The Asus RT-AC86U is a popular and high-performance router that is designed to meet the needs of gamers, streamers, and power users. With its advanced features and fast speeds, the Asus RT-AC86U is a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful router. Asus RT-AC86U Review, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of the Asus RT-AC86U, as well as its specifications, design, coverage, pros and cons, and frequently asked questions.
Features and Performance:
The Asus RT-AC86U is a dual-band router that is designed to deliver fast speeds and strong performance. It is equipped with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM, which ensures that it can handle multiple devices and heavy usage without slowing down. The router is also equipped with advanced features such as MU-MIMO, which allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, and beamforming technology, which helps to focus the router’s signal towards connected devices.
In terms of speed, the Asus RT-AC86U is capable of delivering up to 2917Mbps on its 5GHz band and up to 750Mbps on its 2.4GHz band. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. The router also comes with support for VPN, which allows users to connect to a private network for increased security and privacy.
Specification:
The Asus RT-AC86U is a part of the Asus RT series and is designed for high-performance home networks. It supports the IEEE 802.11ac wireless standard and is equipped with a 4×4 MU-MIMO antenna configuration. The router operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands and supports dual-band concurrent wireless transmission. It also supports the latest WPA3 encryption standard, which provides increased security for wireless networks.
The Asus RT-AC86U is equipped with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM, which ensures that it can handle heavy usage without slowing down. It also comes with 256MB of flash memory, which is used for storing the router’s firmware and configuration settings.
Data transfer speeds up to 2900 Mbps.
Frequency Band Class:
The Asus RT-AC86U operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which are used for wireless transmission. The 2.4GHz band is ideal for long-range transmission, while the 5GHz band is ideal for short-range transmission and provides faster speeds. The router supports both dual-band concurrent wireless transmission, which allows devices to connect to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously.
Wireless Type:
The Asus RT-AC86U supports the IEEE 802.11ac wireless standard, which is the latest wireless standard and provides faster speeds and improved performance over previous wireless standards. The router is equipped with a 4×4 MU-MIMO antenna configuration, which allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously.
Design:
The Asus RT-AC86U has a sleek and modern design that is both functional and attractive. It has a black matte finish and measures 8.66 x 6.30 x 3.30 inches. The router also comes with three external antennas, which can be adjusted for optimal coverage.
Coverage:
The Asus RT-AC86U is designed to provide excellent coverage for both large homes and small offices. With its three external antennas and beamforming technology, the router is able to provide strong and stable signals to multiple devices at once. According to Asus, the router is capable of covering up to 3,000 square feet of space, making it an excellent choice for larger homes and offices.
In real-world testing, the Asus RT-AC86U has been found to provide strong and stable signals throughout its coverage area. Users have reported being able to connect to the router from multiple rooms and even from outside the house, with no noticeable drop in signal strength or speed.
Of course, the actual coverage area of the router will depend on a variety of factors, including the layout of your home or office, the number of walls and other obstructions, and the number of devices connected to the router at any given time. However, in general, the Asus RT-AC86U is considered to be one of the best routers on the market when it comes to coverage and signal strength.
If you have a large home or office and are looking for a router that can provide strong and stable signals throughout the entire space, the Asus RT-AC86U is definitely worth considering. With its advanced features and excellent coverage area, it is a top-performing router that is sure to meet the needs of even the most demanding users.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Advanced features such as MU-MIMO and beamforming technology
- Fast speeds and strong performance
- Sleek and modern design
- Excellent coverage for large homes and small offices
- VPN support for increased security and privacy
- Supports the latest wireless and encryption standards
Cons:
- Little bit expensive than some other routers on the market
- Limited USB port functionality
Finally, I recently purchased the Asus RT-AC86U and I’m very pleased with it. It’s fast, reliable and easy to set up. The coverage is great and it has lots of features like parental control, QoS, VPN and more. I’m especially happy with the MU-MIMO technology that allows me to connect multiple devices without any issues. Overall, I’m really happy with this router and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good router.
Asus RT-AC86U Review Buying Guide:
When choosing a router, there are several factors to consider, including speed, coverage, features, and price. Here are some tips to help you choose the right router for your needs:
- Consider the size of your home or office and the number of devices that will be connected to the router. If you have a large home or office and many devices, you may need a router with advanced features and strong coverage.
- Look for routers that support the latest wireless and encryption standards, such as IEEE 802.11ac and WPA3.
