Asus RT AC86U WiFi Router (AC2900) Review

Pros

+ Lifetime Security Subscription
+ WtFast Support

Cons

– Lacks advanced gaming features
like Geofencing and ping heat map
– Limited WiFi speed
– Limited Number of Antennas

Scores (out of 10)

Performance8
Coverage and Range9
Features9
Security8.5
Design9

Our Score: 9 out of 10

Introduction

In the hunt for a router that can handle your online gaming, streaming, and overall web browsing needs? Look no further than the Asus RT AC86U (AC2900). This feature-packed router boasts a robust design with an emphasis on both powerful performance and expansive Wi-Fi coverage. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the Asus AC2900 such a compelling choice for modern home networks. Additionally, it comes with advanced security features, including AiProtection powered by Trend Micro. This built-in security software provides real-time protection against online threats, so you can rest easy knowing your network is safe from potential attacks.

Asus RT AC86U: Design And Performance

The Asus AC86U doesn’t settle for mediocrity. This router is engineered to excel on two crucial fronts: performance and coverage. We’ll explore the hardware muscle under the hood, including the processor and memory that drive its capabilities. Then, we’ll shift our focus to the innovative technologies Asus employs to deliver a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home.

  • Maximizing Wi-Fi Reach

To ensure your entire home is bathed in a strong Wi-Fi signal, Asus equips this router with three high-performance antennas. These antennas work in conjunction with Asus’s innovative AiRadar technology, which intelligently strengthens the signal in the direction of your connected devices. Additionally, RangeBoost further amplifies the signal, extending reliable Wi-Fi coverage to areas up to 2,500 square feet – perfect for larger homes or those with multiple floors.

  • Designed for Power and Coverage

Unlike some routers that prioritize looks over functionality, the Asus AC86U takes a balanced approach. On the inside, it houses a powerful 1.8 GHz 64-bit dual-core processor paired with 512MB of RAM. This combination allows the router to handle multiple devices and demanding tasks like streaming 4K content or online gaming with ease.

  • Connectivity Options Galore

Offers a good selection of ports for wired connections. It includes one Gigabit WAN port for your internet connection and four Gigabit LAN ports for connecting wired devices like desktops, game consoles, and smart TVs. The router also boasts one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port, allowing you to connect external storage drives or printers and share them across your network.

  • Informative LED Display

The front of this Asus router features a line of LEDs that provide a quick and easy way to monitor the router’s status. These LEDs display information about the power connection, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi activity, and the status of the USB ports.

Prioritizing The Gaming Traffic and Test Graphs

Asus RT AC86U (Asus AC2900) Gaming Router has very special capabilities to enhance the quality of online games, this router utilizes two proprietary capabilities to prioritize the gaming and strengthen the gamer’s communication from the game console to the main server. These 2 features include :

  • Prioritize via Gaming Port
    • This router equipped with a dedicated gaming port which automatically prioritizes any wired device connected to it (by allocating more bandwidth and resources) . No need to any special configuration, just connect your gaming PC or gaming console to this port.
  • Prioritize via Gear Accelerator:
    • Gear Accelerator lets you prioritize wireless client devices via router’s online control panel. You can prioritize devices to help boost their speed and prevent them fighting over bandwidth with other devices.

Test Graph1

Asus RT AC86U Gaming Port Performance

Test Graph2

Asus AC86U AiRadar Technology Effect

Test Graph3

Asus AC2900 (AC86U) WTFast Gaming Network Effect on User’s Experience

Asus AC86U: Incomparable Security

Asus AC2900 Router has an internal security system designed and implemented by Trend Micro Security Company. This feature is called Asus AiProtection and is constantly checking router incoming and outgoing traffic. This system has valuable IPS capability, which is able to intelligently detect and prevent intrusion into your network quickly.

Proprietary Mesh Capability on Asus AC2900

Technically, a large and integrated WiFi network can not be implemented without using Mesh technology. It has a standard version that most WiFi equipment manufacturers are looking to implement in their equipment.

But some companies are looking to build their own proprietary mesh technology. So that they can use Mesh technology more efficiently. Asus is also has designed and implemented this technology exclusively.

The name of this technology is “AiMesh”, which is able to create a fully integrated and integrated network by connecting multiple routers compatible with this technology together.

Easy Installation

Setting up and managing this router is very easy. Asus has a dedicated app (called Asus Router App) to install and manage some models of its WiFi routers. Fortunately, the tether App supports this router, allowing you to install and manage the router in the easiest way possible. Read More: How to Setup Asus WiFi Router.

Conclusion

Different tests were performed by WiFiAdviser technical team on Asus RT AC86U. Which included 4K online game interruption test, overall speed test in high noise and low noise environments. Communication stability test and finally proprietary Gaming capabilities test. In the end, we gave the router a score of 9 out of 10. By purchasing this router, you will have a very high level home gaming network and you will have no restrictions on servicing and using game consoles.

Asus RT AC86U WiFi Router 

ASUS AC2900 WiFi Gaming Router (Asus AC86U) – Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router, WTFast Game Accelerator, Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security, Adaptive QoS

Specifications

 Wireless Specifications

Wireless Standard802.11ac (a/b/g/n)
BandsDual Band
Overall Speed2900Mbps
RangeLarge House
Concurrent Clients40
Antenna3 External

Software Capabilities Level (1-10)

Security9
Parental Control9
Traffic Control9
Guest NetworkYes

Physical Ports

WAN Ports1 (1Gbps)
LAN Ports4 (1Gbps)
USB Ports1 (USB 3)+ 1(USB 2)

Special Capabilities

Beamforming TechnologyYes
MU-MIMO TechnologyYes
Mesh SupportAiMesh
Repeater ModeNo
Vendor-Specific TechnologyAiProtection, AiMesh, AiRadar

Hardware Specifications

Processor1.8GHz 64bit Dual-Core
Memory512MB
Dimension8.7 x 6.3 x 3.3 in
Weight1.9 lb / 0.9 kg

Product Images

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