Resolved:
Actually read it before posting my question, but I thought they were referring to the "Allow legacy 802.11b rates" option. But no, there is actually a selection to change the wireless mode from "AC" to "N" or "Legacy". "N" doesn't work at all. "Legacy" does.
The signal quality is actually not that bad. I believe it is an adequate travel router to let a few laptops / mobile phones connect to the internet. Tried 2 simultaneous connection with no problem. Range is also ok.