Dual-purpose wireless router and DSL modem, featuring DSL WAN port and switchable Ethernet WAN/LAN ports in a single space-saving device
Compatible with ADSL2/2+, ADSL, VDSL2, fiber and cable services for complete future-proofing
Combined maximum data rate of 1900 Mbps allows smooth streaming of 4K/UHD videos, online gaming or other bandwidth-intensive tasks
Dual dedicated CPUs for wired and wireless connections to maximize both range and stability
AiRadar with universal beamforming optimizes signal strength in any direction to give up to 150%* coverage and is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n clients
Multi-purpose USB 3.0 port supports file sharing, printers, 3G/4G dongle sharing and media streaming — with up to 10 times faster data transfer than USB 2.0
ASUS AiCloud lets you access, sync, share and stream data from your home network to any internet-connected PC, Android or iOS device
Its plaid finish on the front makes it more attractive than your standard black router, and it comes in black or white. It has a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port, the latter of which can be used with a 3G/4G dongle. Asus' AiCloud also lets you access networked drives remotely. Overall, this is a great investment for supercharging your home network.
What Owners Are Saying: Two-thirds of the user reviews at Amazon for the RT-AC68U are five-star ratings, with owners praising the router's easy setup, reliable connectivity and impressive range.
Usually 159.99 everywhere and higher on some, but PC World also doing 10% off. NETWORKING10 code scanned in store or used online.
Just bought one today.
This router is a rotter do not buy this thinking it will be same as RT-68U they are not the same, the adsl on this doesn't work well, I did lots of research as I was going to buy this. No custom firmware for this ADSL one.
- fizz
Top comments
stonetrap
31 Dec 153#31
EDIT: Just realised this is the DSL-AC68U whereas I have the RT-AC68U. Though based on the same chipset I'm unsure if the functionality mentioned below is applicable to the DSL version.
I've use one of these for a couple of years now. Using the AdvancedTomato firmware.
Fantastic router, just about every feature anyone could want in a home router.
Video streaming (and wireless storage) from USB3.0 port, real-time bandwidth monitoring (overall and per interface), built-in bittorrent client for those that would use such a thing, can be run as both a VPN server and client. Can be used to block all adds at a router level. Using EE I found it had higher internet connection speeds than the EE BusyBox 2 and tried it BT OpenReach modems, in fact using the EE BusyBox2 in modem only mode still made for higher internet speeds aswell as overall wireless performance.
The stock firmware broadcast range isn't wonderful, partially due UK broadcast power limitations but custom firmware is easy to install and gets around this. Lately I've been considering changing the antennae for large high gain ones none-the-less.
Any questions on this I'll be happy to answer, I have a fair amount of experience in networking.
Wrong version. Get the RT-AC68U instead.
All comments (73)
SuperMariosDad
31 Dec 151#1
Good price. Be great if amazon price match this so we don't have to worry about curry's terrible customer service :smile:
CUE99T to SuperMariosDad
31 Dec 15#2
This is true. I did notice some challenges with firmware etc back in 2014 with these but assume thats all good now. Didn't discourage me to ditch the BT router and use this tho!!
ajavaid92 to SuperMariosDad
31 Dec 15#25
Amazon not stocking them at the moment! :disappointed:
5Rivers79
31 Dec 15#3
Sorry for the noob question but will this be of any use with virgin media?
Maevoric to 5Rivers79
31 Dec 15#5
Yes just put your superhub in modem mode connect it to this and away you go
CUE99T to 5Rivers79
31 Dec 15#6
I've still to take it out the box, but the details on asus site suggest it does all types of connection either ADSL or Cable so I believe so.
