Asus RT-BE86U Router Review

Introduction

A key element of a Wi-Fi 7 router is its support for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, and wide channels up to 320 MHz, alongside Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for combining bands. This combination of wider channels and MLO allows for a significant increase in data throughput and network efficiency, enabling devices to communicate faster and more reliably. While early models were expensive, carrying a significant price premium due to the cutting-edge technology and components involved, manufacturers like ASUS are now introducing more budget-friendly options such as the RT-BE86U, a dual-band router designed for gamers and home networking. By focusing on the most commonly used 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, ASUS is able to offer a Wi-Fi 7 router at a more accessible price point. To achieve this more reasonable cost, the RT-BE86U omits support for 320 MHz channels and the 6 GHz band, features present in more expensive models.

Compared to pricier models with 6GHz and 320MHz support, which cater to users with extremely high bandwidth demands and specialized use cases, the RT-BE86U provides solid performance, network security, and parental controls at a more accessible price point. This makes it a compelling option for a broader audience. For those seeking a cost-effective way to experience Wi-Fi 7 without the 6GHz band, the Asus RT-BE86U (BE6800) is an excellent choice, offering a balance of speed, features, and affordability.

At wifiadviser.com, we’re dedicated to providing you with in-depth analysis of the latest networking technologies. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and optimize your Wi-Fi network. Join us as we delve deeper into the features and performance of the ASUS RT-BE86U, and explore its potential as a leading contender in the next generation of routers.

Unboxing Your New ASUS RT-BE86U: A First Look

The router features a modern, upright design with three poseable antennas. This vertical orientation helps optimize Wi-Fi signal distribution. The router comes packaged in a compact box, and the router itself measures 235 x 90 x 316 mm (9.25 x 3.54 x 12.44 inches) and weighs 854g (1.88 pounds).

Back Panel

• The back of the router is where you’ll find all the important connection points. From right to left, you’ll find the reset button, power port, four 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, a 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB 2.0 port. The LAN ports support link aggregation, allowing you to combine them for increased bandwidth. One of the 2.5 Gbps LAN ports is a dedicated gaming port that prioritizes gaming traffic.

Front Panel

• The front panel features a set of easy-to-understand LED lights that provide a quick overview of the router’s status. The Asus logo is positioned vertically at the center of the body, with the status LEDs lined up in a row beneath. From left to right, are LEDs for internet status, the four 2.5 GbE LAN ports, the 10 GbE WAN port, USB, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and power. These lights indicate at-a-glance the status of the internet connection, the 2.5 GbE LAN ports activity, the 10 GbE WAN/LAN port connection, USB activity, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and the power status.

Sides

• On the left side of the router, you’ll find the WPS button, while the LED on/off button is located on the right side.

Hardware

• Inside, the RT-BE86U is equipped with a powerful 2.6GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, and 256MB of flash memory. This powerful hardware is necessary to efficiently handle network traffic and ensure smooth, reliable performance for numerous connected devices and demanding applications. Features like VPN servers, advanced traffic reporting, and robust security features rely on this processing power and memory to function effectively.

USB Ports

The RT-BE86U has two USB ports that give you extra ways to connect:

• USB 3.2 port: This port is designed for high-speed connections. You can use it for USB storage devices or a 4G/5G modem for a secondary WAN connection.
• USB 2.0 port: This port provides an additional connection option for other USB devices, such as storage or printers, and can also be used for a 4G/5G modem for a secondary WAN connection.

These ports let you connect a USB drive to easily share files across your network or use a 4G/5G USB modem for a backup internet connection. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port offers significantly faster transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0, making it ideal for connecting external hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) for network-attached storage (NAS) functionality. This allows you to easily access and share files, stream media, and back up your data from any device on your network. The ability to connect a 4G/5G modem to either USB port provides a valuable backup internet connection in case your primary wired connection fails, ensuring that you stay connected to the internet.

ASUS RT-BE86U Back Panel Ports

ASUS RT-BE86U and Easy 4G/5G Tethering

The ASUS RT-BE86U can serve as a reliable internet hub, especially when wired connections are unreliable or unavailable. For situations such as travel, home internet outages, or limited internet options, the router supports 4G/5G tethering. Simply connect a compatible USB modem to the router’s USB 3.2 port, and the RT-BE86U will automatically detect it and utilize the mobile network for internet access. Once configured, all connected devices can share this mobile internet connection via Wi-Fi or wired cables, eliminating the need for individual hotspots.

ASUS maintains a list of compatible modems to ensure broad compatibility and reliable performance. This feature delivers flexible and dependable internet access across a variety of use cases. This feature is particularly useful for users who work remotely, attend online classes, or rely on a constant internet connection for other essential activities. It also provides peace of mind for families or businesses that need to stay connected during emergencies or unexpected outages.

Power of Multi-WAN on the Asus RT-BE86U

The Asus RT-BE86U stands out with its versatile Multi-WAN support, giving you multiple options for your internet connection. This means more reliability and the potential for even faster speeds. Here’s a detailed look:

• High-Speed Primary Connection: The 10 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN Port:

A key capability is its 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10Gbps) port. This can serve as your primary internet (WAN) connection, offering incredible speed potential if your internet plan supports it. Alternatively, it can function as a super-fast local network (LAN) port for high-bandwidth devices.

Flexible Secondary WAN Options for Enhanced Reliability:

The RT-BE86U offers two distinct options for a secondary WAN connection, providing flexibility based on your needs and available hardware:

• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN/LAN Port as Secondary WAN: The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (2.5Gbps) port can be configured as a secondary internet (WAN) connection. This allows for automatic failover if your primary connection drops, ensuring continuous internet access. It can also participate in load balancing to optimize network traffic across multiple internet connections.
• USB Dongle as Secondary WAN: Alternatively, you can utilize a compatible USB cellular modem (dongle) connected to the router’s USB port as a secondary internet connection. This provides another avenue for backup internet access or for inclusion in a dual-WAN setup for load balancing.

Setting all this up is made easier with the automatic WAN detection feature. The router is smart enough to figure out what kind of internet connection you have, which simplifies the initial setup process.