Asus RT-AX86U router review
Asus introduced the RT-AX86U router in 2020. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz chipset, 1024 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of flash memory.
Want to know if the RT-AX86U is a game-changer? Keep following along!
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-AX86U, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The RT-AX86U supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. Asus is another well-known manufacturer in the networking industry.
Asus RT-AX86U specifications
| Brand | Asus |
|---|---|
| Name | RT-AX86U |
| Type | RT-AX86U |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2020 |
Body
| Dimensions | 325 x 242 x 100 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 814 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 1024 MB |
| Flash | 256 MB |
| OS | Asus |
| Power supply | 19 V / 2.37 A |
The Broadcom BCM4908 @ 1.8 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. You cannot expand the router's memory (1024 MB). When choosing a router, it is important to consider the RAM specifications. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The Asus provides the right power supply. It is 19 V / 2.37 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
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 L2TP OpenVPN IPSec |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The RT-AX86U router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. The router has Gigabit Ethernet ports. They allow for faster communication between devices on your local network.
A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds. Connect the 3G/4G USB dongle to the RT-AX86U router. Then, you can share the internet connection. You can share it with many devices on your local network. OpenVPN is popular for VPNs. This is because it is strong, flexible, and works on many devices. IPsec provides a robust and standardized framework for securing IP communications. PPTP has known flaws. These include problems with the encryption and the risk of password cracking.
Wireless
| Antennas | 3 x 4 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Class | AX5700 |
| Speed | 861 + 4804 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 25 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPA3 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 3 x 4 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The RT-AX86U AX router typically offers improved range and coverage.
The top speed, 861 + 4804 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. The WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 3.2 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The RT-AX86U router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
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
- plentiful flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- 3/4G USB modem capable
- supports OpenVPN
- works on 5 GHz band
- 802.11ax certified
- lightning-fast Wi-Fi connection
- WPA3 compatible
- WPS friendly
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- none
Asus RT-AX86U photos
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