RAM | 256 MB |
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Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
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ASUS RT-AC87U AC2400 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router, Aiprotection Lifetime Security by Trend Micro, Adaptive Qos, Parental Control
Brand | ASUS |
Model Name | RT-AC87U |
Special Feature | QoS, WPS |
Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ac |
Compatible Devices | Printer |
Frequency | 5 GHz |
Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
Included Components | Computer Peripherals^Routers^Network Routers^ |
Connectivity Technology | wireless |
About this item
- Ultra fast 802.11AC Wi Fi router with a combined Dual Band data rate of 2334 Mbps for smooth up to 4K/UHD video playback, ultra fast file sharing of large files and low latency online gaming
- 4x4 MU MIMO antenna design with AiRadar universal beamforming for unrivaled multi device performance and wireless signal coverage
- Built in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Ports for up to 10 times faster data transfers to USB storage devices 2, printer sharing, and 3G/4G dongle support
- Aiprotection with trend Micro with triple strength total network security, Plus robust parental controls and privacy protection
- ASUS a I cloud 2.0 lets you access, Sync, share and stream your files anywhere, on any internet connected device; Usb 3.0 port for 10X-faster data transfers than USB 2.0; also includes one USB 2.0 port
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Important information
Legal Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Actual data throughput and WiFi coverage will vary from network conditions and environmental factors, including the volume of network traffic, building material and construction, and network overhead, result in lower actual data throughput and wireless coverage.
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This Item ASUS RT-AC87U AC2400 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router, Aiprotection Lifetime Security by Trend Micro, Adaptive Qos, Parental Control | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $99.99$99.99 | $189.90$189.90 | -12% $219.99$219.99 List: $249.99 | -20% $239.99$239.99 List: $299.99 | $189.90$189.90 | -32% $68.14$68.14 List: $99.99 |
Delivery | Get it Mar 25 - 27 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
WiFi signal | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
User interface | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
Tech Support | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
Easy to install | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | — |
Sold By | NetBetShop | Express Technologies Ltd | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Express Technologies Ltd | Amazon.com |
connectivity tech | wireless | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
number of ports | 2 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
data transfer rate | 2334 megabits per second | — | 5700 megabits per second | 6000 megabits per second | 1200 megabits per second | 1 gigabits per second |
wireless standard | 802 11 AC | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 A | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 G, 802 11 G, 802 11 A | 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N | 802 11 A, 802 11 AC, 802 11 AX, 802 11 B, 802 11 G |
frequency band class | dual band | dual band | dual band | dual band | dual band | dual band |
lan port bandwidth | 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) | 1000 Mbps | 2.5 Gigabit | 2.5 Gigabit | 1000 Mbps | Gigabit Ethernet |
RAM size | — | 512 MB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 512 MB | — |
From the manufacturer
RT-AC87U
Fastest Speed. Furthest Coverage. Intuitive Control.
Experience true 4x4 with the RT-AC87U Wireless-AC2400 Gigabit router. Delivering up to an incredible 2334 Mbps of concurrent wireless throughput for low-latency online gaming, ultra-high bit rate 4K video streaming and conquering the most bandwidth-demanding tasks.
Features At-A-Glance
- 802.11ac 3x3 for up to 2334 Mbps throughput.
- USB 2.0/3.0 ports for quickly connecting storage and USB-enabled devices.
- AiProtection Powered by Trend Micro provides multi-stage vulnerability protection and prevention.
Features and Benefits
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Revolutionary HardwarePowered by a dual-core processor, the RT-AC87U has plenty of horsepower to efficiently handle network traffic over 2.4/5.0 GHz wireless bands, 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and USB 3.0 and 2.0 storage/networking functionality. |
Farther CoverageWith a true 4x4 (4 transmit, 4 receive) antenna design, both Wi-Fi range and signal stability are improved dramatically, providing a signal that is able to reach the farthest stretches of your home. AiRadar beamforming further focuses Wi-Fi signal on your devices, making your Wi-Fi faster, clearer and stronger. |
Set 'LAN Speed' RecordsBy utilizing a hardware NAT, the RT-AC87U removes the bottleneck between the internet and your home network, enabling 2-5 times faster WAN-to-LAN performance vs. traditional software-based NAT. |
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AiProtection Powered by Trend MicroJust as wireless technology has evolved, online threats have similarly evolved. AiProtection provides multi-stage protection against these threats. From vulnerability protection and malicious site blocking to preventing already-infected devices from transmitting personal data, AiProtection keeps your digital playground safe and sound. |
ASUSWRT User InterfaceThe RT-AC87U features the enhanced, intuitive ASUSWRT user interface, which gives you easy access to both the 3-step web-based installation process and a wealth of robust advanced options. |
ASUS Router AppWith the ASUS Router App it’s much easier and more intuitive to manage your ASUS router. From initial setup to real-time network traffic monitoring to managing security settings and connected devices. |
What's Inside the Box
- RT-AC87U Dual-Band AC2400 Gigabit Router.
