Asus RT-n56/66?

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stevenz

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#103090 30-May-2012 10:47

I'm after a replacement for my trusty Asus RT-n16 router, basically I want the same unit, but with 5Ghz 802.11n support, from what I can see, the RT-n66u is the current equivalent but I can't see anyone that stocks it, whereas the 56 is readily available.

I need something with decent WiFi range (at least as good as the n16) - anyone got any idea how the RT-n56 with its internal aerials might compare with the RT-n66 with the external ones?

Any recommendations for either where to source one, or similar alternatives? I need to be able to use it as a print server via the USB port, and being able to load the Tomato firmware onto it would be preferable as well.

Requirements aren't too major, the 66u is probably total overkill:

PPPoE slave to a bridged ADSL modem
Gigabit ethernet
5Ghz 802.11n MIMO WiFi
USB port(s) to act as basic print server
Decently configurable port-forwarding
DDNS support
OpenVPN\PPTP support
Optionally Tomato\DD-WRT compatible

I'd rather avoid Linksys as I've had nothing but problems with their units, but that's probably largely historical at this stage as it's been a few years...

@KnightNZ

DrStrangelove

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#633012 31-May-2012 00:46

Small Net Builder (SNB) is always a good source of information. The only site that really reviews a device and tells the story warts and all.

Small Net Builder Review of ASUS RT-66U

Tim Higgins indicates "Outstanding wireless performance"

However the current firmware seems to be a bit buggy in many areas... VPN indicated as one of them.

Didn't see OpenVPN on the original firmware but PPTP is available and with TomatoUSB firmware OpenVPN server/client is supported.

I have a Linksys E4200v1 and it's only saved by TomatoUSB (Toastman) firmware, but even then the 5GHz radio is very weak and at most distances the 2.4GHz radio gives 2 to 3 times better throughput.

I too can't embrace the new Linksys E4xxx series, as they've moved away from a Broadcom chipset and I now rely on Tomato firmware for application and VPN support.

The RT-66U 2.4GHz 40MHz connection doesn't quite have the wow! factor I'm looking for if SNB is to be believed.
SNB is talking about 80Mbits download, I'm seeing 80-60Mbits on my E4200 at 15metres using a two stream WiFi client.
But always nice to know there is a possible replacement for my E4200 if it goes belly up. However, at this time using older Broadcom drivers in Tomato firmware or original ASUS firmware there does seem to be conflicting reports on WiFi throughput.
Interesting to see how this pans out when updated firmware from ASUS and Tomato become available.

Tomato ASUS RT-66U discussion

The ASUS RT-66U obtains slightly higher throughput, on a 3 stream WiFi client, but does this really count?
No smart phone has more than single stream and most mid range notebooks are 2 stream. It's only the high-end devices that come with 3 stream WiFi and or after market.

If Android phones come with a Snapdragon S4 chipset, there is every change one will be able to use both the 2.4 and 5GHz signal, meaning the the 5GHz signal becomes that much more relevant.

In short it all looks promising, fingers crossed.

DrStrangelove

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#641076 15-Jun-2012 00:37

If one was considering the RT-N66U the next logical step is the ASUS RT-AC66U with 802.11ac

ASUS RT-AC66U

The ASUS RT-AC66U is a 5th generation dual-band Wi-Fi router with a total speed of up to 1.75Gbps, currently the fastest available! It utilizes the Broadcom 802.11ac Wi-Fi controller, working in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 5GHz band works at up to 1.3Gbps, which exceeds current Gigabit wired transmission and is 3X faster than 802.11ac. The RT-AC66U offers smooth lag-resistant multitasking and super-fast streaming, while ASUS AiRadar intelligently strengthens wireless device connections via powerful amplification, offering future-proof optimized performance.
You can be the first on your street to 'swamp' the 5GHz frequency

I'd consider it my self if I could find a PCIe 802.11ac WiFi Half-mini card for my Notebook.

Scoobing

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#647840 28-Jun-2012 21:21

I think after looking around at a lot of routers and reviews the RT-66U is the one I want to go for. Only thing is I can't find a NZ reseller! I was looking at getting one shipped internationally but haven't really been able to find anywhere that will - plus are there any issues with different voltages etc?

Anyone know where I could get one from?

eXDee

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#647927 28-Jun-2012 23:42

The 56u does not support tomatousb.
The 66u is not available in NZ. You will have to import it.

DrStrangelove

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#647942 29-Jun-2012 01:15

This one is a bit further down the track, it's the [cough] Linksys EA6500 with reportedly a Broadcom chipset in it.
Sporting 450Mbps 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps 5GHz 802.11ac and an interesting quirk is some sort on NFC introduction for tap and connect smartphones.

SimpleTap Technology

Easily connect Wi-Fi devices to your home network with a push of a button (WPS) or a tap (included SimpleTap card to connect NFC-enabled devices). Through a Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app, you can use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to easily add devices without having to go to your router. Once you have a Cisco Connect Cloud account, you can use the included SimpleTap card to easily add NFC-enabled mobile devices by tapping your card on the NFC-enabled device.

The Linksys US site lists the EA6500 at USD 219.00

Ragnor

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#648121 29-Jun-2012 11:58

stevenz: I'm after a replacement for my trusty Asus RT-n16 router, basically I want the same unit, but with 5Ghz 802.11n support,

Why not just add an an 5Ghz N access point to your existing setup?