华硕在(ASUS)消费市场(consumer market)上拥有三个网状WiFi系统。其中最便宜的是华硕 Lyra Mini(ASUS Lyra Mini)。它是一个AC1300 网状(AC1300 mesh)系统，支持 2x2 MU-MIMO 传输、移动远程管理、不会过期的内置安全性以及也可以从 PC 访问的管理用户界面，而不仅仅是(administration user interface)智能手机或平板电脑(smartphone or tablet). 如果您想知道它是否适合您的需求，请阅读我们对ASUS Lyra Mini的评论：
华硕 Lyra Mini：它对谁有好处？
这种全家庭网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)适合以下情况：
- 喜欢谨慎、美观设备的用户
- (Secure)使用内置的反恶意软件保护和入侵防御系统保护(protection and intrusion prevention systems)智能家居
- 带有许多需要访问 WiFi 的设备的大型公寓
优点和缺点
ASUS Lyra Mini具有以下优点：
- 通过ASUS Lyra(ASUS Lyra)移动应用程序易于使用和设置
- 在 2.4 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上表现出色
- (Remote control)从互联网上的任何地方进行远程控制
- 它也可以通过网络浏览器(web browser)进行管理（没有多少网状系统提供此功能）
- 出色的防病毒(Excellent antivirus)保护和永不过期的家长控制
还有一些缺点需要考虑：
- 5GHz无线(GHz wireless)频段性能有待提升
- 它在发布时的价格偏高
判决
ASUS Lyra Mini是一款好看的全家网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)。设置很简单，它捆绑了出色的防病毒保护(antivirus protection)和家长控制，并且可以从互联网上的任何地方远程控制。它的性能在 2.4 GHz 频段(GHz band)上是一流的，而在 5 GHz 频段(GHz band)上则表现平平。它的价格高于其直接竞争对手，这降低了它的吸引力。但是，如果您使用许多仅连接 2.4 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)网络的网络设备，ASUS Lyra Mini可能是最适合您的网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)。
拆箱ASUS Lyra Mini AC1300 网状 WiFi 系统(ASUS Lyra Mini AC1300 mesh WiFi system)
ASUS Lyra Mini采用垂直蓝色盒子(blue box)，正面有设备图片。在侧面，您可以获得有关此产品、其移动应用程序、安全功能和硬件规格(hardware specs)的信息。
包装内有三个华硕 Lyra Mini 集线器(ASUS Lyra Mini hubs)、电源适配器和充电线、一条以太网线(Ethernet cable)、保修和快速入门指南(start guide)。不幸的是，我们测试的华硕 Lyra Mini的包装被我们之前的其他评论者使用，并且(ASUS Lyra Mini)以太网电缆(Ethernet cable)丢失。
华硕 Lyra Mini 的包装看起来不错，它包括您需要立即启动和运行的所有配件。(The packaging of the ASUS Lyra Mini looks good, and it includes all the accessories you need to be up and running in no time.)