- 4 external detachable antennas.
- RJ-45 cable.
- Power adapter.
- Warranty card.
- Quick start guide.
- Support CD (user manual and utility).
Specifications
- Wireless Type: 802.11 ac/n/g/a/b.
- Wireless Speed: Up to 2400 Mbps.
- Wireless Frequency: Dual-band (2.4 & Dual 5 GHz).
- Wired Connectivity: 4x LAN, 1x WAN gigabit Ethernet ports.
- USB Port(s): 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0.
What's in the box
Product Description
Ultra-fast 802.11AC Wi-Fi router with a combined Dual-Band data rate of 2334Mbit/s for smooth up to 4K/UHD video playback, ultra-fast file-sharing of large files and low-latency online gaming.
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Product information
Technical Details
Brand | ASUS |
---|---|
Series | RT-AC87U |
Item model number | RT-AC87U |
Operating System | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2003, Windows XP, Android |
Item Weight | 1.65 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 15.28 x 3.7 x 9.25 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15.28 x 3.7 x 9.25 inches |
Color | Black |
Voltage | 100240 Volts |
Manufacturer | ASUS |
ASIN | B00MPI5N7U |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | August 25, 2014 |
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
---|---|
Best Sellers Rank | #16,836 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories) #671 in Computer Routers |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of setup of the networking router. They mention that the software is easy to use and intuitive. They are also happy with the features and coverage of the product. However, some customers are disappointed with the rebootability. Opinions are mixed on connectivity, performance, quality, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the ease of setup of the networking router. They say the slick setup interface is easy to use, the software is easy, and the setup took about 10 minutes. The GUI is generally intuitive and straightforward, with a click through menu wizard that helps you get connected within minutes. Additionally, customers find the built-in web interface very useful for configuring and monitoring.
"...Setup was easy. Took about 10 minutes. Plugged it in, connected with a hard line to my laptop, and immediately found the software...." Read more
"...Initial setup was quite straightforward. The included quick-start instructions were sparse but plenty sufficient...." Read more
"...requiring a reset after flashing the new firmware, but it was a quick and easy fix and now I'm in love! Why did I wait so long to upgrade!?..." Read more
"...The router's UI is really well-designed and simple to use (perfect if you're not super router-savvy)...." Read more
Customers like the features of the networking router. For example, they mention it has fantastic features, the GUI is easy to use, and the software is feature-filled. That said, some complain about the dumbed down guide. They also appreciate the convenient functionality of the ASUS app on their phone or tablet. Overall, customers are satisfied with the router's features.
"...the GUI is easy to use and has all the technical features you could want..." Read more
"...There are a few useful utilities on the CD; ASUS router discovery, printer and firmware rescue...." Read more
"...fact that this router has better parental controls and advance features for a novice user and advances user makes this ASUS router attractive to..." Read more
"...4/ It has numerous other OOBE functions that are useful and helps extend the Router capability...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the coverage of the router. For example, they mention it covers their large house very well, covers 3 floors and 5000 square feet, and has a good strong signal. Some say that the router is easy to set up and that it supports a house full of 5 people and all their iPads, laptops, and mobile phones. That said, they appreciate the space for the four antennas to fan out and can run up to 17 devices.
"...They can handle a heavy load of traffic, but they may not be necessary for the average user...." Read more
"...But a good strong coverage free of CRC errors and low retrans...." Read more
"...Second, it allows for space for the four antennas to fan out...." Read more
"...picture frame to cover it in one of our open cabinets and it covers it pretty nicely - not noticable unless you're really looking for it...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the router. Some mention that it's quite good, has a great range, and has able to improve the range and throughput of their WiFi network. However, others say that the 5 GHz band refuses to stay connected and drops signal multiple times daily.
