to access the hardisk storage that connected to the mi router pro?

Why not?
Any router with USB port or NAS should allow you to do so.

As per my understanding the WIFI repeater is another connection than the original router( i mean when you scan WIFI through phone you will see the original router and the repeater line which are 2 separate connections), so when connect to the repeater is still able to access the original router hardisk file?

It is same gateway and dhcp from main router.
So yes.

If yes, this is really great i might want buy a repeater to try it out

hi Jayce, i was wondering is it possible to connect this router with a mifi using the usb port for internet connection? internet -> mifi -> router

Didn't try mifi through USB. But Android USB tethering is not working. End up using Android hotspot mode to connect to it (set as repeater).

Yes. PM me for details.

can this be used with maxis home fibre? replace that lousy thomson

Didn't have the chance to try Maxis fibre. Does it have a modem and wireless router? If yes, you can simply replace the router then.

Don't think it will support Maxis as primary router.
On default Xiaomi does not support Vlan tagging right?

If not mistaken Maxis is using Vlan 820 for internet.
Then also another Vlan for IPTV and phone line.

even if i dont want voip and iptv?


fibre optic ---> maxis modem --> mi router wan port (use as ppoe dialer)

I dont own Xiaomi Router Pro.
While in Xiaomi mini and router 3, the answer is no.
Without customs rom it is not possible.

This one can't support custom firmware so mean can't use LTE modem right?

Being searching online but nothing found.

Can you use Maxis modem to dial directly? I do that on Streamyx modem.

hrmmm let me look into this

found it https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2710206

thanks man

This post has been edited by mousqy: Jun 22 2017, 10:21 AM

Any custom rom for this yet? Would like to use this on unifi

I am on Time.com; is it compatible ?
Thanks. May I know the price too?

unifi can support ah?

Hi Jayce,

My friend bought this Mi Router Pro (without hard disk) and was unable to use it for his Maxis Fibre.
He passed to me to try it out on my Unifi.
I tried set it up using Mi Wifi app on my Samsung phone as well as direct LAN connect to my PC following the steps in the manual and app (i can read Chinese).
Both failed. Got wifi signal but no internet connection. It says has problem with DHCP.
My friend said that is the same issue when he tried to set it up for his Maxis Fibre.
What should i do? I am not tech savvy.
Will appreciate your expert advise. Thanks.

Regards
Nikobellic

Other forums in Lowyat say we need to change the Xiaomi router firmware to Asus Padavan firmware in order to use the Xiaomi Router Pro on Maxis Fibre or Unifi. If not (changing the firmware) the Xiaomi Router Pro can only be used as an wifi extender.
Any expert here can advise?

just curious, why are both of the 5GHz signal sharing the same channel?

was the xiaomi set turn powered on before/after the Asus set? i'd expect the device that is powered-on later will automatically change to another channel to reduce interference...

This post has been edited by nmb3rs: Jul 10 2017, 12:13 PM

How hard is it to use this with TM Unifi...?

thanks for sharing

Without VLAN tagging support , i believe you cant use for MAXIS or UNIFI ..

Last time im using Maxis fibre and having hard time on my newly bought router Archer C7.

I believe for time fiber user wont face issue as TIME doesnt required vlan tagging.

Just sharing here.

For those who want English firmware, it is available from Taiwan.

Info from 4pda.ru
https://4pda.ru/pages/go/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbi....bin&e=59614649

Do not the 5ghz channel is locked at specific channel, so do check channel if not detecting.

I have not tested this, as I do not own one.

Just my 2-cents.

u can use it with Time on stock firmware~ no problem

u need a network switch to do the Vlan so that Unifi and Maxis users can use this

i wonder when xiaomi gonna release 4G router

Hi,

Just wondered, if I bought switch for VLAN Support to configure vlan tagging 500 and 600 for TM Unifi does this will work on this router to PPPoe ?

So the connection would be:

Modem -- SWITCH -- Mi R3P

yes it will work~ all it need is a smart switch to work with this router~

Modem -- SWITCH -- Mi R3P (this is correct)

Thanks matey,
Ordered 8port tp-link smart switch

Can use with Unifi, Maxis or Ohana with TL-SG108E to handle the VLAN tagging. I'm using this method to use back all my old Streamyx routers.

no problem~ just set up the switch and you can set the router easily

Nice review , Look like a great router but too bad i using streamyx

Thanks. But why too bad? I am using Streamyx here as well.

Cheap moderm router is enough for who using steamyx,since download speed and upload speed is super slow ,been use streamyx for about 11 years,still wating for time fibre at my place 100Mbps at same price as streamyx 4mbps

True for normal surfing. A good wireless router is needed when you have lot of HD videos locally. Or lot of wireless devices connected at the same time. And improve on gaming latency too.

I saw one in 11st with 8TB storage

http://www.11street.my/productdetail/xiaom...-drive-42241397

is that the same?

That's HD version with better CPU.

Is that a better buy?

Depend on your needs. It comes with 1TB 3.5" HDD built-in too.