Considering ditching the hh5 for this. Is the performance improvement significant? I've got quite a few devices running on the network and whilst wifi speeds are pretty good (around 1/2 of what I get from a wired connection) I was wondering if there was room for improvement?
interceptor02
31 Dec 15#7
Far better then HH5 (wireless I found was pretty poor in my house) but not quite as good as the TP link Archer C9. I did have ASUS DSL-AC68U for about a week testing it against the Archer C9. However the wireless and performance of Archer C9 was better then ASUS DSL-AC68U in my home.
bob_regis
31 Dec 15#8
anyone know if you can put the plusnet fibre
one router in bridge mode?
taras to bob_regis
31 Dec 15#20
put into "DSL Modem Router Mode "
pnaylor39
31 Dec 151#9
Also extra 10% Using NETWORKING10 which takes it down to £89.99. Hot
I bought mine for a lot more back in March. It's a cracking bit of kit and worth every penny, even more so now at £99. Never had any firmware issues and it has always been super stable, something which didn't apply to the Netgear one it replaced...
shakerman
31 Dec 15#12
So - would this provide a significant improvement in range/speed over the virgin superhub?
ant3000
31 Dec 15#13
Scanned through some of the forum threads and it seems the Asus isn't without it's headaches!!
CUE99T
31 Dec 15#14
OK, so I was a penny out....I'm sure they charged me 99 quid tho. lol
I think the forum is based on many people tweaking the lines and doing all sorts so it's hard to say if it's any good or not yet.
As I said there was firm ware issues I think before, but I think it's all horses for course when people start making them a unique setup for their own place.
I've just ordered Infinity and my BT HH3 is dire and will certainly be an upgrade for me.
Being a techie I guess I don't mind doing stuff like firmware updates etc and tuning it, but some of the features are not on other routers at that pricepoint IMO.
OBH6UK
31 Dec 15#15
I was replying to (and quoted) pnaylor39 who took the 10% off your price and not Currys so he was £10 out, I was not not taking issue over your 1p but his £10.
OBH6UK
31 Dec 15#16
I returned an Asus DSL-N66U to Ebuyer nearly a year ago with various issues, reading the posts I linked too Asus have not cured the issues on this model either in the last year either so I for one will be avoiding it.
Good luck with yours.
CUE99T
31 Dec 15#17
I know mate. It's all good was just jesting. :smiley:
olsbean
31 Dec 15#18
Have this in my wishlist on Amazon and I have been waiting for a better price, so thank you OP, ordered!
fizz
31 Dec 15#19
The ADSL version is poor compared to non ADSL version and NO custom firmware
If you don't need ADSL get the other version, even for ADSL I would conect with an ADSL router/modem
ukbill69
31 Dec 15#21
I bought the ac66 version and didnt work with adsl with modem and vpn, so went for this one and had it for a while now and love it, so fast and works with vpn services without any problems. It is future proof when finally my exchange gets fibre, in two years time. I live in a town that BT always leave last, god knows why. But hot from me.
Alansmithee
31 Dec 15#22
I have this - had it for neatly a year - rock solid.
ajavaid92
31 Dec 15#23
Have had the non-DSL for around a year now. Never had an issue. ROCK SOLID PERFORMANCE. Fantastic router! Great price as well - I paid more than this for the standard non-DSL one.
DEFINITE HEAT!
BadKarma
31 Dec 151#24
I have this router and it is nothing but trouble. I have flashed it with the latest firmware, reset it left if off for 5 days but nothing stops this thing from being a pain in the butt.
Effectively I am unable to get to the admin page only a power down/up of the router allows me to reconnect. Forget playing with online games as the lag becomes intolerable.
I'm not the only one either, search for issues with this router online and you will see what I mean.
Not tried the Merlin firmware personally but I will NEVER buy another ASUS router again ever. Asus support is complete and utter rubbish.
Good luck!
ajavaid92 to BadKarma
31 Dec 15#26
Play online gaming regularly with my router. Never dropped a beat. Rock solid.
Maybe you have a dud?
lynchnigel to BadKarma
1 Jan 16#55
I wouldn't go that far, have had a few issues, but its so customisable and I would personally say good router. I have now put merlin on it and has more options, I dont do alot of customising but nice to have the options for monitoring and ensuring it's working as it should.
