RT-AC3200 Newbie questions

[ademanuele]

I am looking for a new router, I have no experience of Asus. What I am looking for is:
1) fast wireless with latest wifi protocols/specifications
2) reliability
3) NAT loopback
4) User friendly software (particularly for setting up port forwarding), what is Asuswrt-Merlin, does this come with touter or does it need to be installed separately?

I have used routers from a range of suppliers in the past including Netgear, Draytek, Technicolor and BT.

Will Asus fit the bill and are there any issues need to be aware of?

Is this the latest Asus router?

 

[L&LD]

Latest stable Asus router as is the RT-AC68U too.

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/asuswrt-merlin-custom-firmware-for-asus-routers.7846/

The above will let you know what RMerlin firmware offers and where to download it from.

It is third party firmware and needs to be installed after purchase separately, but read the link and you'll see why many here feel it is the go to firmware for supported Asus routers.