硬件规格和设计
每个华硕 Lyra Mini 站(ASUS Lyra Mini station)都有一个运行频率为 717 MHz的四核Qualcomm IPQ4018 处理器(Qualcomm IPQ4018 processor)、256 MB 的RAM和 32 MB的固件存储空间(storage space)。它支持最新的无线网络(wireless networking)标准，包括 802.11ac Wave 2和 2x2 MU-MIMO 传输。每个ASUS Lyra Mini都有三个内置天线，总理论最大带宽(maximum bandwidth)划分如下：2.4 GHz 无线频段为 400 (GHz wireless)Mbps，5 GHz 频段(GHz band)为867 Mbps。
ASUS Lyra Mini 集线器(ASUS Lyra Mini hubs)看起来与更昂贵的ASUS Lyra相似。它们更小更轻，长x 宽(x width) x 高(x height)为 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.47 英寸或 130mm x 130mm x 37.5mm ，不含挡板。它们每个重 15.87 盎司或 450 克。
当您将每个ASUS Lyra Mini插入电源(power source)时，它就会开始启动。它具有不同颜色的小型LED(LEDs)，具体取决于发生的情况：
- 浅(Light)青色 - 表示一切正常
- 红色 - 表示电台已失去与中央集线器的连接
- 黄色 - 表示互联网连接(internet connection)不工作
- 纯(Solid)白色 - 表示集线器已准备好进行配置
每个华硕 Lyra Mini(ASUS Lyra Mini)的背面都有两个以太网端口，工作速度为 1 (Ethernet port)Gbps和电源插孔(power jack)。在主Lyra Mini上，必须使用一个以太网端口将其连接到路由器或(Ethernet port)Internet 服务提供商(Internet Service Provider)提供的调制解调器。
在每个站的底部，您可以找到重置(Reset)按钮、四个橡胶脚垫，以便您可以将其放置在平坦的表面上而不会滑动，以及可用于壁挂的安装螺丝槽。还有关于站的WiFi名称(WiFi name)的详细信息。
如果您想阅读此产品的所有官方规格，请访问此页面：ASUS Lyra Mini 规格(ASUS Lyra Mini Specifications)。
设置和使用ASUS Lyra Mini
使用适用于Android或iOS的(iOS)ASUS Lyra应用程序设置ASUS Lyra Mini，或使用网络浏览器(web browser)从 PC 上完成。两种方法都运作良好。但是，在使用移动应用程序时，我们更喜欢快速设置过程。(setup process)它提供了更快的设置和更多的个性化。如果您按照其说明进行操作，则设置ASUS Lyra Mini 网状(ASUS Lyra Mini mesh)系统应该不会有问题。但是，请留出 10 到 15 分钟，以使整个过程成功完成。快速设置包括以下内容：提供互联网连接(internet connection)的详细信息、选择网络名称和密码(network name and password)，选择每个Lyra Mini的位置，并将所有Lyra Mini电台添加到网络中。
完成初始设置后，移动应用程序建议从 Internet 上的任何位置启用远程连接。这是许多用户欣赏的受欢迎的功能。
该应用程序还会检查固件更新并在有新版本可用时通知您。您应该将ASUS Lyra Mini更新到最新固件，因为这可以解决困扰初始版本的性能和安全问题。(performance and security issues)我们观察到的一个问题是，固件更新在您第一次尝试时可能会失败，并且仅在三个集线器中的两个上安装自身。如果您遇到此问题，我们建议您阅读此故障排除指南(troubleshooting guide)。
ASUS Lyra移动应用程序易于使用且配置选项很少。在主屏幕上，您会看到家庭网络(home network)地图、网络的大致实时流量(real-time traffic)和安全见解。点击汉堡图标(burger icon)，您会看到菜单和所有主要类别的设置。您可以配置流量管理器(traffic manager)（或QoS）、访客对家庭网络(home network)的访问、管理家庭(manage family)成员及其设备、智能家居功能、操作模式(operation mode)以及ASUS Lyra Mini的设置(ASUS Lyra Mini). 非技术用户使用ASUS Lyra(ASUS Lyra)移动应用程序配置网络基础知识不会有任何问题。此外，您可以从同一菜单访问仅提供英文版的(English)帮助文档。(Help)
极客和 IT 专业人士会喜欢他们可以从网络浏览器访问(web browser)ASUS Lyra Mini的固件。固件有 19 种语言版本，不像移动应用程序(mobile app)似乎只有英文(English)版本。
基于 Web 的用户界面(user interface)可完全控制ASUS Lyra Mini提供的所有功能。例如，您可以详细设置AiProtection 模块(AiProtection module)的工作原理，而在移动应用程序中，您只能打开和关闭它。您还可以在此处配置VPN 服务器(VPN server)等功能，这些功能在移动应用程序中不可用。
完成所有配置后，开始连接网络设备。使用网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)时，网络设备只能看到一个正在广播的网络名称。(network name)支持 802.11ac标准的现代智能手机和笔记本电脑使用 5 (standard connect)GHz 频率(GHz frequency)连接到网络。支持 802.11n 标准的较便宜或较旧的设备以较慢的 2.4 (Cheaper)GHz 频率(GHz frequency)连接(standard connect)到网络。
ASUS Lyra Mini运行良好，我们将各种设备连接到网络：台式电脑、笔记本电脑、平板电脑、智能手机、Xbox One(Xbox One)控制台、一些智能插头、智能灯泡和无线打印机。我们通过网络共享内容没有问题，WiFi网络(WiFi network)覆盖良好且稳定。当我们测量我们的无线网络(wireless network)传输的稳定性时，我们得到了很好的结果。在下图中，您可以看到5 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上网络传输的演变。(network transfer)没有突然下降，变化在合理范围内。但是，最佳性能是在 2.4 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频段上获得的，而不是 5GHz频段(GHz band)。稍后将在本评论中详细介绍。
我们喜欢 ASUS Lyra Mini 的设置过程和用户体验。它在 2.4 GHz 无线频段上的表现非常出色。一些用户会欣赏他们可以通过以太网电缆连接 Lyra Minis，以获得最大的速度和覆盖范围。(We enjoyed the setup process, and the user experience offered by ASUS Lyra Mini. Its performance was excellent on the 2.4 GHz wireless band. Some users will appreciate that they can connect the Lyra Minis through Ethernet cables, for maximum speed and coverage.)
