| ASUS RT-AC66R | TP-LINK Archer C8 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| WiFi Performance | AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) | AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) |
| WiFi Band | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz & 5GHz |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port |
4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0 port | 1 USB 3.0 port 1 USB 2.0 port |
| CPU | Broadcom BCM4706 | Qualcomm QCA9005AP |
| RAM | 256 MB | 128 MB |
| Flash Memory | 128 MB | 8 MB |
| Antennas | 3 detachable antennas | 3 dual band detachable antennas |
| MSRP | $169.99 | $139.99 |
Billed as the next generation of wireless routers, the RT-AC66R is one of the most advanced routers offered for consumer use. A fifth-generation dual-band Wi-Fi router, the RT-AC66R offers a unified app that turns it into a personal cloud server. Easy to connect to a variety of devices including smartphones and desktop systems, it allows data to be accessed and managed from virtually anywhere. It utilizes the Broadcom 802.11ac Wi-Fi controller while working in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. With the 5GHz supporting up to 1.3Gbps it currently exceeds Gigabit wired transmission and is three times faster than 802.11n.
With its three adjustable antennas and two built-in USB ports, the RT-AC66R has been designed to offer the best speed and range of any wireless router on the market today. Heavy load stability is of no concern with its 256MB RAM, and its four Gigabit LAN and one Gigabit WAN provide high-speed direct connection. Designed to bring the ASUS cloud experience to mobile devices such as iOS and Android, files and other data can be accessed, streamed and shared while on the go.
One of the biggest complaints from consumers has been the difficulties encountered while setting up routers. However, the RT-AC66R comes with an auto-detection design feature that lets it be installed in less than 30 seconds. Networks can be optimized by individual users, who can now select how much bandwidth will be prioritized for most tasks. Web usage can also be easily checked using the traffic monitor feature, allowing usage to be seen in a clear graphical interface.
When it comes to multi-functional capability, the RT-AC66R is unmatched. The two built-in USB ports allow for connectivity to FTPs, SAMBA, DLNA devices and UPnP AV servers, making sharing and networking very easy. In addition to all this, it can also download FTP, HTTP and P2P files to a router-connected USB storage device even without a PC.
With the popularity of mobile devices growing by leaps and bounds, being able to download and stream from virtually anywhere is becoming the standard expectation of most people. Using the Download Master feature, a person can now download and play various types of multimedia files stored on such devices as PC, PS3, Xbox and smart TV. Files can even be downloaded when a PC is turned off, allowing the download status to be managed and monitored remotely.
Having the support of a data pipeline of up to 300,000 data sessions, the RT-AC66R is equipped with over 20 times the networking capacity of most conventional routers. For parents who want to monitor and control what their children are doing online, they can set up usage times and limit access using parental settings and other advanced controls.
With all of these features, the RT-AC66R has become one of the most popular wireless routers on the market today for both individual consumers and businesses. Combining easy-to-use features with the speed and flexibility needed in today’s high-tech settings, it can make multi-tasking much easier while also providing a performance that will be unmatched by other routers.
