ASUS RT-AC68U or ASUS RT-AC87U

[beerglass007]

Hi all

I've narrowed down my search for a AC router to replace my UK virgin media Super Hub 2ac as it keeps dropping out

So is there much in these two ? ASUS RT-AC68U or ASUS RT-AC87U

I have mostly AC enabled devices, ps4, NAS, smart TV etc etc

Also is merlin the goto firmware these days ?

Many Thanks

 

[burtal]

i think AC68U is enough for home use

firmware is also less buggy and works well.

Do you really need 4x4 MIMO ? do you have clients for that ? becasue if you dont have then you waste money. Most of clients have 1x1 and 2x2 MIMO.

do you think that the price difference is justified?
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/32491-asus-rt-ac87u-review-part-2

i would not go for 87 unless the price difference would be really small

 

[beerglass007]

Hi

I dont think I have anything which use 4x4 MIMO. What uses this ?

 

[burtal]

no clients as far as i know ..... not even asus released adapters for this
https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/Wireless-Adapters-Products/

you can find intel wifi cards with 3x3 for laptos .... but the TV and phones and tablets will most like have 1x1 and 2x2 on flagship devices

Sure 4x4 will future prof your network..... but i doubt that you will really need it. An when the time comes for 4x4 there will be other wifi standards available AD, AH ..... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11 so most likely you will buy a new router with a new standard before you need 4x4.

i think 3x3 if you have it will be enough for any file transfer that you will do in your network,(unless you do lots and lots and).


as for download speeds from internet that will depend on your contract .... there is no point on being able to move 1 GB/s if your provider gives you 100-200 Mb.....

is your choice

PS : maybe you can find an AC68P that has faster processor although you can overclock safely 68U to same speeds.

 

[ColinTaylor]

I have mostly AC enabled devices, ps4, NAS, smart TV etc etc

I'm not sure whether you were suggesting that the PS4 was an AC device, but it's not. In fact it doesn't even do 5GHz. Just saying.