Asus RT-AC66U router review
The Asus RT-AC66U (RT-AC66U) router released in 2012. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4706 @ 600 MHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash. The AC1750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with RT-AC66U is 450 + 1300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Asus RT-AC66U, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The RT-AC66U supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. Asus has actively developed innovative networking solutions.
Asus RT-AC66U specifications
| Brand | Asus |
|---|---|
| Name | RT-AC66U |
| Type | RT-AC66U |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2012 |
Body
| Dimensions | 207 x 148.8 x 35.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 450 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM4706 @ 600 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | Asus |
| Alternative OS | DD-WRT |
| Power supply | 19 V / 1.58 A |
The Asus RT-AC66U router has a Broadcom BCM4706 @ 600 MHz processor. The 256 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Asus often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features.
Using a custom OS on a router has benefits. But, it also has risks. The 19 V / 1.58 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | yes, with USB dongle |
| VPN support | PPTP |
Like many modern routers, the Asus RT-AC66U supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The latest firmware supports IPv6. It provides a system to identify and locate computers on networks. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds. The RT-AC66U router supports 3G or 4G dongles, allowing you to connect to a cellular network. PPTP creates a VPN tunnel between two endpoints. It allows secure communication over an insecure network, such as the internet.
Wireless
| Antennas | 3 x 3.5 dBi RP-SMA |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1750 |
| Speed | 450 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 23 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
This router has 3 x 3.5 dBi, RP-SMA antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. The 5 GHz band is less crowded. This leads to less interference and a clearer wireless signal. The RT-AC66U router is 5 GHz capable.
The Wi-Fi router offers fast data speeds. They are good for streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file transfers. The top speed, 450 + 1300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 2 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | admin |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Asus one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- generous memory
- adequate flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- 3/4G USB modem capable
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
Asus RT-AC66U photos
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