The actual Finally, we did the long-distance throughput test. The RT-AC88U is capable of producing both 2.4 GHz.
You also have the option of setting a password for each one or leaving them unsecured, as well as setting a time limit for how long the internet will be available through these networks. There are 2 buttons on the front of the RT-AC88U, one turns on and off the LEDs and the other turns on and off the WiFi. Products may not be available in all markets. Please note that orders will not be shipped during We... How to Choose a Wireless Router to Keep you Cord-free. To start, we did a short distance test, with only about 10' between the router and the test computer. Products certified by the Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada will be distributed in the United States and Canada. Finally, the last test for this metric was the long-distance test. However, it did not do quite as well in the obstructed version of the test.
Traditional lets you manually set the device priority and bandwidth limiter allows you to limit the maximum upload and download speed for each device.
These features are explained more in-depth in our Buying Advice article, but these features act to dramatically increase the overall speed of your network, especially if there are multiple devices on your network. All trademarks property of their respective owners. This time, there was a wall between the computer and router, with the relative performance of the Asus dropping slightly, as highlighted in the following chart. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Similar to the previous metric, this metric also is responsible for 20% of the overall score.
Orders received before 2PM PST are processed This test was done with about 35' separating the router and the computer, with a wall and solid door blocking the signal for the obstructed version of the test. We look at what they... the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific product reviews, This is the best of the best when it comes to routers.
Got feedback? All in all, the Asus isn't a great value option. We do not use FedEx Ground service for Hawaii and Please note that you may be charged a 15% Restocking Fee for non-defective returned items, or if the product is in opened or missing accessory condition. We particularly like that the content controls gave you tons of versatility, allowing you to restrict content by genre, rather than having to try the accomplish the somewhat impossible task of entering the web address of every site that you want to block access to. The Asus finished out with a decent score of 5 out of 10, tying for the runner-up position. However, the Talon was outmatched by the Asus when it came to 2.4 GHz. Wondering about WiFi routers? *You help support TechGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. You can enable up to six networks, three per bandwidth. These metrics are Ease of Use, Features, 2.4 GHz. Specifications and features vary by model, and all images are illustrative. RT-AC3100 wireless dual-band router delivers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 3100 Mbps. We used the identical set of tests as the previous metric, this time conducting them using the Asus's 5 GHz. transfer speed of USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and/or Type-C will vary depending on many The Asus did very well, meriting it an 8 out of 10 for their performance, which compared quite favorably with the rest of the pack. Looking for the latest and greatest wireless router? Earning the top score of the entire bunch, the. The Asus averaged about 39 Mbits/s in the line of sight test, comparing quite favorably with the rest of the group. network. Buy Refurbished: ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 Dual Band PCIe Wi-Fi Adapter with High Power Design for Longer Wi-Fi Range with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Connected devices must be 802.11ac-compatible for best results. The Asus has a whopping 8 LAN ports, allowing you to have a plethora of wired connections. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This is particularly handy if you are planning on stashing this product in an out of the way location, as cycling the power is the first step to solving most connectivity issues and doing it remotely allows you to leave the router in its concealed location.
You can also limit internet access by time and you can set specific devices for these controls to apply to, rather than applying them to everyone on the network. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
throughput testing and the Talon has a list price about $80 more than the Asus. Prices Are Subjected to Change Without Prior Notice.
The Asus also gives you the option to set up guest networks for this router. Asus provides a refund for eligible returns* that are requested within 30-calendar days of the order date.
We apologize for any All specifications are subject to change without notice. How can we improve GearLab? Returns may subject to a restocking fee at the sole discretion of ASUS Store. Let us know! band. All of these features can be managed from either a web browser interface or from its companion smartphone app.
ASUS Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (AC3100) with MU-MIMO, supporting AiProtection network security by Trend Micro, AiMesh for Mesh WiFi system, and WTFast game Accelerator (RT-AC88U),Black 3.8 out of 5 stars 3,129 The Asus earned a 5 out of 10 for its performance — while this may seem on the low side, it actually tied for the second-highest score of the group. The Adaptive QoS of the RT-AC88U where you can choose which categories get the highest priority. GearLab is reader-supported.
and 5 GHz. The Asus continued to perform quite well in the medium distance tests, again delivering a second-tier performance.
Range. To test this, we selected a 5-minute video on YouTube, then streamed it on our test computer at set distances away from the router in 720p and noted when the stream became interrupted.
When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Extremely easy to use, packed with features. Please refer to specification pages for full details. We separated the router and computer by about 70' with some walls obstructing the signal. frequencies.
This test is where the Asus really shined, putting down the fastest data rate of the entire group. If any question, please contact us during business hours band. In addition, there are also two USB ports — one 2.0 and one 3.0. We also tested the ability to control the brightness of the indicator LEDs, finding that you can turn them all off, or on, with the press of a button on the front of the router.
You are about leave ASUS.com and access an external website. This metric accounts for 20% of the overall score and evaluates the Asus on how quickly it can transmit data over the 2.4 GHz.
The World's Fastest Esports Gaming Monitor. Alaska, only express (Overnight or 2 days). We awarded points based on if the router had certain features, notably the presence of MU-MIMO, beamforming, the ability to turn the indicator LEDs on and off, the number of LAN and USB ports, and if there is the ability to wirelessly reset the router. The Asus was relatively unaffected by this, clocking in at 38 Mbits/s. Throughput, and Range, with the following sections describing how the Asus performed against its peers. One of the ways to set up parental controls on the RT-AC88U is by blocking categories.