REVIEW: Twibi Force, mesh router with Wi-Fi 6 from Intelbras b35i

A new generation of mesh routers is arriving on the market, bringing the speed and capacity of Wi-Fi 6 to residential mesh networks. With the growing number of connected devices at home, it is essential to have a network that is capable of ing a greater number of connections, as well as broad coverage throughout the home area. 483j2n

For this year, the intelbras updated your line of mesh routers with the models Twibi Force, which comprise the Twibi Force AX (mesh router module) and the Twibi Force Plug (Wi-Fi Mesh extender). O showmetech received the models for testing and we now bring you our complete evaluation of the models' performance. Check it out below.

Design 145g70

starting with the Twibi Force AX, which came for evaluation in a kit with two units, we have a router made of white plastic, without external antennas, just like the previous generation Twibi models. On the body of the device, there are inscriptions of the router's name and brand, as well as a single LED light that identifies the status of each router unit, namely:

• Red: router starting
• Blinking red: no internet or disconnected from the main node of the mesh network
• Blue: unstable connection
• Flashing blue: WPS active, waiting to connect to another node or configuration
• Green: connected to the internet
• Blinking green: Connected to main router but no internet

The main visual change from the last generation to the current one is its shape: if the first Twibi had the shape of a cube with rounded edges, the new generation has a circular shape with more defined edges. At the top, the lid has a slightly textured surface, with a smooth concavity. The router has this neutral design to be positioned in any room in the house, without standing out with external antennas like conventional routers. In relation to the previous model, its dimensions have grown to (H×W×D) 151 × 170 × 176 mm.

Installing it in my home, I realized that it has a great similarity to… a room humidifier:

Another difference compared to the previous generation is that all connections are located at the bottom of the router, where we can find:

• LAN port
• WAN/LAN port
• power input
• Reset/WPS button

Interestingly, there is a USB port and two other 10-pin connectors. When asked about the functions of these connections, the company informed that they are doors for future integrations and applications of Intelbras solutions, without specifying further details.

Let's go now to the Twibi Force Plug, the Wi-Fi extender that is also part of the mesh network. This equipment has a small format and plugs directly into the socket, without the need for power supply cables. It has dimensions of 148,5 × 55 × 80 mm (H x W x D), and can be installed in any socket that is not obstructed (to be able to adequately receive the signal from the other routers in the mesh network. On the front there are inscriptions with the model name and the status LED, which can have the following characteristics:

• Red: router starting
• Blinking red: no internet or disconnected from the main node of the mesh network
• Blue: unstable connection
• Flashing blue: WPS active, waiting to connect to another node or configuration
• Green: connected to the internet
• Blinking green: Connected to main router but no internet

On the back of the mesh extender, there is the socket plug (which can be rotated to better suit the installation position) with product information labels. At the bottom, there is a WAN/LAN port for connecting to the router or network, as well as the reset/WPS button.

Configuration and Interface 4a5y32

Router configuration is simple using the application My Intelbras Wi-Fi, available to Android e iOS (iPhone). Once the application is installed, simply start the router configuration process, starting with the main node — that is, the one that will be connected to the operator's modem. The process can also be done by computer, through the router's web interface.

After configuring the main router, the process to include the other nodes is simple, done through the system configuration application interface. To do this, it is necessary that each of the units that will function as nodes are connected close to the main router so that, after the initial synchronization is carried out, they are positioned at the points where they will remain to expand the coverage area of ​​the mesh network.

Using the application, it is possible to access the router and its settings remotely, which can be useful if you occasionally need to check its operating condition or even configure a feature while you are away from home. To do this, simply connect to your Google .

The network preferably establishes connection through the 5 GHz frequency, which ends up being a problem for those who have connected home devices that only connect through the 2.4 GHz frequency. With this in mind, there is the IoT Assistant which, when enabled, keeps the router running for 30 minutes only at 2.4 GHz, allowing these devices to connect.

