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
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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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Top Brand: ASUS
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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 | -15% $211.99$211.99 List: $249.99 | -20% $239.99$239.99 List: $299.99 | $189.90$189.90 | -33% $67.00$67.00 List: $99.99 |
Delivery | Get it Mar 20 - 22 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 |
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 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
Easy to install | 4.1 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | — |
Sold By | NetBetShop | Express Technologies Ltd | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Express Technologies Ltd | Olive Branch Enterprises |
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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ASUS RT-AC87U Wireless-AC2400 Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Product information
Technical Details
Brand | ASUS |
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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 |
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Best Sellers Rank | #34,192 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories) #1,216 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 performance and advanced features of the router. They mention that it works well and has many other pretty neat functions. They also like the ease of installation, and range. Others however, are not happy with the connectivity, saying that it starts dropping connections. Customers also have mixed opinions on quality, speed, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers generally like the performance of the router. They mention that it performs okay, the QoS seems to do well, and the video streams worked flawlessly. Some say that the router performed like a rock star and that it has great potential as far as the specs are concerned.
"...It is truly the best most advanced router I have ever used (and I have had a lot of them and have spent real money on many of them)...." Read more
"...It works without a hitch. I'm not certain if range is better than the AC87u...." 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
"...In short, it completely sucked. Within a week it was dropping signal multiple times daily and I couldn't take it anymore so I put it into bridge..." Read more
Customers find the installation process of the networking router to be easy. They mention that the setup interface is slick, simple, and intuitive. The web GUI is intuitive enough that they do not need to consult documentation to set up the router. They also appreciate the user interface, which is nice and fluffy and easy to use for even the novice user. The router is fast, and its UI clear, concise, and functions are clear.
"...the GUI is easy to use and has all the technical features you could want..." Read more
"...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
Customers are satisfied with the range of the router. They mention that the speed is very fast, the range is very good, and the wireless coverage seems to be excellent. The wifi signal strength is fantastic, and upon setting it up, they could tell their range had increased. They also mention that they have not had one wifi drop out since.
"...I already know the range is very good. Assuming nothing changes in the next few weeks I will change my review score...." Read more
"...So,Easy setupStable connectionsExcellent range..." 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
"...The router gives a really good signal on 2.4 G network but 5G does not work at all...." Read more
Customers like the advanced features of the networking router. They mention it's easy to install, has many pretty neat functions, and has lots of features for configuration. Some customers also mention that the user interface options are top notch.
"...the GUI is easy to use and has all the technical features you could want..." 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
"...Pros: - User interface it very good, easy to use and feature rich.-..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the speed of the networking router. Some mention that encryption has great throughput, it's plenty fast, the range and throughput were both improved, and the performance is just astronomical. However, others say that GUI-Connection and speed issues with devices that worked flawlessly, as well as lower signal throughput was noticeable as more and more options on the router were enabled.
"...Any the power this generates if incredible. My daughter was next door getting good signal (we live in a 2800 sqft brick single family home)...." Read more
"...No more occasional slow boots and connections.Web sites load without a problem...." Read more
"...1080p60 at Ultra settings, 5.1-channel surround and very minimal input/output lag. Wireless range is very good...." Read more
"...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 value of the router. Some mention that its worth the price, while others say that the pricetag isn't small and that its not worth getting if you are looking for higher data. They say the speed however is fals and not as advertised, and that it's been completely underwhelming.
"...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 have mixed opinions about the quality of the router. Some say that it's really robust, reliable, and offers a solid connection. Others say that the router is problematic in overall reliability, unstable, and overhyped.
"...I love ASUS products, I love their innovation, design and quality. The technical features on this product get 5 stars from me...." Read more
"...I don't know why everyone is raving about the RT-AC87 router. It is unstable and overhyped in my opinion...." Read more
"...So, it appears to be more stable than the 87U and up and running in 15 minutes.My warning.... BEWARE the ware house deals...." 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
Customers are dissatisfied with the connectivity of the router. They mention that the connection has failed, the 5 GHz band refuses to stay connected, and the reliability is horrible. They also mention that it loses connection on a regular basis for seemingly no reason. Some customers also mention the VPN would not allow connections, and that the router is unable to recognize consistently the connections it has via hard lines.
"...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
"...Streaming was a nightmare. The printer kept going offline spontaneously and the router was dropping signal to all our devices and having to be..." Read more
"...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
"...I did experience a slight issue (no internet connectivity)..." Read more
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1 Star items:
1.) Their technical support is woefully unprepared to help with a problem that is more advanced than a cable not plugged in.