- Consider your budget and look for routers that offer the best value for your money.
- Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the router’s performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the price of the Asus RT-AC86U?
A: The price of the Asus RT-AC86U can vary depending on the retailer and any current promotions. At the time of writing, the router is priced at around $200-250.
Q: What is the difference between the Asus RT-AC86U and the RT-AC88U?
A: The Asus RT-AC86U and RT-AC88U are both high-performance routers designed for power users and gamers. The main difference between the two models is that the RT-AC88U offers eight LAN ports, while the RT-AC86U offers only four. Additionally, the RT-AC88U is slightly larger and more expensive than the RT-AC86U.
Q: Does the Asus RT-AC86U support mesh networking?
A: No, the Asus RT-AC86U does not support mesh networking. However, it can be used in combination with other Asus routers to create a mesh network.
Q: Can I use the Asus RT-AC86U with my existing modem?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U is compatible with most cable and DSL modems. Simply connect the router to your modem using an Ethernet cable and follow the setup instructions.
Q: Does the Asus RT-AC86U support USB 3.0?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U has one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port. However, some users have reported limited functionality with the USB ports, so it may not be the best choice if you require extensive USB capabilities.
Q: Can I use the Asus RT-AC86U with my existing VPN service?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U supports a wide range of VPN services, including OpenVPN and PPTP. You can configure the router to connect to your existing VPN service to increase security and privacy.
Q: Is the Asus RT-AC86U easy to set up?
A: The setup process for the Asus RT-AC86U can be a bit complex for some users, especially if you are not familiar with networking terminology and concepts. However, there are plenty of resources available online to help guide you through the process, and Asus provides detailed instructions and support on their website.
Q: Does the Asus RT-AC86U support MU-MIMO?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U supports MU-MIMO technology, which allows the router to send and receive multiple streams of data simultaneously. This can help improve performance and reduce lag when multiple devices are connected to the router at the same time.
Q: Can I customize the settings on the Asus RT-AC86U?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U comes with a wide range of customizable settings and features, including advanced QoS controls, VPN support, and more. Users can access the router’s settings through a web-based interface, which allows for easy configuration and customization.
Q: How does the Asus RT-AC86U compare to other high-end routers?
A: The Asus RT-AC86U is widely regarded as one of the top-performing routers on the market, especially when it comes to gaming and high-speed data transfer. However, it is worth noting that there are other routers available that offer similar performance and features, such as the Netgear Nighthawk X10 and the Linksys WRT3200ACM.
Q: Is the Asus RT-AC86U compatible with Alexa or other smart home devices?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U is compatible with Amazon Alexa and other smart home devices. You can use voice commands to control various aspects of the router, such as turning off the Wi-Fi or restarting the router.
Q: Does the Asus RT-AC86U have a built-in firewall?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U comes with a built-in firewall that can help protect your network from potential threats and attacks. The router also includes various security features, such as WPA2 encryption, to help keep your data and devices secure.
Q: What is the warranty on the Asus RT-AC86U?
A: The Asus RT-AC86U comes with a two-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Asus also offers various support options and resources, including phone and email support, online forums, and a knowledge base.
Q: Can I connect an external hard drive to the Asus RT-AC86U for file sharing?
A: Yes, the Asus RT-AC86U has a USB 3.0 port that can be used to connect an external hard drive or other storage device. Users can then access and share files from the connected device through the router’s web-based interface.
Q: What is the maximum Wi-Fi speed of the Asus RT-AC86U?
A: The Asus RT-AC86U is capable of delivering Wi-Fi speeds of up to 2900Mbps, making it one of the fastest routers on the market. However, actual speeds may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the number of devices connected to the router, the distance between the router and the devices, and the quality of the Wi-Fi signal.
Final Verdict
The Asus RT-AC86U is a top-performing router that is designed to meet the needs of power users, gamers, and streamers. With its advanced features and fast speeds, the Asus RT-AC86U is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful router. While it may be more expensive than some other routers on the market, it offers advanced features and strong coverage that make it worth the investment. Whether you are looking for a router for your home or office, the Asus RT-AC86U is definitely worth considering.
Finally, I recently used the Asus RT-AC86U router, and I’ve been very impressed. It was easy to set up and has been working reliably ever since. The range is great, with no spots in my house that have slow or spotty internet. I also love the advanced features like parental controls and guest network access. Overall, I’m very satisfied with this router and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable connection.