581d
31 Dec 15#27
There's a new one out soon I believe so I expect these prices to be honest. I bought mine only yesterday from pc world 109.99
sradmad
31 Dec 15#28
nice find op, heat added
seanandleah
31 Dec 15#29
I have Virgin fibre being installed next week, slightly worrying to read that people want to go upgrade the router and having read other problems with Virgin fibre, low the flash promise of the speed then I'm wondering whether I've made the right decision ??
mb2010 to seanandleah
31 Dec 151#34
Recently went back to virgin after being on bt infinity 2. I game alot and its terrible (fully wired no wifi to blame). Luckily got a letter about a price increase which allows me to cancel without penalty.
F0ggie
31 Dec 15#30
I have this router connected to Sky Fibre Pro Unlimited and it's working fine. I've had an increase in download speed since switching and haven't experienced any lag. I have had an issue since the last firmware update a couple of weeks ago with the router locking up. It appears to be down to the updated Traffic Analyzer, so it's best not to activate that. Apart from that it's been excellent.
Make sure you do a complete firmware update before swapping out the old modem / router!
stonetrap
31 Dec 153#31
EDIT: Just realised this is the DSL-AC68U whereas I have the RT-AC68U. Though based on the same chipset I'm unsure if the functionality mentioned below is applicable to the DSL version.
I've use one of these for a couple of years now. Using the AdvancedTomato firmware.
Fantastic router, just about every feature anyone could want in a home router.
Video streaming (and wireless storage) from USB3.0 port, real-time bandwidth monitoring (overall and per interface), built-in bittorrent client for those that would use such a thing, can be run as both a VPN server and client. Can be used to block all adds at a router level. Using EE I found it had higher internet connection speeds than the EE BusyBox 2 and tried it BT OpenReach modems, in fact using the EE BusyBox2 in modem only mode still made for higher internet speeds aswell as overall wireless performance.
The stock firmware broadcast range isn't wonderful, partially due UK broadcast power limitations but custom firmware is easy to install and gets around this. Lately I've been considering changing the antennae for large high gain ones none-the-less.
Any questions on this I'll be happy to answer, I have a fair amount of experience in networking.
Wrong version. Get the RT-AC68U instead.
crazydealhunter to stonetrap
1 Jan 16#45
mate how do u block advertise on router level?
id0ru to stonetrap
2 Jan 16#57
I want a router that can replace my talk talk one entirely so I can have just one box instead of two. If not this one then which would you recommend?
cricky12
31 Dec 15#32
Always check Amazon first, I doubt if currys if ever the cheapest
Avalon-One
31 Dec 152#33
Avoid the DSL range, the non DSL are great consumer routers, the DSL versions are plagued with VDSL issues due to the modem side of things, you would be much, much better with the RT-AC68U and an ECI modem, but the RT-AC68U is out of stock.
No, you really didn't as neither Tomato, Shibby, Advanced or Merlin (all based on Tomato) or DDWRT support the DSL range. They don't support adsl/vdsl devices.
Scuderia92
31 Dec 15#35
This router has caused nothing but trouble and caused my connection to be interleaved which then took 30 days to be lifted! I returned this last week and i am now using a two box system
k7gixerboy
31 Dec 15#36
Guys can someone please help me here. I know there is a similar router to this, 1 has a built in modem, 1 doesn't but I can't differentiate them & dint know which one I need, I assume it's the 1 without?
My situation is this, I've just moved house & fibre isn't available so I'm currently on about 3mb download speed but BT may run a fibre line straight to the house, I don't know when that might be.
I take it the 2 systems need different modems?, so if I buy the correct 1 now it'll be scrap later? & if I buy the router without the inbuilt modem where do I get the modem I currently need from?
As you can tell I've not much knowledge about this subject!
Thank you in advance
frownbreaker to k7gixerboy
1 Jan 161#38
Ok
1) Don't buy this unit. It will work but the ADSL / VDSL modem in this unit has issues.
2) Get the basic modem that your ISP provides.
