By Ki Grinsing
Overview
Asus N66U (only to facilitate reading of the more complex of the word Asus RT-N66U) is a great router even though the first manufacturer firmware (3.0.0.3.72) was not successful in delivering the router to function in its best. There were few users complaining with the first release of this router that could not connect to the internet. But the new firmware release 3.0.0.3.90 fixes the bug. That was the past story and after the new firmware release, the full-features router is shining. It’s a great router, solid connection and is larger network coverage.
Click for spec details
Fix the bugs
To upgrade the firmware, type in the router IP (by default is 192.168.1.1) into your web browser and enter user-name and password (by default user-name is admin and password admin). From the menu Advance Settings->Administration->Firmware Upgrade. Click “Check” and the router will find the latest firmware and prompt for permission to install. Or you may come to http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66U/#download for the latest firmware upgrade.
Asus N66U Highlights
- N900 simultaneous 450Mbps each band
- Gigabit interfaces
- Two USB ports for storage and printer, PnP and DLNA Media server
- Download master for attached storage
- Up to 3 SSIDs each bands
- PPTP VPN server with MPPE encryption
Asus is success with its first dual band version RT-N56U black diamond with a different design (with internal antenna) than its predecessor (RT-N16 and RT-N13 which are equipped with two external antenna) is now releasing another new product with three external antennas. Keep in vertical form factor design, the Asus N66U with a detachable external antenna looks very sturdy with three horns, though appears to be fulfilling your desk. You can adjust the antenna by bending toward the client you want to be able to receive the optimal signal with the range of up to 450ft.
Comparisons
Let us compare with the two competitor routers in the same N900 class, namely Linksys EA4500 Cloud router and Netgear WNDR4500 dual band routers.
Comparison table
Consider the following table below, certainly not all the features will be displayed but only important features.
Table Asus N66U Vs Netgear Wndr4500 Vs Linksys EA4500
| Asus N66U | Netgear WNDR4500 | Linksys EA4500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless technology | N900 with 3x detachable antenna for 2.4GHz/5GHz with peak gain 3dBi/ 5dBi | N900 with internal antennas | N900 with 6 (3×3) MIMO internal antennas array |
| USB ports | 2x USB 2.0 for storage and multifunction printer with DLNA media server and PPTV VPN server | 2x USB 2.0 ports for storage and printer, DLNA media server, Readyshare cloud | 1x USB 2.0 port for storage NAS, printer and is DLNA certified media server |
| Guest network | Up to 3 SSIDs each band | Guest network | Guest network |
| Cloud management | Access your USB connected device from the internet | Access your USB connected device from the internet | Cloud Apps allows you manage connected devices from your mobile devices |
| Performance | Processor: Broadcom BMC4706 470 @ 600MHz, RAM: 256MB DDR2, Flash: 32MB Flash + Micro SD slot | Broadcom BCM4718 processor with 128 MB Flash and 128 MB RAM | Unspecified |
| Ratings (in Amazon) | 4.2 out of 5 stars
5 star: (164) 4 star: (37) 3 star: (12) 2 star: (17) 1 star: (22) |
3.9 out of 5 stars
5 star: (295) 4 star: (68) 3 star: (27) 2 star: (31) 1 star: (90) |
3.3 out of 5 stars
5 star: (116) 4 star: (35) 3 star: (24) 2 star: (22) 1 star: (78)
|
Memory RAM is used to assist router processing while Flash is used to store the router’s configuration that is non volatile if the power is turned off. In general, the larger the memory capacity of RAM will accelerate its processing.
You might be interested in the reviews from users how they respond to each individual product. Asus N66U is cursory superior over its competitors especially seen from the comparison between the 5 star rating and 1 star.
Gigabit Ethernet
Since all the three are premium routers, they come with gigabit interfaces. You must be aware that Gigabit interfaces both in LAN and WAN ports are favorable particularly when you demand high bandwidth blazing speeds for supporting your home theater environment. Gigabit WAN port is favorable too since you require fast lane between the router and the modem. DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with gigabit port such as Surfboard SB6120 or 6121 is reliable cable modem with Gigabit Ethernet you can trust for your network workforce.
Network diagram
Figure above shows you a possible connection diagram that uses Asus N66U with Apple TV for streaming media to your HDTV.
By Ki Grinsing
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