Testing:

We will run through a handful of tests on the Tenda AC9 to gauge its throughput... Partly to see how fast it handles the Internet, and then to see how it handles local file transfers. Most users really probably just want fast download speeds from the Internet, but we'll also check for ping and upload speeds, and then we will transfer a 4GB file from a network attached storage (NAS) server to see how quickly that can be transferred over.

The first test involved loading Speedtest.net in the Chrome browser, choosing a local server sponsored by my ISP, and then proceeded to run the test three times in order to create an average score to report in the graphs below. The Tenda AC9 was tested both wirelessly and wired, and those results were compared to a D-Link AC1900 wireless router and an Edimax EW-7438RPn Mini. Wired testing involved using a ten foot long CAT-6 cable to connect a laptop, while wireless testing involved using the laptop's built in 5GHz WiFi radio. This round of testing involved placing the network devices about thirty feet from the laptop when tested wirelessly. This was achieved on the same floor of my home, with no obstructions between the laptop and the network devices.

Speedtest.net's Ping test doesn't show anything of interest, with 10 being the expected score each and every time on the two routers, and eleven on the Edimax access point.



Next we have the download speeds in MB/s (higher is better), which may be the most useful value to the typical user. My Internet service is rated for 101MB/s, and considering the Tenda AC9 allowed me to average over 105MB/s wired, I am definitely getting my money's worth. The AC9 hit just over 78MB/s wirelessly, but keep in mind that we are at about thirty feet. On the next page we will see what happens when you can work/play closer to the router.



Upload speeds are up next, and again we have results in MB/s (higher is better). With service rated at 30MB/s, you can not accuse the Tenda AC9 of holding me back. Both the Tenda and the D-Link router perform very well, and my Internet experience should be very smooth with either device.