3) Connect that to a high end Wifi Access point ideally install in the middle of your house (first floor) for best coverage not near the street where the BT line comes in
BT don't do fibre to the house for consumers / nor to Virgin. BT run fibre to the cabinet and VDSL to the house over the old phone line = 2 copper wires = the ones used for ADSL!
frownbreaker
31 Dec 151#37
It depends on what you use it for. I need an uncapped service and Virgin in my area (London!) have over provisioned so the back haul has issues. The SuperHub is OK for light use but for the best performance I'd put it into modem mode and buy the non ADSL version the ASUS. The Asus on this thread is NOT the one you want as it is has an ADSL modem. Virgin use Docsys 3 (Radio over coax).
Also Virgin have Sandvine installed on their network and horrific shaping if you go over the limit. I had problems from the get go, ditched and switched to PlusNet thanks to a price hike, then ditch PN for BT again due to a price hike. PN and BT were excellent for my but I'm not a gamer.
Virgin seems fine for video streaming, poor for bittorrent so I'm told. BT and PN are better for torrents.
I use the cashback deals on each switch and move even if I'm happy with the service as the incentives to move are massive and keep my ISP costs tiny.
There were was my saga with VM, though a lot of folk are really happy with them I think its a location thing? Virgin media is not one network but all the old cable companies (NTL) etc. Oh and don't trust the speedtest things as the Sandvine kit allows this through, Most of the ISP host the speed test servers and prioritise / burst their traffic so the consumer test look good. There are graphs and charts on my thread of woe below for those interested. Would recommend the free thinkbroadband monitoring tool as it runs outside your home network and provide independent evidence of shoddy ISP service:
Ok, thank you. My current ISP is Sky & I have their current black router for fibre, what else do I need to get from them? It's the RT-AC68 version I need then?
My main 'phone point' is in a utility room so the router needs to go there, not ideal hence wanting a better router & I could use some of its features too.
Incidentally about 6-8 miles from me BT add run fibre direct into houses as a test bed in a very rural area, the BT engineer told me this when he was installing my phone line & said the more rural you are the more chance of that happening, it costs more, about £10/week but those houses are in the back end of nowhere & are on 300MBS, to me it's worth that!
CUE99T
1 Jan 16#40
So removed the HH3 tonight, router setup using BT advice for settings and it's blasted the home hub into orbit!!! So much better coverage and a doodle to setup. Have basic setup for now until I get a chance to tinker (break) it so will keep you posted. So far so good!!!
surnjit
1 Jan 161#41
It made my wife pregnant
cricky12 to surnjit
1 Jan 16#43
What a router !!
soza
1 Jan 16#42
Over a year ago I upgraded to VDSL and was given a separate BT modem which I linked up to my older Billion 7800N via it's EWAN port. It works well, but I don't like that it's not a single device and that I can't see any of the VDSL information since the modem within the 7800N isn't being used. So for a while now I've been looking for a replacement, but unfortunately I can't find a really good one. They all seem to have very mixed reviews, firmware issues or they straight up don't support custom firmwares if the router also includes a modem.
I think most people who upgrade now are given all in one devices, although they're often locked down or perform poorly. So does anyone have any suggestions? I would of tried this ASUS one, but there seems to be too many issues reported online for my liking. Apparently the firmware is open source though, so that's a nice plus.
Avalon-One to soza
1 Jan 16#46
Unlocked HG612 + AC56U or AC68U will give you modem stats and a decent router with great 3rd party firmware options. The 56 and 68 have the same CPU, it's only the wireless standard that changed and the physical design/antennae set-up. You can unlock the ECI modems but the process is slightly more involved.
Avalon-One to soza
1 Jan 16#47
Unlocked HG612 + AC56U or AC68U will give you modem stats and a decent router with great 3rd party firmware options. The 56 and 68 have the same CPU, it's only the wireless standard that changed and the physical design/antennae set-up. You can unlock the ECI modems but the process is slightly more involved.
dfunked
1 Jan 161#44
Absolutely brilliant router! Using it with Plusnet fibre and it's been absolutely faultless for the past few months.