Do i need any special configuration for the smart switch or it is just plug and play ?? , please i need your assistance , i suck at networking..

u can use it with streamyx right now which i think it will be great in handling multiple devices connection with consistent high speed~ Improve your wifi coverage significantly as well, so i think that even u r on streamyx right now, it is good for you to get it~ maybe in future u have TIME already then u still can use back this router


yes, u need to do some configuration on the smart switch for Vlan tagging

Im done with the configuration amd yes it works. Im glad to share how to achie this.
But its not perfect yet, The only thing i need to find out is to make the hypptv work.

But i think i should post on other topics, or should i put it here?

Can you post screen shots of configuration for the smart switch or just a guide ... im a total noob at this.. i wanna order a tp link smart switch now.. thanks allot in advance

This post has been edited by giov007: Sep 4 2017, 10:54 AM

is it possible to post a short guide for the configuration needed for the smart switch? ... im a total noob at this.. i wanna order a tp link smart switch now.. thanks allot in advance. I have this Mi R3p Pro router for 2 months now and i can't get it to work via pppoe..on my unifi

Is the antenna detachable? If yes, can replace it with couple of the 8dbi's

sorry i no longer have both of the device, im unable to show u the configuration but u can go youtube look for the guide to setup vlan tagging on the smart switch

not detachable

Just check if I only use internet and not hypetv, can I just tag vlan500 in port 1 of the smart switch?

Hello,

Please find below from what I have done.
The reason I bought 8 port switch is due to I have maximize my 5 port switch, so upgrading to VLAN switch is worthwhile for me as I have Xiaomi R3P.

I bought TP-Link TL-SG108E. others VLAN switch should be the same, except if you use Cisco, the term will be abit differ.

The configuration as follow:
1. Login to web interface of TP-link router on 192.168.0.1, username and password would be admin admin (default) if you havent change it

2. Goto 802.1Q VLAN and set the VLAN settings as follow:
Make VLAN for Unifi
2a. Enable the 802.1Q VLAN click yes then click apply
2b. On VLAN ID type 500 and on the desc type unifi
2c. Then Port 1 set to tagged port 2 - 6 set to untag
2d. click add/modify

Make VLAN for Hypptv (still not working yet)
2e. On VLAN ID type 600 and on the desc type hypptv
2f. Then Port 1 set to tagged port 7 set to untag
2g. click add/modify

Click save config

3. Setting up the Port VLAN ID goto 802.1Q VLAN PVID Setting
PVID for Unifi
3a. On PVID type 500
3b. Tick port 2 - 6
3c. Click apply

PVID for Hypptv
3d. On PVID type 600
3e. Tick port 7
3f. Click apply

Click save config

On your switch
Port 1 connect it to port 1 on Unifi BTU
Port 2 connect to Xiaomi R3P router WAN Port (blue color)
Port 3 connect to Xiaomi R3P router Switch Port (any)
Port 4 Up to you
Port 5 Up to you
Port 6 Up to you
Port 7 connect to hypptv

Now, goto your router
Login to your R3P web interface 192.168.31.1
Goto connection, internet, and choose PPPoe
Type username and password
Choose custom MTU, change it to 1492
Safe

Now this should work.
Please post if you have further question.

In the mean time, I would appreciate if anyone could share to me how the hypptv works ?
The problem now, Hypptv can connect, but all the channel is black and I got sattelite icon.

Seems like it doesnt get any IP / internet for this.
Maybe its due to on BTU it has merging 2 VLAN in 1 port while I separate 2 vlan in 2 different port.

Thanks for your detailed steps!!! Really helpful to the noob as me...

Btw if i no need hypptv, i can just ignore the vlan 600, right?

Yes, if you dont need Hypptv, you can skip the VLAN 600.

Cheers.

Thanks so much.. you have saved me...

Nice!!! help alot people that wants to use this router

just curious...why you need WAN and 1 LAN port connect to Mi Router?

If you use only 1 WAN port from Xiaomi to VLAN switch, that means:
You cannot use the other port on the VLAN switch to connect internet, why ?
--> Because the WAN port connected through with PPPoe, this mean that port would have your dynamic IP Public assigned not your local LAN ip.
--> This mean if Xiaomi has DHCP, and you plug some of the PC or host to the VLAN Switch it wont recognise and get the DHCP from Xiaomi.

good job on finding a work around

thankssss

Cheers matey

that vlan thing was my only obstacle


This post has been edited by mousqy: Sep 8 2017, 12:12 AM

how much did you bought it for?

360 use mdk10a in lazada app ...get 10% discount
6 months local warranty



This post has been edited by mousqy: Sep 8 2017, 11:52 AM

mind sharing the link for the item?

xiaomi wan is not gigabit ?
https://imgur.com/a/XBbvx
https://world.tmall.com/item/545858995315.h...919063:33030646

old post from reddit on different xiaomi router
https://www.reddit.com/r/Xiaomi/comments/34...he_mini_router/

if you want gigabit you can get Xiaomi Mi Router Pro or Xiaomi Mi Router 3G