ASUS RT-AC87U AC2400 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AC87U is a dual-band Wi-Fi router that follows the 802.11ac standard (Wi-Fi 5). It handles the wireless side of a home network, with gigabit wired ports for devices that need a cable, and it adds security and sharing features on top.

What "AC2400" and 2334 Mbps mean

ASUS gives a combined dual-band data rate of 2334 Mbps. The figure is the total of both bands: the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. No single device receives that full number. The rate on one device depends on distance, walls and what the device itself supports. Even so, the higher total capacity typically helps when many devices connect at once. ASUS says it supports smooth 4K/UHD video playback, large file transfers and low-latency online gaming.

4x4 MU-MIMO and beamforming

The router uses a 4x4 MU-MIMO antenna design. MU-MIMO allows the router to talk to several compatible devices at the same time rather than taking turns, and 4x4 refers to four transmit and four receive streams. The AiRadar universal beamforming feature focuses the signal toward devices instead of spreading it evenly in all directions, which ASUS says improves coverage and multi-device performance. Compatible client devices are required to get the full benefit.

USB ports

There is a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port. ASUS says the 3.0 port transfers data up to ten times faster than USB 2.0. The ports can be used to share USB storage on the network, to share a printer, or to connect a 3G/4G dongle, as ASUS lists.

The AiCloud 2.0 feature lets you access, sync, share and stream files from attached storage from any internet-connected device.

Security and parental controls

AiProtection is powered by Trend Micro, and ASUS describes it as triple-strength network security. ASUS also lists robust parental controls and privacy protection, and Adaptive QoS, which prioritises network traffic by type. Adaptive QoS is useful when video calls and downloads share one connection.

Size

The router measures about 15.3 x 3.7 x 9.3 inches (39 x 9.4 x 23.6 cm) with its antennas and weighs 1.6 lb (about 725 g). It is meant to sit on a shelf or desk, so choose a central, open location for the best coverage.

Who it suits

It suits households with many connected devices, streaming and gaming, that want shared storage and parental controls without extra equipment.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan: the router cannot make the connection faster than the service you subscribe to.
• Modem: this is a router, so you need a modem or gateway to connect it to.
• Device support: older phones and laptops may not support 5GHz or 802.11ac.
• Coverage: a larger home may need a second access point or mesh set-up.
• Firmware: check ASUS's site for current updates, which matter for security.
• Condition: check the listing for whether the unit is new or used.

The short version

• An 802.11ac dual-band router with a combined 2334 Mbps rate.
• 4x4 MU-MIMO and AiRadar beamforming.
• One USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port for storage, printer sharing and dongles.
• AiProtection by Trend Micro, parental controls and Adaptive QoS.
• AiCloud 2.0 for remote file access.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.