The firmware is regularly updated, so I wouldn't worry to much about the lack of Merlin's firmware for this model... Sure it can be a nice option to have, but it really isn't as necessary as some people here seem to think.
Avalon-One
1 Jan 16#48
He didn't, or at least not using this deal as he edited to show. You need the AC range (or other router capable of running advanced tomato).
seanandleah
1 Jan 16#49
Surely it being terrible would be area dependant tho ?
So if I'm not happy with the speed for my gaming, I am able to cancel the contract?
soza
1 Jan 16#50
I've read about unlocking the BT modem before, but unfortunately I was given an ECI modem which isn't as easy to modify. I'm honestly not keen on modifying something that BT still technically owns either. Of course I could just buy an unlocked HG612, but I'd rather just get an all in one device that'll give me far more control than an unlocked modem does. The issue with that idea though is that there's not a lot of options and they all seem to have there share of issues.
I've held out for so long with by Billion 7800N because it works well, but being able to see the VDSL info and change the options would be nice. That plus getting 5 GHz would also be ideal as the 2.4 GHz range seems to be congested in my area now.
mb2010
1 Jan 16#51
No it looks to be well known about problems with latency and ping etc being all over the place. Conveniently this doesn't show on the speed tests only in real time use such as gaming and video calling.
Avalon-One
1 Jan 16#52
Like a mobile phone contract once the initial rental period is up the hardware is yours. You're unlikely to still be in contract on the hardware - it's been ages since they were issued.
ECI's are more complex, it's a 90 second job for a HG612, relative to that making a cup of tea is complex, a ECI takes all of 10 minutes and the kit costs £2. For that you can run a fully unlocked DDWRT build on it if you want. A 612 costs £25-45, an ECI £10-15. You suggest you want to be able to manipulate the line variables at a modem level, but are worried about a very simple TTL interface and modem unlock? That doesn't make much sense. Also the 2.4Ghz spectrum congestion tends to be easy to avoid if you survey etc. Remember 5ghz has a smaller fresnel zone and less penetration, it'll also be equally crowded shortly as every home router jumps to 5ghz as does every device.
Unless you have a very specific requirement or line issue then stats are largely irrelevant, manually altering variables can help, but without knowing what you're doing you will usually make them worse. Either way without knowing what the issue is, connection type and what you want to achieve its not easy to suggest a solution.
emanas
1 Jan 16#53
excellent piece of equipment, the first only downside is the power button breaks down after a year or so, I had to stick a toothpick for the button to work, after googling I found that many people were having the same issue, other than this issue you can't fault the equipment
weejasser
1 Jan 16#54
Guys looking for some advice - I've got this and the non VDSL RT version both coming tomorrow (this from Curry's & the other from Amazon). I'll be using it to replace the utter gash Technicolor router that SSE supplied. A few posters have said the RT is better (used with the Openreach fttc Modem). I just want whatever setup gives me the fastest sync speed. Is it best with a one box or two box solution?
thanks
soza
1 Jan 16#56
I was told that BT owns them, just like how they own your master socket. You're not supposed to open up the back plate or relocate it yourself or you can be fined, but some people do it anyway.
My line isn't with BT, but back when ISP's didn't provide routers with VDSL modems built in everyone would get a BT modem that'd be fitted to your wall by a BT engineer.
Info on how to actually do it is sparse and outdated though.
To me it looks like too much hassle. I'd rather just buy something that works exactly how I want it to then mess around with command line, soldering or opening up hardware that otherwise works fine as it is. I just want an all in one device so that I can free up some room and remove the ugly BT modem from my wall. It sucks that I'm having to power two devices to do what one should.
I like to have the options should I need them. I did need them while on ADSL due to a REIN issue, which still hasn't fully been resolved as the suspected property causing the issue won't allow BT access.
There's over 20 networks that my computer can pick up and by using inSSIDer I've determined that a lot of them overlap. Everyone's fighting to get a strong signal, but I'm wanting to get into the 5 GHz spectrum because that seems to be less of a problem and I have some media devices that can make use of it.
