Author - Network Admin

	Linksys WRT1900AC	ASUS RT-AC68U	NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000
WiFi Performance	AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)	AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz	2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port	4 Gigabit LAN port 1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports	1 USB 3.0 port 1 eSATA/USB 2.0 port	1 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port	2 USB ports 1 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port
Processor	1.2 GHz dual-core ARM-based	Dual Core Arm Cortex A9 clocked at 800MHz	1GHz dual-core
RAM	256MB DDR3	256MB DDR3	256 MB
Flash Memory	128MB	128MB	128 MB
MSRP	$249.99	$199.99	$199.99

Asus RT-AC68U provides dual WAN support, so a user can connect to two broadband links simultaneously. This feature can be used to balance load across two broadband connections or to provide backup in case one of the connections drops. This feature will come in handy for business use. The same functionality can also be derived from a 3G/4G USB dongle that may be plugged into one of the two USB ports.

The RT-AC86U offers a USB3.0 and a USB2.0 port that can be connected to a printer and a USB storage device at the same time. The router’s VPN (virtual private network) server allows you to establish an encrypted connection to your private network across the Internet. It also offers a Download Master software that can be used to download files to a connected USB storage device via file sharing services, such as BitTorrent or FTP.

Guest networking is a common feature in modern routers. Through this feature, you can allow users to connect to the Internet without accessing other devices on your network. The Asus RT-AC86U goes a step further and allows you to choose the level of access you wish to grant to users on each of its six wireless networks. Three of these networks are on the 2.4GHz frequency band whereas the other three on the 5GHz band. As such, you can grant full access to some users on the network, limit access to a few resources to other users, and restrict still a few users to Internet connectivity.

Another alluring feature is the AiCloud that constitutes four different elements: Smart Access, Router to Router Sync, Smart Sync and Cloud Disk. Smart Access allows you to access resources on your home network from an Android, iOS or PC device that is connected to the Internet. Router to Router Sync allows you to synchronize data across storage devices connected to two routers that are AiCloud-compatible. Smart Sync enables you to sync designated folders on a USB storage device connected to the router with Asus WebStorage account. Asus WebStorage offers up to 5GB of cloud storage for free. The synced data can be accessed from any desktop or mobile device connected to the Internet. Cloud Disk allows you to access data on an attached USB storage device from any device connected to the Internet.

The RT-AC86U is powered by Broadcom’s TurboQAM technology that yields up to 600 mbps of bandwidth on 2.4GHZ band, which is notably higher than the 450mbps-average yielded by most other advanced routers. It doesn’t suffer disconnectivity issues either. Impressive performance, attractive casing, and customizable software features and options make it one of the most prominent routers. The RT-AC86U sets a new milestone for wireless routers. Apart from impressive Wi-Fi coverage, it also delivers fast wired speed. The router is suitable for use as a home server for data sharing and media streaming. Other unique features, such as dual-WAN and built in VPN as well as advanced networking tools make the Asus RT-86U a good choice for a business router.

	ASUS RT-AC66R	TP-LINK Archer C8
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.