Asus RT-N13U router review
The Asus RT-N13U (RT-N13U) router released in 2009. It is powered by Ralink RT3052 @ 320 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The N300 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with RT-N13U is 300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 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-N13U, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The RT-N13U router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It offers decent wireless coverage and works with many devices. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. Asus provides good customer support services through their website.
Asus RT-N13U specifications
Brand | Asus |
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Name | RT-N13U |
Type | RT-N13U |
Rating | |
Launch | 2009 |
Body
Dimensions | 165 x 125 x 30 mm |
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Weight | 599 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 | Ralink RT3052 @ 320 MHz |
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RAM | 32 MB |
Flash | 4 MB |
OS | Asus |
Alternative OS | OpenWRT DD-WRT |
Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The Asus RT-N13U router has a Ralink RT3052 @ 320 MHz processor. The 32 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. OpenWrt is an open-source operating system. It provides customizable firmware for embedded devices, like routers and access points. The 12 V / 1 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
Protocols | IPv4 |
---|---|
LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
Mobile network | no |
VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the Asus RT-N13U 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 WAN port on the RT-N13U router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet.
Wireless
Antennas | 2 x 3 dBi internal |
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2.4 GHz | yes |
5 GHz | no |
60 GHz | no |
Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
Class | N300 |
Speed | 300 Mbps |
Transmit power | 20 dBm |
Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
Guest network | no |
This router has 2 x 3 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) router. Wi-Fi 4 improved the range and coverage compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.. The top speed, 300 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.
Connectivity
USB ports | 1 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 |
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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
- OpenWrt compatible
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
Asus RT-N13U photos
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