Asus RT AX86U WiFi Router Review

Introduction

In the realm of gaming, a stable and high-speed internet connection is the cornerstone of a seamless and enjoyable experience. For the discerning gamer seeking a router that can handle the demands of online gaming, the Asus RT-AX86U stands out as a formidable contender. This router, powered by the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivers blazing-fast speeds, reduced latency, and a plethora of gaming-centric features, making it an ideal choice for gamers of all levels.

Unleashing the Power of Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6, the latest iteration of wireless networking, ushers in a new era of wireless connectivity, promising significantly improved performance and efficiency. The Asus RT-AX86U embraces this advancement, boasting a combined wireless bandwidth of up to 5700 Mbps, allowing for smooth, lag-free gaming experiences.

Mobile Game Mode: Elevate Your Mobile Gaming

For mobile gamers, the AX86U introduces the exclusive Mobile Game Mode. This feature prioritizes bandwidth allocation to mobile gaming devices, ensuring that online battles and competitive matches proceed without any lag or disruptions. With reduced ping times and enhanced network stability, mobile gamers can enjoy a lag-free gaming experience, even in crowded Wi-Fi environments.

Advanced Gaming Features for a Competitive Edge

Asus RT AX86U (Asus AX5700) 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.

Security Measures for a Secure Gaming Experience

The Asus RT-AX86U WiFi Router prioritizes security, offering a comprehensive suite of features to protect your gaming experience from online threats. AiProtection Pro, which is included with the router, provides automatic and comprehensive protection against various online threats, including malware, viruses, and intrusion attempts. This advanced security feature utilizes Trend Micro‘s Smart Home Network to safeguard your devices from harm, minimizing the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other cyber attacks.

In addition to AiProtection Pro, also features a robust firewall that blocks unauthorized access to your network. This firewall safeguards your network from malicious attacks, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect. The router also supports WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, which offers enhanced protection against password cracking and other security vulnerabilities.

A Real-World Testing : Gaming, Network and Bandwidth Performance

I conducted a series of performance tests to evaluate the Asus RT-AX86U WiFi Router’s bandwidth and overall performance. The tests were conducted in a 2,000 square foot apartment with 10 devices connected to the router. The devices included smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.

• Mobile Gaming Test:

The Asus RT-AX86U also excels in mobile gaming. With its Mobile Game Mode, the router prioritizes bandwidth allocation to mobile gaming devices, ensuring that online battles (Battlefield) and competitive matches proceed without any lag or disruptions. When I enabled Mobile Game Mode, I noticed a significant improvement in my mobile gaming performance. The game was smoother, and I had fewer lag spikes. I was able to compete with my friends without any issues. To be more sure, i played a few rounds of Fortnite on my smartphone. The game ran smoothly with no lag or stuttering, even in crowded Wi-Fi environments. I was impressed by the router’s ability to provide a lag-free gaming experience on mobile devices.

• Network Performance Test:

I also conducted network performance tests using Speedtest.net and found that the Asus RT-AX86U consistently delivered impressive speeds. In my home, with over 2,000 square feet of coverage, I achieved download speeds of up to 500 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 90 Mbps. These speeds were consistent throughout the house, ensuring that all my devices had access to a reliable and fast connection. I also tested the router’s Wi-Fi range by connecting devices in different parts of my home. The router’s signal remained strong throughout the house, even in areas with thick walls or obstructions

• Bandwidth Test: Room to Roam

To test the bandwidth of the RT-AX86U, I played a high-definition video on my laptop while downloading a large file on my desktop. The video played smoothly without any buffering, and the download file completed in a reasonable amount of time. I also used iPerf3 to measure the bandwidth of the router. I connected two devices to the router and ran an iPerf3 test. The maximum bandwidth achieved was 470 Mbps. These results demonstrate that it has more than enough bandwidth to support multiple devices simultaneously.

• Gaming Performance Test:

I put the AX86U to the test by playing a variety of online games, including first-person shooters, role-playing games, and real-time strategy games. With the router connected to my PC and gaming console, I experienced smooth gameplay, minimal lag, and no noticeable ping spikes. Even when other devices were connected to the network, such as my smartphone, tablet, and smart TV, I still enjoyed a lag-free gaming experience.

Conclusion

After thorough testing and evaluation, we are confident in awarding the Asus RT-AX86U WiFi Router an 8.5 out of 10 score. Its impressive gaming performance, exceptional network capabilities, and dedicated gaming features make it an ideal choice for gamers of all levels. With its blazing-fast speeds, superior range, and comprehensive security measures, the AX86U is a clear winner in the gaming router arena.