"...is that it appears more stable on my WIFI network and my ROKU player likes the connection. No more occasional slow boots and connections...." Read more
"...Wireless range is very good. It's hard to quantify something like range because it's very situational but it covers my entire 2000sq.ft...." Read more
"...Most of my wireless devices could not stay connected to this version (including an ASUS laptop funny enough) and it just appears buggy.**..." Read more
"...Even my printer had no problems connecting to the router. In addition, I did not have to reload the firmware on the R7500 a single time...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the networking router. Some mention that it works very fast, has great throughput, and has no slowdown on other devices. However, others say that it doesn't seem to function well, has issues with range and speed, and the Qos tab does not work every time.
"...support got any better but now all functions and features of this router are working perfectly...." Read more
"...No more occasional slow boots and connections.Web sites load without a problem...." Read more
"...It's not hard and worked excellently on both computers I used it on. There's also a USB 3.0 port in the front that's hidden behind a rubber cover...." Read more
"...One of them is in the UI. The Qos tab does not work every time. I open it but the UI does not load fully and changes cannot be made there...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the networking router. Some mention that the reliability seems good, while others say that it's problematic in overall reliability.
"...issue in a far room with both 5G and 2.4, but I get stable and solid connections with both on this router.So,Easy setup..." Read more
"...this version (including an ASUS laptop funny enough) and it just appears buggy.****..." Read more
"...Reliability seems good so far. Admittedly I have only been running it for a week, but it's worked very well for the entire time...." Read more
"...device statuses at regular intervals, I fear that the drive will never go to sleep." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the networking router. Some mention that it's worth the price, while others say that it is a bit expensive for the basic user and provides a lot of configuration options. Some say that the router is not worth getting if you are looking for higher data.
"...They are worth the price of the router by itself. I have been looking for these types of features for years and this is really stellar...." Read more
"...Yes, this router might be overkill for my needs and yes, the pricetag isn't small, but I wanted something that wasn't going to be outdated any time..." Read more
"...Usually when it's very incovenient. It's a very inexpensive insurance policy for the price...." Read more
"...I understand that the router is new, but it is not cheap. I don't mind to be a beta tester but not when I pay this kind of money...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the rebootability of the networking router. They mention that it reboots slowly, and automatically. Some say that it drops randomly and requires reboots to fix. Some mention that the router wants to reboot and does reboot on its own when a new device is added.
"...Dropped connections and need for WIFI reboot. Still under warranty, back to ASUS...." Read more
"...the router was dropping signal to all our devices and having to be manually reset constantly...." Read more
"...update the whole thing shut sown and the unit was VERY hot, it wouldn't turn on period, unplugged and let it cool...." Read more
"...No unwanted reboots so far, but only one day of uptime.Slick setup interface, works on my android while VPN'd in!!!..." Read more
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The unit is far larger and heavier than I expected. It's not necessarily a bad thing but I did have to clear some additional room where my old Linksys sat for so long. I think it's incredibly attractive and I like all the angles and sharp lines. The blue LEDs look nice and match the rest of the setup in my gear. There's a button right at the front of the router that will turn off all the LEDs if that's your thing. It has 4 LAN ports out back and a USB 2.0 port that I really like for network printing. Speaking of which, you have to download and install an additional program from the Asus website to install a printer attached to the router. It's not hard and worked excellently on both computers I used it on. There's also a USB 3.0 port in the front that's hidden behind a rubber cover. It can be used just like the port in the back but the higher bandwidth of USB 3.0 would probably be best utilized for local network streaming of media. I have NOT yet used this feature but I'm sure it works as intended.
Initial setup was quite straightforward. The included quick-start instructions were sparse but plenty sufficient. What surprised me most is how long the router takes to boot. I was accustomed to my old Linksys that would take just seconds. It takes the Asus a good couple minutes to completely come online and start routing your packets. It's not a big deal or anything, but I was kinda worried at first that something was wrong. The router's configuration page is very nice and pretty easy to use. There's a lot of features buried in there and admittedly I'm not using a lot of them, but it's nice to know they are there. Asus also has a smartphone app to monitor and make changes to the router, which is nice. You can see all the connected devices, see real-time network and Internet traffic and make adjustments to the router configuration. It's pretty slick.
As far as performance, speed and coverage goes this router delivers. My primary factor for purchasing this router was for Nvidia Gamestream over the 5 Ghz wireless signal. For that it works beautifully. I've had a few minor packet losses over several hours of gaming but nothing that is a deal-breaker. I might even be able to fine-tune it with something like QoS settings. During Gamestream the router will absolutely max out the available wireless bandwidth (observed with the Asus Router app for Android) and I can play my games over the network with near-perfect 1080p60 at Ultra settings, 5.1-channel surround and very minimal input/output lag. Wireless range is very good. It's hard to quantify something like range because it's very situational but it covers my entire 2000sq.ft. house with full coverage. I share my Internet wirelessly with my parents who live next door to me about 200 feet away. While this router will make it that far the signal isn't quite strong enough to be reliable. I have a repeater installed between our houses and it while it does halve the available bandwidth it's nice that it works.