如果您想了解更多关于ASUS Lyra Mini提供的真实性能，请转到本评论的下一页。
ASUS Lyra Mini review: Excellent performance on the 2.4 GHz band
ASUS has three mesh WiFi systems on the consumer market. The cheapest of them is ASUS Lyra Mini. It is an AC1300 mesh system, with suрport for 2x2 MU-MIMO transfers, mobile remote management, built-in security that does not expire, and an administration user intеrface that can also be accessed from a PС, not only frоm a smartphоne or tablet. If you want to know whether it is a suitable choice for yoυr needs, read our review of ASUS Lyra Mini:
ASUS Lyra Mini: Who is it good for?
This whole-home mesh WiFi system is a suitable choice for:
- Users who appreciate discreet, good looking devices
- Secure smart homes with built-in anti-malware protection and intrusion prevention systems
- Large apartments with many devices that need access to WiFi
Pros and cons
ASUS Lyra Mini has the following positives:
- It is easy to use and set up through the ASUS Lyra mobile app
- Excellent performance on the 2.4 GHz wireless band
- Remote control from anywhere on the internet
- It can be managed from a web browser too (not many mesh systems offer this feature)
- Excellent antivirus protection and parental controls that do not expire
There are also some downsides to consider:
- Performance on the 5 GHz wireless band needs to be improved
- Its price at launch is on the expensive side
Verdict
ASUS Lyra Mini is a good-looking whole-home mesh WiFi system. The set up is easy, it bundles excellent antivirus protection and parental controls, and it can be remotely controlled from anywhere on the internet. Its performance is top-notch on the 2.4 GHz band, while on the 5 GHz band it is underwhelming. Its price is higher than that of its direct competitors, and this diminishes its appeal. However, if you use many network devices that connect only with 2.4 GHz wireless networks, ASUS Lyra Mini might be the best mesh WiFi system for you.
Unboxing the ASUS Lyra Mini AC1300 mesh WiFi system
ASUS Lyra Mini comes in a vertical blue box, with a picture of the device on the front. On the sides, you have information about this product, its mobile app, security features, and hardware specs.
Inside the package, there are three ASUS Lyra Mini hubs, their power adapters and charging cables, an Ethernet cable, the warranty, and the quick start guide. Unfortunately, the packaging of the ASUS Lyra Mini that we tested was used by other reviewers before us, and the Ethernet cable was missing.
The packaging of the ASUS Lyra Mini looks good, and it includes all the accessories you need to be up and running in no time.
Hardware specifications and design
Each ASUS Lyra Mini station has a quad-core Qualcomm IPQ4018 processor running at 717 MHz, 256 MB of RAM and 32 MB of storage space for the firmware. It offers support for the latest wireless networking standards, including 802.11ac Wave 2, and 2x2 MU-MIMO transfers. Each ASUS Lyra Mini has three internal antennas, and the total theoretical maximum bandwidth is split as follows: 400 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz wireless band, and 867 Mbps for the 5 GHz band.
The ASUS Lyra Mini hubs look similar to the more expensive ASUS Lyra. They are a bit smaller and lighter, at 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.47 inches or 130mm x 130mm x 37.5mm in length x width x height, without the bezel. They weigh 15.87 ounces or 450 grams each.
