The Asus RT-AC86U is a high-end wireless router designed to provide fast and reliable connectivity to devices in large homes or offices. With its advanced features, strong performance, and sleek design, this router has become a popular choice among consumers seeking a top-notch networking experience.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 1.4 GHz dual-core processor
• Memory: 256 MB RAM, 128 MB flash storage
• Wi-Fi: Dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), 802.11ac Wave 2, MU-MIMO support
• Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 port
• Range: Up to 1,500 square meters (16,146 sq ft)
• Security: AiProtection, Trend Micro-powered network security

Performance

The Asus RT-AC86U is powered by a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, which provides a significant boost in processing power compared to its predecessors. This allows the router to handle multiple devices and demanding applications with ease. In tests, the RT-AC86U consistently delivered fast speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

MU-MIMO Support

The Asus RT-AC86U supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which enables simultaneous data transfer to multiple devices at the same time. This feature is particularly useful in homes with multiple users streaming or gaming simultaneously, as it ensures that each device receives a dedicated amount of bandwidth.

AiProtection

Asus’s AiProtection is a built-in network security system powered by Trend Micro. It provides robust protection against malware and other online threats, including viruses, Trojans, and phishing attacks. The system also includes parental controls, allowing users to restrict access to certain websites or set time limits for individual devices.

USB 3.0 Port

The RT-AC86U features a USB 3.0 port, which allows users to connect external storage devices such as hard drives or solid-state drives. This enables the router to act as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, providing convenient access to files and data from any connected device.

Range and Coverage

The Asus RT-AC86U has an impressive range of up to 1,500 square meters (16,146 sq ft), making it suitable for large homes or offices. Its four external antennas ensure that the signal is broadcasted in all directions, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the area.

Comparison to Competitors

The Asus RT-AC86U competes with other high-end routers such as the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 and the Linksys WRT1900AC. While these routers share similar features, the RT-AC86U’s strong performance, MU-MIMO support, and AiProtection security system set it apart from its competitors.

Conclusion

The Asus RT-AC86U is a top-notch wireless router that delivers fast speeds, robust security, and comprehensive coverage. Its advanced features, including MU-MIMO support and AiProtection, make it an excellent choice for homes or offices with multiple users and devices. With its sleek design and impressive range, the RT-AC86U is a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performance networking experience.

Technical Details

• Dimensions: 194 x 130 x 57 mm (7.6 x 5.1 x 2.3 in)
• Weight: 0.5 kg (11 oz)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Operating System: AsusWRT Merlin firmware
• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android