Avalon-One
2 Jan 161#58
You're poorly informed. Anything beyond the master socket is your property unless covered by a contract stipulating otherwise, once out of contract it's yours and your problem. BT also don't install anything, they haven't done for anyone in years, the company you are referring to are Open Reach, or a contractor like Kelly's.
The instructions and discussion on current firmware options are easily found, a TTL doesn't need to be soldered, you just need to ensure it makes contact with the pads (pogo pins etc). As to the space and power considerations the ECI is rated at 5w and comes in at 15cmx10cm approx. Also as you're adamant you can't touch it or move it as its BT's property it's still going to take up the same space because you can't touch it remember? Claiming it sucks is a tad dramatic, 5w is insignificant and so is the 150cm square footprint to most unless you happen to be on a space shuttle and as fixed line telephony doesn't exist to the ISS I'm guessing it's just you being dramatic.
If you really want line adjustment and have to have a single box set-up do not buy an Asus DSL product. Look to TP Link, Netgear or Possibly DrayTek, all have a much better track record for VDSL products and a proven history of fixing issues.
As to wireless it doesn't matter how many networks you have round you, it matters what channel they are on and what frequency range/chan you choose, different geographic areas in the world have slightly different frequency ranges available (hint). I regularly deal with much worse than 20 networks on 2.4Ghz over much longer distances (several km), what you describe sounds like most student areas or small business complexes I've visited/worked at. 5Ghz has less penetration but a smaller fresnel zone, 2.4Ghz is still best for distance.
soza
2 Jan 16#59
Openreach is a subsidiary of BT, which is why I said BT for short. Even their own logo contains "BT".
Yeah I know that, but like I said, I don't want the ugly BT modem on my wall and I also know that it doesn't give you half as many options within it's UI that many of the others now do. In fact I've read that it can't even display itself correctly in some web browsers.
I'm looking for a hassle free solution that's got everything built into the one unit. So it's got to perform well and have a UI that looks the part; something that another family member or a friend could access and navigate around without too much trouble.
I may have been misinformed about the BT modem and what I can and can't do with it, but I wasn't worried about removing it because I wouldn't be damaging anyone's property. They could even have it back in full working order for all I care, but if I modified it then there could of been issues for all I knew.
I appreciate that you're trying to help, but I just don't want to go down the route that you've suggested as I don't like the BT modem for multiple reasons. I really want that modern looking all in one solution, but there doesn't seem to be one that stands out and is highly recommended.
keytronic
2 Jan 16#60
Im getting sick of bt home hub 3 always losing connection.
is this what i need? bit worried with some saying it has issues.
or will the rt-ac51u (other hukd posted) do. i dont mind paying more if i get the best performance and reliability.
frownbreaker to keytronic
4 Jan 161#61
You could keep your home hub and disable the Wifi. Then cable in an Access Point (remember to turn of DHCP on the AP and give it a static IP address outside the DHCP range of the BTHH - Should if you need more detail)
The unit posted by the OP can be used to replace a BTHH but has as has been pointed out the VDSL part of this Asus unit has poor performance on UK networks, so your options are 1) Find one that does support UK VDSL / ADSL Draytek have been good in this space but I've not used their kit on VDSL 2) Keep the BTHH and disable its wireless and drop in an Access point [also called a cable router as the Americans use these to connect their "Cable boxes" these are normally docsys3 (Radio over coax - TV aerial like cable) the closest in the UK is a Virgin Media Superhub which is an underpowered old Netgear Docsys3 Modem and router with oud of date botched software - I think Superhub is the marketing term.)]
Another options is to install a BT Openreach modem and connect this to an AP. This is the setup I have. The OpenReach modem is near the master socket. I have wired ethernet patched to the a room near the centre of the house on the first floor. Here I have an ASUS RT-AC68U (not whats posted on this thread) this logs me into to BT Internet or last year PlusNet. Switching is simple just change the username password. I'm not sure where to get an Openreach modem I got mine with the plusnet install pack and their crappy £5 thomson modem, that I have as a spare paper weight.