When you plug each ASUS Lyra Mini into a power source, it starts to boot. It has small LEDs that color differently, depending on what is going on:
- Light cyan - means that everything works well
- Red - signals that the station has lost the connection to the central hub
- Yellow - signals that the internet connection is not working
- Solid white - means that the hub is ready to be configured
On each ASUS Lyra Mini there are two Ethernet ports on the back, working at 1 Gbps, and the power jack. On the main Lyra Mini, one Ethernet port must be used to connect it to the router or the modem that your Internet Service Provider has offered.
On the bottom of each station, you can find the Reset button, four rubber feet, so that you can place it on flat surfaces without slipping, and mounting screw slots that can be used for wall-mounting. There are also details about the WiFi name of the station.
If you would like to read all the official specifications of this product, go to this page: ASUS Lyra Mini Specifications.
Setting up and using the ASUS Lyra Mini
Setting up the ASUS Lyra Mini is done using the ASUS Lyra app for Android or iOS, or from a PC, using a web browser. Both methods worked well. However, we enjoyed the quick setup process more when using the mobile app. It offers a faster setup, with more personalization. If you follow its instructions, you should not have issues with setting up the ASUS Lyra Mini mesh system. However, do put aside 10 to 15 minutes for the whole process to be finished successfully. The quick setup involves the following: providing details for your internet connection, choosing the network name and password, choosing the place of each Lyra Mini, and adding all the Lyra Mini stations to the network.
Once you are done with the initial setup, the mobile app recommends enabling the remote connection from anywhere on the internet. This is a welcome feature that many users appreciate.
The app also checks for firmware updates and informs you when there is a new version available. You should update your ASUS Lyra Mini to the latest firmware because this fixes performance and security issues, which plagued the initial version. An issue that we observed is that the firmware update may fail the first time you try it, and install itself only on two out of the three hubs. If you encounter this issue, we recommend reading this troubleshooting guide.
The ASUS Lyra mobile app is easy to use and with few configuration options. On the main screen, you see a map of your home network, your network's approximate real-time traffic, and security insights. Tap the burger icon, and you see the menu and all the major categories of settings. You can configure things like the traffic manager (or QoS), the guest access to your home network, manage family members and their devices, smart home features, the operation mode, and the settings of the ASUS Lyra Mini. Non-technical users will not have problems configuring the basics of their network, using the ASUS Lyra mobile app. Also, you can access the Help documentation, which is available only in English, from the same menu.
Geeks and IT professionals will enjoy that they can access the firmware of the ASUS Lyra Mini from a web browser. The firmware is available in 19 languages, unlike the mobile app which seems to be available only in English.
The web-based user interface offers complete control over all the features that ASUS Lyra Mini has to offer. For example, you can set in detail how the AiProtection module works, while in the mobile app, you can only turn it on and off. Here you can also configure features like the VPN server, which is not available in the mobile app.
When you are done configuring everything, start connecting your network devices. When using a mesh WiFi system, network devices see only one network name being broadcast. Modern smartphones and laptops that support the 802.11ac standard connect to the network using the 5GHz frequency. Cheaper or older devices that support the 802.11n standard connect to the network on the slower 2.4 GHz frequency.
The ASUS Lyra Mini worked well, and we connected various devices to the network: desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, an Xbox One console, a few smart plugs, a smart bulb, and a wireless printer. We had no issues in sharing content over the network, and the WiFi network coverage was good and stable. When we measured the stability of our wireless network transfers, we had good results. In the graph below, you can see the evolution of a network transfer on the 5 GHz wireless band. There were no sudden drops, and the variability was within reasonable limits. However, the best performance was enjoyed on the 2.4 GHz wireless band, not the 5 GHz band. More on that later in this review.
We enjoyed the setup process, and the user experience offered by ASUS Lyra Mini. Its performance was excellent on the 2.4 GHz wireless band. Some users will appreciate that they can connect the Lyra Minis through Ethernet cables, for maximum speed and coverage.
If you want to know more about the real-world performance offered by ASUS Lyra Mini, go to the next page of this review.
