ASUS RT-AC66U AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AC66U is a dual-band Wi-Fi router in the AC1750 class, with four gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB 2.0 ports. It uses an 802.11ac chipset and adds file, printer and media sharing to the usual job of connecting devices to your internet service. The listing describes it as a business-class router.

What AC1750 means

"AC1750" is a combined label for the router's theoretical maximum rates across its two bands. ASUS lists up to 1.75Gbps from the 802.11ac chipset, with concurrent dual-band operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and says that is three times 802.11n speeds. As a rule, such figures add the bands together under ideal conditions. A single device connects to one band at a time and will see less, depending on its own Wi-Fi hardware, distance and walls.

Antennas and coverage

The router has three detachable R-SMA antennas. ASUS says this gives more than 50% wider coverage than the standard 802.11n specification, and that AiRadar amplifies transmissions with beamforming to strengthen wireless connections. Detachable antennas are useful because compatible replacements can sometimes be fitted, though you should check ASUS's guidance first. Placement still matters: a central, raised, open spot generally helps more than any feature.

Wired ports and USB sharing

Four gigabit Ethernet ports suit desktops, consoles and streamers, where wired links are typically the steadiest. The two USB 2.0 ports can share a storage drive across the network, act as a printer server, and support DLNA media serving and 3G sharing. Download Master, which ASUS lists, handles downloads to a connected USB drive. USB 2.0 is slower than newer standards, so large files move more slowly than they would from a faster port.

AiCloud and ASUSWRT

AiCloud lets you access, stream, share and sync files remotely. The ASUSWRT dashboard handles setup in three steps, signal monitoring and network application control. The listing also names QoS standards, multiple SSIDs, a VPN server function and IPv6 support. QoS lets you prioritise certain traffic such as games or calls, and multiple SSIDs let you run a separate guest network.

Size

The listing gives dimensions of 8.1 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches (about 21 x 15 x 3.6 cm) and a weight of 1.5 lb (about 0.7 kg). With the antennas fitted it needs somewhat more space.

Who it suits

It suits homes and small offices that want wired and wireless networking, simple file and printer sharing, and some control over traffic and guest access. It is not Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, so it does not offer the newest features.

What to check before you buy

• Internet plan: the router can't exceed your provider's speed, and you may still need a modem.
• Devices: newer Wi-Fi 6 and 7 devices will connect at 802.11ac speeds.
• Coverage: check it against your layout and consider where to place it.
• USB needs: confirm that your storage drive or printer works with the USB features.
• Security: change default passwords and keep the firmware updated, following the manual.
• Condition and warranty: check whether it is new or refurbished.

The short version

• AC1750 dual-band router with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation.
• Four gigabit Ethernet ports and two USB 2.0 ports.
• Three detachable antennas, AiRadar beamforming and AiCloud.
• QoS, multiple SSIDs, a VPN server and IPv6.
• About 1.5 lb; 802.11ac rather than the newest Wi-Fi standards.

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