Reliability seems good so far. Admittedly I have only been running it for a week, but it's worked very well for the entire time. I will absolutely update the review if I find that it drops connection or needs frequent reboots, but as of now it seems very solid and doesn't cause problems. There's a decent amount of reviews saying the router fails frequently, but mine is working great within it's first week.
As an update, here is my experience with the AC 88U.
My 87U has had some glitches after one year. Dropped connections and need for WIFI reboot. Still under warranty, back to ASUS. But, I needed a router and having a backup is nice... so, I purchased the AC88U from Amazon.
Word of warning. This is the first time a Warehouse deal has become a problem.
The router, from the warehouse, noted as "Pristine and new in box" came without the box, without packing, without any manuals, and had a third party software installed. I found the problem when on boot up the router screen noted the firmware was wrong and that the router did not have ASUS firmware. The firmware was a third party firmware installed to try to improve the hardware. The result was a fully corrupted router that could not be returned to factory defaults. This was probably why whoever bought this router sent it back for a refund...
So, beware, not all of the warehouse deals are great. I called Amazon, they took the router back and after some discussions sent me a new in box router at the same price as the warehouse deal.
Now, the new AC88u installed, took about 15 minutes for the firmware to update, and all the new security options put in place.
It works without a hitch. I'm not certain if range is better than the AC87u. The stats from multiple web sites note the 2g range is better, what I do note is that it appears more stable on my WIFI network and my ROKU player likes the connection. No more occasional slow boots and connections.
Web sites load without a problem. I have the installed web protection software running, and no apparent delays.
So, it appears to be more stable than the 87U and up and running in 15 minutes.
My warning.... BEWARE the ware house deals. My router came with corrupted third party software....but Amazon made it right after some customer care discussions.
The following is for the 87U
I waited a week before writing this review as I had read some "horror" stories about the 5G connection problems from other reviewers. I have/had an RT66u Asus that was reliable, but getting a little flakey. One of the ports had failed and I had added more wireless devices that caused an occasional hiccup in the system.
So, did the research and realized that:
1.) The newer AC3200 routers have lots of issues. Not a single review seems to find them better for the home/light business user. There is clearly a problem with the new adopters finding some hardware/software concerns across the board. They can handle a heavy load of traffic, but they may not be necessary for the average user.
2.) This generation router, having dual band 802.11 ac capability, is what most home/light business will need. The capacity and versatility is great and speed is awesome.
3.) The difference between dual band and the new tri band is something that may not appreciated by the typical consumer at this time.
So, wanting an upgrade and having a good experience with the Asus 66U, I decided to go for this router.
And, there is no difference between the web and retail version. One person posted that the antennas were fixed on one variety.This is not true... so save some bucks if one is cheaper than the other.
Setup was easy. Took about 10 minutes. Plugged it in, connected with a hard line to my laptop, and immediately found the software. Allowed the system to install the default options, plugged in my passwords, and up and running.
Because of the 5G problems, I first went to the router setup and checked the firm ware. The system state it was up to date. But, I read that this is not always correct. So, I went to to Asus. Indeed. the firmware had been updated twice and the newer 5G stable firmware was not installed.
So, a quick update, reboot, and perfect.
I have been using it for one week. I have experienced no drops or problems.
Range is rather subjective. I perceive better range and speed throughout my house. I typically have issue in a far room with both 5G and 2.4, but I get stable and solid connections with both on this router.
So,
Easy setup
Stable connections
Excellent range
The only negative was the router software did not automatically download the new firmware or even recognize the need for the new firmware.
Fix that issue and there are no problems
Top reviews from other countries
***Edit: Ya pasaron 2 años desde que compre el router y sigue en perfecto estado, la velocidad sigue increíble y no he tenido ningún problema, tengo muchos dispositivos conectados a 3 diferentes redes, incluyendo algunos para streaming 4K y todo funciona de maravilla.
I'll describe the position I was in as it might help others if they're facing the same problem.
I am VirginMedia customer on the HomeWorks+ 300mbps service so I want to get the most out of what is a very fast connection if you're hard-wired or very close to the standard Virgin SuperHub. Unfortunately, I found that the WiFi signal on the SuperHub 3.0 was poorer than on the 2.0 (and that was never brilliant).
