Assessing the Flint 3 Router: Is the Wi-Fi 7 Monster a Wise Investment?
The Flint 3, the latest addition to the Flint family, is making waves in the world of home networking. This innovative router boasts a host of impressive features, including Wi-Fi 7 technology, tri-band radios, and advanced connectivity options.
Robust Connectivity Options
The Flint 3 offers a wide range of connectivity options, with one 2.5G WAN port, another 2.5G port that can function as either WAN or LAN, three additional 2.5G LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. This extensive array of ports ensures that you have ample options for connecting your devices, whether they be computers, gaming consoles, or smart home devices.
OpenWrt Out of the Box
Right out of the box, the Flint 3 runs on OpenWrt, giving users complete control over their network setup. This open-source operating system allows for advanced customisation and configuration, making it an ideal choice for tech-savvy users.
Impressive Speed and Performance
In terms of speed, the Flint 3 offers significantly higher theoretical wireless speeds (up to 9300 Mbps) compared to the Flint 2's Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Real-world throughput tests on the Flint 3 show speeds close to 2 Gbps under optimal conditions, a substantial improvement over typical Wi-Fi 6 routers like the Flint 2.
However, it's worth noting that during VPN performance testing specifically with WireGuard, the Flint 2 actually achieves better max speeds (around 900 Mbps) compared to the Flint 3's ceiling of approximately 680 Mbps. This means that during heavy VPN usage, the Flint 2 may be faster and possibly more stable for encrypted connections.
Enhanced Latency and Stability
In terms of latency and stability, the Flint 3's Wi-Fi 7 features (Multi-Link Operation (MLO), wider channels, and increased spatial streams) enable it to maintain more reliable connections with lower latency by aggregating multiple bands and using improved modulation techniques. These enhancements allow it to better handle crowded networks and multiple simultaneous high-bandwidth streams, making it a step up from the Flint 2’s Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.
A Look to the Future
With Wi-Fi 7 technology, the Flint 3 is set to reshape home networks in 2025. The router's tri-band Wi-Fi 7 radios promise speeds up to three times faster than Wi-Fi 6, improved bandwidth allocation for home automation devices, smoother 4K streaming across multiple devices, faster virtual reality application loading, and decreased network congestion.
Exceptional Value
Despite its impressive features, the Flint 3 delivers exceptional value compared to competing Wi-Fi 7 models, typically costing $300 to $500 less.
User-Friendly Interface and Advanced Settings
The Flint 3's control panel offers a user-friendly interface for managing network settings, with remote network configuration, comprehensive dashboard, bandwidth usage tracking, connected device monitoring, VPN management tools, USB port controls, security monitoring features, client and server settings, future security updates, and eMMC storage management. For those who prefer more advanced settings, OpenWrt offers traffic management, VLAN configuration, and access to the open-source code for transparency and customization.
Compatibility and Remote Access
The Flint 3 is compatible with over 30 VPN services, including popular providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. It also offers multiple remote access methods, including GoodCloud for cloud management, WireGuard for a secure VPN connection, Tailscale as another VPN option, AstroWarp for SD-WAN capabilities, and HTTPS for basic web-based management.
Cooling and Noise Considerations
While the Flint 3's active cooling keeps temperatures stable under load, some users have reported that the fan noise can be bothersome in quiet environments. It's worth noting that the Flint 2 runs completely silent.
In summary, the Flint 3 offers significant improvements in speed, latency, and stability compared to its predecessor, the Flint 2. While it may not outperform the Flint 2 in VPN performance, its Wi-Fi 7 technology promises a brighter future for home networking. With its user-friendly interface, advanced settings, and exceptional value, the Flint 3 is an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their home network.
The Flint 3 is not only a home networking stalwart, but it also offers an extensive array of ports for connecting various gadgets, such as computers, gaming consoles, and smart home devices, due to its numerous 2.5G WAN, LAN, and USB 3.0 ports (Robust Connectivity Options). As an advanced wireless router, the Flint 3 features cutting-edge technology, including Wi-Fi 7, ensuring seamless communication and lightning-fast speed among technology-driven devices.