By using the standard Wi-Fi 6, Twibi Force has the features:

• OFDMA: acronym for orthogonal frequency-division multiple access, a technology present in Wi-Fi 6 that optimizes data traffic on compatible devices, allowing simultaneous access from several connected devices
• TWT: the Target Wake Time is another exclusive feature of Wi-Fi 6, which determines how and when devices will be connected or suspended, in order to save energy for those that depend on batteries and leave more bandwidth available for those that are transmitting data.

Twibi Force performance 2l622n

During our tests, the mesh network made up of routers Twibi Force used a 500 Mbps internet connection, interconnected with the operator's modem via an ethernet cable. The operator's modem kept Wi-Fi turned off during the tests to avoid signal overlap and interference. In our test, we used the routers' default configurations, just as a common would do — that is, without different DNS configurations, port redirection, manual DH assignment, among other possible configurations.

In our configuration, a unit from the Twibi Force AX as main and, as secondary nodes, the second unit of the Twibi Force AX and a unit of Twibi Force Plug. The idea was to provide better signal coverage on both floors of the house where the test took place, in addition to filling a signal gap that occurs in one of the rooms.

One of the features of Twibi Force is the possibility of using a single network for the 2,4 and 5 GHz frequencies, allowing devices to connect to Wi-Fi according to the signal strength of each band — different from the Wi-Fi modem. operator, which differentiates the networks for each frequency. The router has a total speed of 1.500 Mbps, with the following transmission rates for each band:

• 2.4 GHz: up to 300 Mbps
• 5 GHz: up to 1.201 Mbps

To determine the router's performance, we measured speed at 17 different points using a smartphone with Wi-Fi 6 , comparing the results obtained between the operator's modem and the Twibi Force. The increase in coverage offered by the system inMesh do Twibi Force ensured that higher speeds were achieved using Intelbras equipment. See below a table with the main results obtained:

In tests, we were able to that the difference in speed in favor of the Intelbras system increases as we move further away from the operator's modem. At the most distant points, where the secondary nodes of the Twibi Force inMesh network were able to complement the signal, the difference reached an impressive 1.376% — but it is worth ing that this measurement point is behind a TV, where a Chromecast cannot transmit content when connected to the carrier's modem Wi-Fi network.

To test multiple demands, we performed a load test using the following data streams:

• 2 PCs with 8K video streaming
• 1 smart TV with 4K streaming
• 3 smartphones with 4K video streaming
• 2 Chromecasts with Full HD video streaming
• 1 Amazon Echo Show with Full HD video streaming

This multiple demand for data overloads the router, and is important to assess whether the equipment is capable of handling simultaneous use by several devices. In the test, carried out with the same smartphone as previous measurements, we found that there was still room for greater demands: the 500 Mbps connection still had 404,2 Mbps available for use.

Completion and availability 4z442k

If you're looking for a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router solution at a competitive price, the Twibi Force It's a great choice. The product has been renewed and features an improved look and performance, suitable for homes with a high number of connected devices.

The growing adoption of Wi-Fi 6 makes it more interesting to think about this type of technology when buying a new router — or set of mesh routers. O Twibi Force AX It presented the expected performance, in accordance with its technical specifications, proving that Intelbras offers quality products to the market.

The Twibi Force Plug, even though it is not the main product in the line, offers good coverage as a Wi-Fi network extender. Working with Wi-Fi 5, it is ideal for covering shadow spots in homes where it is installed. Its size is ideal for placing discreetly in rooms, directly on the socket.

you find the Twibi Force AX by R$ 579 at Amazon (kit with two units), while one unit can only be found by R$ 353 in the Free Market. The extender Twibi Force Plug can be found by BRL 161 at Magazine Luiza.

