What Router to Replace RT-N66U After Final 380.xx Release?

[JayBee]

With the end of Asuswrt-Merlin support for the “old faithful” N66U in sight, which router to replace it on our SOHO network? Something that runs Merlin’s firmware naturally, but otherwise I’m drowning in a sea of type numbers.

We are in the UK, on rural broadband (20Mb/s when the wind blows in the right direction), and need wifi coverage of a moderately large house with some thick walls.

I would appreciate suggestions and advice.

 

[OzarkEdge]

With the end of Asuswrt-Merlin support for the “old faithful” N66U in sight, which router to replace it on our SOHO network? Something that runs Merlin’s firmware naturally, but otherwise I’m drowning in a sea of type numbers.

We are in the UK, on rural broadband (20Mb/s when the wind blows in the right direction), and need wifi coverage of a moderately large house with some thick walls.

I would appreciate suggestions and advice.

Consider the RT-AC86U... current build, strong processor and memory, WiFi chipset has Range Boost (~20%), full AiMesh support, Merlin support, cheaper than the RT-AC5300.

OE

 

[VANT]

RT-N66u should also get .382 fw in near future.

 

[RMerlin]

With the end of Asuswrt-Merlin support for the “old faithful” N66U in sight, which router to replace it on our SOHO network? Something that runs Merlin’s firmware naturally, but otherwise I’m drowning in a sea of type numbers.

Consider switching to John's fork instead if your RT-N66U still serves all your needs. A lot of the newer features (like the Trend Micro engine) aren't available on the RT-N66U anyway, so you won't be missing much by switching to his fork. Security-wise, John has always been on top of things as much as possible.

RT-N66u should also get .382 fw in near future.

Not from me. If Asus ever decided to move the RT-N66U to the 382 branch, someone else will have to take care of supporting it. For me, 380.70 is the end of the line for that model.

 

[JayBee]

Thanks. That's all very useful. Only negative is that it looks as if not possible to wall-mount the RT-AC86U, so going down that route would need a small shelf to be installed.

 

[bbunge]

Thanks. That's all very useful. Only negative is that it looks as if not possible to wall-mount the RT-AC86U, so going down that route would need a small shelf to be installed.

Look into the RT-AC66U_B1. Same configuration as the N66U. Has the same processor as the AC68U. Does not have wall mounting slots but you can use 3M Command Strips or screws and a piece of wire like I did.

Sent from my P01M using Tapatalk

 

[cjake]

One nice thing about the RT-AC66U_B1 is that I've seen it on sale before for as little as $80 with coupon, maybe even less if a rebate is offered. It's a great option that can come in under the one hundred dollar mark, actually receives firmware updates from Asus, and you have the option of using Asuswrt-Merlin. I've pointed several people down this route that didn't need the performance (CPU wise) of the RT-AC86U, and were on a budget.

If you also want the new AI Mesh features, you might need to research a bit to see if this router supports it - I've heard mixed information, but since I haven't needed this feature I haven't bothered to look into it in detail.

In case you decide to pick one of these up, you might run into a bit of confusion with various model names. For example: the RT-AC66U Rev B1 and a RT-AC66U B1 (RT-AC66U_B1) are actually different routers. The former is a revision of older hardware, whereas the later is the updated model. TLDR - make sure to buy the one that has "B1" in the model name itself.

 

[JayBee]

Thanks all. An RT-AC86U now on order and some DIY in progress to make a perch for it.

It is probably time for a change anyway as the N66U is starting to need a reboot from time to time to stop it going at a snail’s pace and loosing wifi connections.