ASUS TM-AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router (T-Mobile): features and specs

The ASUS TM-AC1900 is a dual-band Wi-Fi router sold in a T-Mobile edition. It uses 802.11ac technology, which is the generation of Wi-Fi before Wi-Fi 6, with a combined speed figure of up to 1900 Mbps. Before anything else, one point from the listing matters: this version is locked to the T-Mobile network and will not work with any other carrier.

What AC1900 means

The "AC1900" name is a combined figure across two bands. A dual-band router has one 2.4 GHz band, which reaches further through walls, and one 5 GHz band, which is typically faster at shorter range. ASUS says this model uses 3x3 802.11ac technology, meaning three antennas for each band. The 1900 Mbps figure adds the two bands' theoretical maximums together, so no single device will reach it. Actual speeds depend on your internet plan, distance, walls and the device's own Wi-Fi.

The processor

The router has a 1 GHz dual-core CPU. ASUS says this allows multitasking by giving Wi-Fi and USB data separate lanes. In general, a stronger processor helps a router when many devices are active at once or when it's sharing files from a USB drive.

Gigabit ports

The name includes "Gigabit", which refers to the wired ports; gigabit ports are standard for fast home networks and work with typical home internet plans. Check the manual for the number and layout of ports.

Setup and the ASUS Router App

ASUS says setup is simple through the ASUSWRT web-based interface, which you open from a browser on a connected device. The ASUS Router App lets you monitor and manage your network from a phone. Features like these typically cover things such as checking connected devices and changing the network name or password.

AiProtection with Trend Micro

The listing highlights AiProtection with Trend Micro for network security. ASUS describes it as protecting the whole network, and features of this kind generally work by checking traffic at the router level, so devices that can't run security software also get some coverage. No router can guarantee protection, so keep your devices and router firmware up to date.

The T-Mobile lock

The listing states plainly that this product is locked to the T-Mobile GSM network and will not work with any other carrier. If you use another provider, or want to move provider later, this edition is not the right one. The listing also describes the unit as factory sealed, never opened or used.

Size

The router measures 11.8 x 9.0 x 3.7 inches (30 x 23 x 9.4 cm) and weighs 1.4 lb (about 0.64 kg).

What to check before you buy

• Carrier: confirm that you're on T-Mobile, since other carriers aren't supported.
• Wi-Fi generation: this is 802.11ac, so devices that support Wi-Fi 6 won't use that standard here.
• Ports and setup: check the manual for how it connects to your service.
• Coverage: a larger home may need more than one access point.
• Firmware: check for updates after setup.

The short version

• A dual-band 802.11ac router rated AC1900, model TM-AC1900.
• 1 GHz dual-core CPU and gigabit ports.
• ASUSWRT interface, ASUS Router App and AiProtection with Trend Micro.
• Locked to the T-Mobile network.
• About 1.4 lb.

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