ASUS RT-AC66U B1 AC1750 WiFi router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AC66U B1 is a dual-band AC1750 Wi-Fi router for home networks. It combines 802.11ac wireless with gigabit wired ports, USB sharing and ASUS's security and management tools. Here is what the specs mean and what to confirm about your own setup.

What AC1750 means

AC1750 is a combined figure. It adds the maximum theoretical speeds of the router's two bands: up to 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 1300Mbps on 5GHz. ASUS lists speeds of up to 1750Mbps, but no single device gets that figure, and real-world speeds depend on distance, walls, interference and the device's own Wi-Fi.

Antennas and coverage

The router has three external antennas and uses 3x3 MIMO on both bands, which lets it send and receive several data streams at once. A 1GHz CPU handles the traffic. ASUS rates coverage at 3,000 square feet; actual coverage depends on building materials and layout.

2.4GHz reaches further and passes through walls better, but is slower and more crowded. 5GHz is faster at shorter range. Most devices pick the better band automatically.

Setup and the ASUSWRT interface

Setup runs through the ASUSWRT web interface, and you can monitor and manage the network from a phone with the ASUS Router app. The listing names Windows and macOS among the supported systems.

USB ports and AiCloud

The router has USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports. They allow printer sharing across the network and access to files on an attached drive, including remotely through AiCloud 2.0. Shared storage on a router is convenient, but it is typically slower than a dedicated network drive.

Security and family controls

AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, is described as multi-stage protection, from vulnerability detection to protecting sensitive data. The firewall includes SPI intrusion detection and DoS protection. ASUS also lists Adaptive QoS, which prioritises traffic such as gaming and streaming, and parental controls. Keep the router's firmware up to date, as with any router.

AiMesh compatibility

The router is AiMesh compatible. AiMesh lets you combine it with other compatible ASUS routers into one network with a single name, which can extend coverage in larger homes. Check ASUS's compatibility list for the models that work together.

Size, power and who it suits

The router measures about 5.8 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches (15 x 22 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 1.4 lb (about 0.6 kg). It accepts 100-240V power. It suits households with a mix of laptops, phones, streaming boxes and consoles that want a configurable router and shared USB storage, without needing the newest Wi-Fi standard.

What to check before you buy

• Internet plan: gigabit wired ports are fine for most plans, but check what your provider supplies and that you have a modem to connect.
• Device age: this is 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5); newer Wi-Fi 6 or 7 devices will work but at Wi-Fi 5 speeds.
• Placement: a central, raised location usually gives better coverage than a cupboard.
• Home size and layout: 3,000 sq ft is the brand's figure; thick walls reduce it.
• Mesh plans: if you want to expand later, confirm which ASUS routers pair with it through AiMesh.
• Firmware: check that firmware updates are available for it from ASUS.

The short version

• Dual-band AC1750 router: up to 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on 5GHz.
• 3x3 MIMO, three external antennas and a rated 3,000 sq ft of coverage.
• USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports for printer sharing and AiCloud 2.0 file access.
• AiProtection, SPI firewall, Adaptive QoS, parental controls and AiMesh support.
• A Wi-Fi 5 router, so it suits homes without a need for the newest standards.

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