If I was in the same room as the Virgin router I'd get the full bandwidth. However, the rate of connection dropped at a vicious rate when you moved out of the room. I needed a steadier and stronger signal.
From reviews, after a solid week of looking and reading third party reports, I decided on the RT-AC87U. I could have bought a higher end model but the middle-of-the-range router seemed to offer just as good a WiFi signal and a decent mix of features.
Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and have given it 5 stars with one reservation on my recommendation (I'll come to that shortly).
The unit is a fairly meaty sized thing. It certainly isn't something you'll be able to hide under a TV unit or similar unless it is much larger than a normal sized cabinet and you're not bothered about hindered the signal broadcast from the router. I have set mine to the side of the TV in order to get the optimum signal strength.
There is a christmas-like array of blue lights on the front of the router. Frankly, it is rather over the top but if you like flashing lights then you'll love this. Fortunately, Asus have thought of people like me and there is a single button on the front edge of the router that lets you switch all the lights off without any loss of service or features.
The router feels well made and the fixing of the WiFi aerials is easy. I haven't had any issues with them moving post-installation. Setting the router up, in terms of connecting it to my VirginMedia SuperHub 3.0, was very easy indeed. The router and Virgin modem were working together in no time at all. Attaching a hard drive to the USB 2.0 port as network attached storage was also very easy indeed.
I have had a few issues using the USB 3.0 port in conjunction with a Maxtor 1Tb drive as a TimeMachine drive for an Apple MacBook Pro. The drive kept dropping off the network or the Mac wouldn't see it. However, this wasn't something I really needed anyway so I didn't persevere with the set-up and it may well be something I could have resolved had I done so.
Upon testing the WiFi signal for the first time I found I was receiving about 75% of what I knew I could get in the room in which the router was installed. A little experimenting with the angle of aerials and a slight movement of the router soon changed that - it was flying at 312mb within minutes.
I then tested the speed in the parts of the house, and outside the house, where I had experienced the biggest problems with the Virgin router.
The change was dramatic. In an area where I had previously received 70mbps at best, I was seeing 170-180mbps. In another room where speed had dropped to 28-30mbps, it had increased to 110-120mbps.
Switching between the 2G and 5G bandwidths (I opted for isolated network names so I knew precisely which I was connected to), the range of the 2G network was impressive. However, I was also pleased to see the extended reach of 5G on the router. I can get far better connectivity in areas I previously couldn't use the network.
Whether the router has extended the total reach of WiFi is something altogether different. Instead, it appears to have a similar, perhaps slightly longer, range but within that area it offers far superior speeds. In other words, I can't really get onto the network further away from the router than I used to be able to. But, where I can receive the signal is at a far greater speed. That was the ultimate goal of buying the router so I can't complain.
What I hadn't quite expected was the superb range of features offered by the Asus software. I've included a few screenshots of what it offers, from bandwidth monitoring per device, upload/download graphs, parental controls, network tools and so on, but the reality is that there is a lot more that I simply don't have time to go into. If you are looking for a router that comes with feature packed software to control your home network, allocate bandwidth (albeit crudely), monitor what your kids are doing, even control what times and devices can be used on the network, then I can't recommend this more highly.
The software is also impressively intuitive and not at all complex to use. Whilst I have a lot of IT experience I don't think anyone would have too many issues getting to grips with what the software can do.
So, what is my one reservation about the router?
The WiFi signal has a desperately annoying habit of dropping out for 60-90 seconds on a daily basis. It is very unpredictable (random) in terms of when it does it and it'll occasionally do it twice a day. It means that both the 2G and 5G signals disappear and with no apparent cause. The router has the latest firmware/software updates, I've checked the system log, and I just cannot fathom why it does it. Devices connected by ethernet cable are unaffected. It is purely the WiFi signal that drops out and then comes back. It does come back though, without intervention.
There is a function to set the router to auto reboot on a daily basis at a time you can specify and I may do that. However, I am reluctant to do so as it controls multiple CCTV cameras connected via ethernet, so a reboot will disconnect them temporarily and I'm not even sure if it'll resolve the WiFi issue.
Overall though, the WiFi blip would not stop me from buying this product again.
The combination of strong signal and the stable strength of that signal, software features and ports are enough for me to recommend it to anyone.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2016
I'll describe the position I was in as it might help others if they're facing the same problem.
