Today, we are taking a quick look at the ASUS EBG15. In a tiny package, you get a router that can go just about anywhere and that uses very little power. This is not part of our normal series since we usually stick to 2.5GbE to 800GbE devices, but we still wanted to show this one off since we have used it a decent amount over the past few months. A few weeks ago, we did a quick look at the Mini ASUS EBP15 PoE+ switch. In that piece, we showed the ASUS EBG15, a tiny router that is in a similar form factor.
It made a cameo in a recent STH Labs short:
Asus sent these units, so like always we need to say that this is sponsored.
ASUS EBG15 Tiny Router Hardware Overview
Looking at the front, we get a USB port, then five 1GbE ports. The fun part about this little router is that it can handle multi-WAN, but it is probably a different multi-WAN segment than you might be thinking. STH readers are often very technical, but some folks can only get two lower-speed and quality connections whether that is at home, a business, or remote and are not deep networking experts. This bridges that gap. Of course, we might want 2.5GbE, but this is a low power and low cost device.
The USB port is really neat. You can take a USB drive and turn it into network storage using this port. Some folks do not want a NAS, but a little local backup is always useful.
On both sides, we get vents. This is a fanless router.
On the back, we get a DC input. Unlike the PoE switch, the DC input is on the opposite side of the chassis.
Looking at the bottom, we have four rubber feet and two mouting points.
Perhaps the biggest feature is that there is a QR code as well as the default login information. If you just want to get up and running, you can use a mobile phone and just get going.
Next, let us talk about software.
Why is there no look inside? What is the processor and other components? Where are the performance tests? Are updates guaranteed for 5 years? What is the EOL date?
It is a bit light on performance detail. It looks surprisingly similar to the TP-Link ER605 (even down to the three WAN ports and USB port placement) and the ER605 lists in the specs that it can route at 945 Mbps (although WireGuard only at 120 Mbps). I don’t think the USB port is meant for storage/NAS, I think it’s really there for a 4G/5G USB modem as a WAN backup.
I got the ER605 for a small solar powered remote site because it’s fully supported by OpenWRT, so I was easily able to reflash it and have full control over the routing and VPN connections.
The article says you could use this device for a couple of IP cameras but really you don’t need a router for so few devices, just a normal switch will do.