The new RT-N66U is ASUS’ most powerful router ever. Packing a 600MHz SoC and 256MB of memory, this router can handle 300,000 concurrent connections and a dozen users without stalling. This isn’t actually the main new feature of the RT-N66U though; the upgraded dual-band N900 (450Mbit + 450Mbit) wireless is the jewel beneath its ‘black-diamond’ design.
It can concurrently connect to 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g/n) and 5GHz (802.11a) devices at up to 450MBps, providing the reciprocal device has an equal capacity like the upcoming EA-N66 or USB-N66. The ASUS software detects the most optimal signal between the three large omni-directional antenna and focuses the signal on the strongest connection angle. This both reduces interference and optimizes the data-flow between the connected device.
It can either be sat flat (as shown below), wall mounted, or stood up (as shown above) using the bundled stand. ASUS engineers claim the best results are gained when it’s standing, and it also takes less desk space too!
Up to 8 SSIDs and 6 guest networks can be created, each with different bandwidth and connectivity rules. This is great if you’re managing places like a coffee shop or an educational facility that requires different tiers of user access. Between this an the integrated parental controls it can easily provide online access without having to manage every single connected device – smartphone, tablet, notebook, handheld games console – that comes its way.
There is still four Gigabit Ethernet ports at the back for devices that require wired connections (a PC, console or HTPC for example) and a separate WAN port to plug it into your cable or DSL modem.
The two USB 2.0 ports can be used to either directly plug in an external hard drive or printer, or even charge smartphones or tablets (the large flat top is an obvious place to leave them!).
Finally the other upgraded area of the RT-N66U is the web-interface. This has been overhauled to make it far more intuitive to use, as shown above.
While we may upgrade our PCs regularly, don’t forget your humble router! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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