2.)Their answer for the return was send it back to the store you got it instead of RMA'ing it directly (this is probably for the best since Amazon always gets 5 stars for returns)
3.) I have had one fail (which is not unusual) but based on the feedback it seems there may be some quality control issues right now with AUSUS manufacturing
5 star items:
1.) the GUI is easy to use and has all the technical features you could want (multiple guest nets choice of blocking to main network unreal how much is in here)
2.) The added security features from Trend Micro are also phenomenal. 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.
3.) Range is great I replaced a Linksys EA6500 and this saturated my 3,600 sqft house
4.) USB 3.0 connection for storage or secondary internet
5.) Technically this is a geek fest for me. I could go on about the coolness factor for a while but suffice it to say this is well designed and engineered
6.) If I never had to call support this is an easy 5 star product.
So here is what happened (if you want the details):
After 1-2 weeks router stops working (can't get to GUI at all to do anything). I do all the normal stuff, hard reset (via button on the back) power on/power off multiple times, try from several computers, change cables and then directly connect to modem and PC. Still no luck so I put my old router back in (works fine with same IP address that Asus has) and I wait for the weekend to call them.
I spoke to a very nice person on the phone who had absolutely no technical knowledge whatsoever. She was unable to tell me to do open the Network center via ncpa.cpl (she said it was all one word and it was already open so this was unnecessary). She had no other way to try to figure out what my IP address was (I did an ipconfig and told her) After 40 minutes on the call she is asking me if my pc and modem are directly connected to the router (they were and I told her that in the first 5 minutes of the call). She then decided (after consulting with someone else) to tell me to restart my router. Every time she tried something new (all extremely basic non-technical solutions) she had to put me on hold to ask someone else what to do. When I asked to speak to another level of technical resource (It's not fair to her to have to speak to someone who is more technically knowledgeable that she is) I was told twice that there was nobody available and I could not even wait on hold to talk to them. They finally suggested I return it through Amazon.
Here's the best part. They asked if I wanted to take a survey. I said yes. They connected me, I waited on hold I hear the automated attendant say if you wish to disconnect press star ans someone pressed star (was not me). So clearly they didn't even want my feedback.
I will return it and try it again. This is technically too good of a product to not give it a second chance. I hope this one works better.
Updates (newest first)
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Update 11/13/15
I am changing my rating. With the firmware updates over the past year this is now a 5 star router. I don't know if their tech support got any better but now all functions and features of this router are working perfectly. I regularly use many of the features (allowing me to have media available anywhere). Any the power this generates if incredible. My daughter was next door getting good signal (we live in a 2800 sqft brick single family home). Asus, it took you a while on this but you finally got it right thank you.
Update 1/21/15 - Still working, issue with Adaptive QOS
Still working very well. I turned on the Adaptive QOS monitoring and I started to have some issues. After about 2-3 hours it will drop all connections. Once I turned the monitoring off this seemed to go away (for the past 3 days). For now I will simply not use the QOS (as that is likely not a key feature for me). I have let Adam know about this and will see what he says.
Update 1/17/2015 -No issues still keeping it
Looks like the new firware is the key. I installed 3.0.0.4.378_3885 which was released on 1/12/2015. Once installed I have had no problems with this router I have fired up some of the advanced features but not all. Assuming it keeps going I will soon have them all running. The Network protection is great, the ability to access files remotely is very well done. I already know the range is very good. Assuming nothing changes in the next few weeks I will change my review score.
Update 1/15/2015 - Looking better
I emailed Adam to look for some reasonable help. He pointed me to the latest firmware that was released on 1/12. So far that is a significant improvement. I have had it on for a couple of days and not had any of the issues I had before. If the rest of Asus support was like Adam they would get 5 stars across the board even if they have a product that has bugs. I will give it another week or so and see what happens.
Update 1/11/2015 - Its going back
I really wanted to like this. But now the wireless is failing again. My ipads can connect but only 1 of the 4 laptops we have can connect. The terrible experience I had with their tech support the first time made this an obvious choice. I will not frustrate myself by dealing with them again. I may consider the ASUS (RT-AC68R) or I may get the netgear one. Not certain yet.
Update 1/11/2015
Amazon gets 6 stars for a Sunday delivery of replacement router. It appears the fundamental issue with this router is the latest firmware.
**** Do not Upgrade to 3.0.0.4.378.3754 *****
Most of my wireless devices could not stay connected to this version (including an ASUS laptop funny enough) and it just appears buggy.
**** insure the b/g protected was off (this also prevented my Asus laptop from connecting) ****
I moved it back to 3.0.0.4.376_2769 and turned off b/g protection (it appears it was on by default) and its working well. I lose a few features I would like but the important ones are still there and I am fairly confident they will get another update within a few months. I am going to run it like this for a couple weeks. If it fails I will replace it with something else.
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.