Asus N66U or newer AC version?

[taxico]

i've used my current draft N router for about 4-5 years but as my tenant needs a wireless box, i've decided to get a new one for myself...

should i get the regular N version or spring more for the AC version and future proof it? seems like the AC version is the way to go BUT seeing how long N took to be developed makes me wonder if the cost is justified.

it's to be paired with a maxonline cable 100mbps connection + N laptops if it helps.

[Mi Amigo]

TBH I'm not too familiar with the state of play regarding 802.11ac devices, but AFAIK the standard hasn't been ratified yet. So I think you'd be wise to be cautious until things have stabilised a bit more. I was a relatively early adopter of 802.11n and had some fun & games getting various vendors' devices to play nicely together back in the earlier times.

I've had an Asus RT-N56U, the predecessor of the 66U, for about a year and I have to say it's been a very good router for the price. The early firmware versions were a bit flaky, but credit to Asus where it's due - they sorted out the problems and have kept adding functionality, even after the 66U was released. Plus there are alternative firmware builds available (e.g. Padavan which seems to be highly regarded). I've stuck with the stock f/w though as it does everything I need and is reliable. I particularly like the fact that I can have two completely separate wifi networks - one each in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands - allowing me to get very stable IPTV streaming performance over the latter.

From what I've heard about the 66U, its performance is a significant step up from the older model (which is no slouch itself). Also having three external antennas gives more options for installing 'firestiks' if you really want to (sorry, just thinking of my old CB days there). It supports '450 + 450 mode' which is apparently blindingly fast for reliable multiple HD video streaming, etc.

What 802.11ac models have you been looking at? I'd be interested to take a peek at the specs.

[taxico]

Asus N66U v Asus AC66U

http://sg.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTAC66U/

i know what you mean about the initial N problems... i think i'll stick with the N66U then.

[Mi Amigo]

Asus N66U v Asus AC66U

http://sg.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTAC66U/

i know what you mean about the initial N problems... i think i'll stick with the N66U then.

Wow, the spec of the AC66U looks impressive. I didn't realise that Asus had actually started selling a model that supports the new 'standard'. I guess the 'safe' option would be to stick with the N66U, but then again as the AC66U also supports A, B, G & N standards you could just stick to those if the AC mode didn't work well. Assuming no hardware related issues in these early AC units (big assumption, I know), later firmware updates might fix any initial problems with AC mode.

Looking at Newegg, there doesn't seem to be a huge price difference between the two models:

RT-AC66U

RT-N66U

If I correctly understood what the Asus guy says in the video on the RT-AC66U page, that unit can be configured to run three separate wifi networks concurrently (2.4G, 5G @ N, plus 5G @AC). Impressive! (If it works )

[zzm9980]

Here is a good review which discusses both models:
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-w ... s-rt-n66u/

[naanwar]

i've used my current draft N router for about 4-5 years but as my tenant needs a wireless box, i've decided to get a new one for myself...

should i get the regular N version or spring more for the AC version and future proof it? seems like the AC version is the way to go BUT seeing how long N took to be developed makes me wonder if the cost is justified.

it's to be paired with a maxonline cable 100mbps connection + N laptops if it helps.

Where in Singapore can I buy ASUS RT-N66U?

[zzm9980]

i've used my current draft N router for about 4-5 years but as my tenant needs a wireless box, i've decided to get a new one for myself...

should i get the regular N version or spring more for the AC version and future proof it? seems like the AC version is the way to go BUT seeing how long N took to be developed makes me wonder if the cost is justified.

it's to be paired with a maxonline cable 100mbps connection + N laptops if it helps.

Where in Singapore can I buy ASUS RT-N66U?

There is an Asus store on the first floor of Sim Lim Square. They have it, but it is full retail price.

Alternatively, you can order it from Amazon.com and save a lot of money.

Also, if you get an ISP with a fiber connection, a number of ISPs will give or sell you one very cheap based on the package you get.

[Mi Amigo]

You can also buy it direct from this ASUS distributor. Not sure how their price compares to other sources though.

http://avertek.com.sg/

Last time I was in HK I checked out the prices for the RT-AC66U there and it was significantly cheaper than here. I'm tempted to pick one up next time I'm over that way - even thought I don't really 'need' one; I just find it hard to resist buying new gadgets. I guess the additional feature of guest networks compared to my current RT-N56U might be my 'justtification'.

[naanwar]

You can also buy it direct from this ASUS distributor. Not sure how their price compares to other sources though.

http://avertek.com.sg/

Last time I was in HK I checked out the prices for the RT-AC66U there and it was significantly cheaper than here. I'm tempted to pick one up next time I'm over that way - even thought I don't really 'need' one; I just find it hard to resist buying new gadgets. I guess the additional feature of guest networks compared to my current RT-N56U might be my 'justtification'.

I am researching VPN capable wireless router and install hidemyass. Woul rt-n66 suffice?

[naanwar]

"There is an Asus store on the first floor of Sim Lim Square. They have it, but it is full retail price.

Alternatively, you can order it from Amazon.com and save a lot of money."

Newstead is the entity which runs ASUS store in Sim Lim Square. Their price is S$279.

I researched Amazon.com and they do not ship this item to Singapore. Not sure if I have to do anything else to my profile to be able to shop from Amazon. If anyone has purchased this item from Amazon from Singapore, please chime in.

Thanks.

[x9200]

I researched Amazon.com and they do not ship this item to Singapore. Not sure if I have to do anything else to my profile to be able to shop from Amazon. If anyone has purchased this item from Amazon from Singapore, please chime in.

They do. Mine is going to arrive this Monday
Not only they ship, they also do it for free.

[naanwar]

I researched Amazon.com and they do not ship this item to Singapore. Not sure if I have to do anything else to my profile to be able to shop from Amazon. If anyone has purchased this item from Amazon from Singapore, please chime in.

They do. Mine is going to arrive this Monday
Not only they ship, they also do it for free.

just placed the order. I had to go to AmazonGlobal page and search for the item and place the order.

looking forward to set this up with HideMyAss and watch my PBS and Netflix.
Thanks for your help.
Cheers.

[x9200]

When you browse or do a search, in the left side colum, hidden between various other options is a check-box: AmazonGlobal Eligible, you click it and it filters out everything else.

[PNGMK]

Does anyone have an opinion on which Fibre ISP to use? I despise starhub although I have them for cable TV now and would prefer not to use them.

[naanwar]

When you browse or do a search, in the left side colum, hidden between various other options is a check-box: AmazonGlobal Eligible, you click it and it filters out everything else.

Are you planning to flash your router with DD-WRT?