I am VirginMedia customer on the HomeWorks+ 300mbps service so I want to get the most out of what is a very fast connection if you're hard-wired or very close to the standard Virgin SuperHub. Unfortunately, I found that the WiFi signal on the SuperHub 3.0 was poorer than on the 2.0 (and that was never brilliant).
If I was in the same room as the Virgin router I'd get the full bandwidth. However, the rate of connection dropped at a vicious rate when you moved out of the room. I needed a steadier and stronger signal.
From reviews, after a solid week of looking and reading third party reports, I decided on the RT-AC87U. I could have bought a higher end model but the middle-of-the-range router seemed to offer just as good a WiFi signal and a decent mix of features.
Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and have given it 5 stars with one reservation on my recommendation (I'll come to that shortly).
The unit is a fairly meaty sized thing. It certainly isn't something you'll be able to hide under a TV unit or similar unless it is much larger than a normal sized cabinet and you're not bothered about hindered the signal broadcast from the router. I have set mine to the side of the TV in order to get the optimum signal strength.
There is a christmas-like array of blue lights on the front of the router. Frankly, it is rather over the top but if you like flashing lights then you'll love this. Fortunately, Asus have thought of people like me and there is a single button on the front edge of the router that lets you switch all the lights off without any loss of service or features.
The router feels well made and the fixing of the WiFi aerials is easy. I haven't had any issues with them moving post-installation. Setting the router up, in terms of connecting it to my VirginMedia SuperHub 3.0, was very easy indeed. The router and Virgin modem were working together in no time at all. Attaching a hard drive to the USB 2.0 port as network attached storage was also very easy indeed.
I have had a few issues using the USB 3.0 port in conjunction with a Maxtor 1Tb drive as a TimeMachine drive for an Apple MacBook Pro. The drive kept dropping off the network or the Mac wouldn't see it. However, this wasn't something I really needed anyway so I didn't persevere with the set-up and it may well be something I could have resolved had I done so.
Upon testing the WiFi signal for the first time I found I was receiving about 75% of what I knew I could get in the room in which the router was installed. A little experimenting with the angle of aerials and a slight movement of the router soon changed that - it was flying at 312mb within minutes.
I then tested the speed in the parts of the house, and outside the house, where I had experienced the biggest problems with the Virgin router.
The change was dramatic. In an area where I had previously received 70mbps at best, I was seeing 170-180mbps. In another room where speed had dropped to 28-30mbps, it had increased to 110-120mbps.
Switching between the 2G and 5G bandwidths (I opted for isolated network names so I knew precisely which I was connected to), the range of the 2G network was impressive. However, I was also pleased to see the extended reach of 5G on the router. I can get far better connectivity in areas I previously couldn't use the network.
Whether the router has extended the total reach of WiFi is something altogether different. Instead, it appears to have a similar, perhaps slightly longer, range but within that area it offers far superior speeds. In other words, I can't really get onto the network further away from the router than I used to be able to. But, where I can receive the signal is at a far greater speed. That was the ultimate goal of buying the router so I can't complain.
What I hadn't quite expected was the superb range of features offered by the Asus software. I've included a few screenshots of what it offers, from bandwidth monitoring per device, upload/download graphs, parental controls, network tools and so on, but the reality is that there is a lot more that I simply don't have time to go into. If you are looking for a router that comes with feature packed software to control your home network, allocate bandwidth (albeit crudely), monitor what your kids are doing, even control what times and devices can be used on the network, then I can't recommend this more highly.
The software is also impressively intuitive and not at all complex to use. Whilst I have a lot of IT experience I don't think anyone would have too many issues getting to grips with what the software can do.
So, what is my one reservation about the router?
The WiFi signal has a desperately annoying habit of dropping out for 60-90 seconds on a daily basis. It is very unpredictable (random) in terms of when it does it and it'll occasionally do it twice a day. It means that both the 2G and 5G signals disappear and with no apparent cause. The router has the latest firmware/software updates, I've checked the system log, and I just cannot fathom why it does it. Devices connected by ethernet cable are unaffected. It is purely the WiFi signal that drops out and then comes back. It does come back though, without intervention.
There is a function to set the router to auto reboot on a daily basis at a time you can specify and I may do that. However, I am reluctant to do so as it controls multiple CCTV cameras connected via ethernet, so a reboot will disconnect them temporarily and I'm not even sure if it'll resolve the WiFi issue.
Overall though, the WiFi blip would not stop me from buying this product again.
The combination of strong signal and the stable strength of that signal, software features and ports are enough for me to recommend it to anyone.