Technical Specifications 4n1h3u

Intelbras Twibi Force AX 4fk2a

Brand	intelbras
Córdoba	Twibi Force AX
Wi-Fi Standards	Wi-Fi 6 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 5GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Speed	AX1500 5GHz: 1201Mbps (802.11ax) 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11 ac)
Mode of operation	Router, Repeater, Access Point
Coverage	Unitary module: Up to 140m² Kit 2 units: Up to 280m²
Connected devices	Up to 128 (64 in 2,4GHz and 64 in 5GHz)
Connection speed	Up to 600 Mega
Bandwidth	2,4 GHz: 20 MHz and 20/40 MHz (with coexistence enabled by default) 5 GHz: 20 MHz, 20/40, 20/40/80 MHz (with coexistence enabled by default)
Operation channels	2,4 GHz: 1-13 (Brazil) 5 GHz: 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161
Maximum power (EIRP)	2,4 GHz (n40 MCS7): 251 mW (24 dBm) 5 GHz (ac80 MCS9): 223 mW (23.5 dBm) (ax80 MCS11): 177 mW (22.5 dBm)
2,4 GHz reception sensitivity	-64dBm @802.11n 40MHz MCS7
5 GHz reception sensitivity	-49dBm @802.11ax 80MHz MCS11 -54dBm @802.11ac 80MHz MCS9
Safety	Open, WPA/WPA2-PSK and WPA2/WPA3 with AES encryption.
Resources	Remotize Platform inMesh technology (EasyMesh Protocol) My Wi-Fi application Intelbras IPv6 self-configurable TR-069
Antennas	4 internal 3,5 dBi antennas
Ethernet ports	1 Gigabit WAN/LAN port 1 Gigabit LAN port
Processor	Realtek® Chipset RTL8197H + RTL8832BR + RTL8367RB
Memory	RAM: 128MB Flash: 128MB
Operational system	Linux + Bifrost Intelbras
Buttons	Reset/WPS
Food	Input: 100-240 V at 50/60 Hz Output: 12 V / 1,5 A Maximum consumption power 12 W
Operating Temperature	0 ° C to 40 ° C
Operating humidity	10% to 90%, non-condensing
Storage Temperature	-40 ° C to 70 ° C
Storage humidity	5% to 95%, non-condensing
Dimensions (H×W×D)	151x170x176mm
Weight	277 g
Package Contents	2x Twibi Force AX Router 2x Power adapter RJ45 Ethernet cable quick install guide
Price	R$699 (set of 2 units) R$ 383 (unit module)

Intelbras Twibi Force Plug 5b4cg

Brand	intelbras
Córdoba	Twibi Force Plug
Wi-Fi Standards	Wi-Fi 5 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 5GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Speed	AC1200 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps (802.11 ac) 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11 ac)
Mode of operation	Router, Repeater, Access Point
Coverage	Up to 80 m²
Connected devices	Until 30
Bandwidth	2,4 GHz: 20 MHz and 20/40 MHz (with coexistence enabled by default) 5 GHz: 20 MHz, 20/40, 20/40/80 MHz (with coexistence enabled by default)
Operation channels	2,4 GHz: 1-13 (Brazil) 5 GHz: 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161
Maximum power (EIRP)	2,4 GHz (n40 MCS7): 200 mW (23 dBm) 5 GHz (ac80 MCS9): 158 mW (22 dBm)
2,4 GHz reception sensitivity	-64dBm @802.11n 20MHz MCS7 -61dBm @802.11n 40MHz MCS7
5 GHz reception sensitivity	-61dBm @802.11n 40MHz MCS7 -51dBm @802.11ac 80MHz MCS9
Safety	Open, WPA/WPA2-PSK and WPA2/WPA3 with AES encryption.
Resources	Remotize Platform inMesh technology (EasyMesh Protocol) My Wi-Fi application Intelbras IPv6 self-configurable
Antennas	2 internal 3,5 dBi antennas
Ethernet ports	1 Fast Ethernet WAN/LAN port 1 Gigabit LAN port
Processor	Realtek® RTL8197 + RTL8812 Chipset
Memory	RAM: 64 MB Flash: 8 MB
Operational system	Linux + Bifrost Intelbras
Buttons	Reset/WPS
Food	Input: 100-240 V at 50/60 Hz Maximum power consumption 9 W
Operating Temperature	0 ° C to 40 ° C
Operating humidity	10% to 90%, non-condensing
Storage Temperature	-40 ° C to 70 ° C
Storage humidity	5% to 95%, non-condensing
Dimensions (H×W×D)	148,5x55x80mm
Weight	110 g
Package Contents	Twibi Force Plug Router RJ45 Ethernet cable quick install guide
Price	BRL 183 at Magazine Luiza

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Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (29 / 11 / 23)