A lot of folk don't like the Openreach VDSL modem. As other units offer better stats and info than the OpenReach unit (I think its Thomson too!) is very basic just a few LEDs but it works for me. Very happy with PlusNet and BT Broadband infinity 2 and the huge cashbacks for signing up :smiley:
fordcampbell
4 Jan 16#62
Thanks for the post, I bought one to replace my BT modem & 2 dd-dd-wrt flashed cheap tp-link routers. Does everything they did & more & better. Sky fibre setup was easy enough & then there's VPN server & client and loads of useful tools. Only early days for me but it's been perfect so far.
Oneday77
4 Jan 16#63
But of a random question but what does everyone use to test their wifi speeds?
frownbreaker to Oneday77
6 Jan 161#67
I just use the client that connects most report what the Wifi Connection speed to the base station is.(e.g Android, Windows etc will report a 1.2gb AC connection etc..For the actual lan I/O I've file servers on the lan and copying files reports the throughput. Remember though that most phones have slow flash storage, best to test on a laptop with a HD or SSD and move a single large file. For internet speed tests the BT Openreach speed test seems honest. Avoid Ookla and others that are used inside an ISP data centre! Eg. Virgin host Okla servers and prioritise and boost (allocate more bandwidth on the Docsys 3 line) for the duration of the test. Fraudulent behavior IMHO
I decided to risk getting one of these as a wireless upgrade from a TP-Link TD-W9980. The TD-W9980 syncs at 80/20 with reported max attainable of 82/30. I was worried that the 'rubbish' modem in the DSL-AC68U wouldn't manage 80 in which case I would return it.
It was delivered today, firmware was a bit out of date and took one click for it to fetch and install an update.It syncs at 80/20 fastpath with about the same SNR and higher reported max attainable rates.
It has logged a trivial 38 downstream CRC errors in the 2 hours the DSL has been up although is it the middle of the afternoon and so a quiet time. The wireless looks pretty good so far as well.
So turns out it was definitely hot for me, but, the price is now £129.99.
keytronic
5 Jan 16#65
Thanks, I have hh3, so I have the seperate openreach modem anyway.
I will try using it as a single unit first. if i have problems then i will use it as a router and connect it to the open reach modem you suggest.
olsbean
6 Jan 16#66
Had this delivered yesterday to replace a HH5 and started playing with it and by late yesterday evening I was ready to throw it through the Window. I had several issues with it, including an unstable internet connection and a weird issue by where it would kill my wired LAN every time it was rebooted!!
Anyway I've played and played, manually configured the VDSL properties and touch wood I now have stable connection and I am able to reboot without losing my LAN. I guess the point I am making is that this might not be an out of the box solution for most and anyone having issues may need to spend some time with the configuration and settings in order to get it working correctly.
CUE99T to olsbean
8 Jan 16#71
Any chance you could post the settings you changed as I'm due to get Infinity in next 2 weeks and no doubt even though mine has been great I did a few firmware updates and made a few tweeks before it settled down a bit like yourself although I don't think it was anywhere near your level of issues but sounds like I might end up there for a few hours!!! Lol thanks in advance olsbean
MarkyB77
7 Jan 16#68
At 129 its still 30 cheaper than amazon at 159
chrisnasah
7 Jan 16#69
damm missed on the deal need a new router
thegog
8 Jan 16#70
Asus' DSL routers are utter crap, including this thing. However, there are strong rumours that Asus have seen the light and are working in a new VDSL router based on the Broadcom chipset.
olsbean
9 Jan 16#72
Sure, we just under 1km from the exchange and have quite old noisy lines, we also have our fair share of bad weather which I am told can affect the quality, my settings for BT Infinity (Not Infinity 2) are;
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
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Opening post
Dual-purpose wireless router and DSL modem, featuring DSL WAN port and switchable Ethernet WAN/LAN ports in a single space-saving device
Compatible with ADSL2/2+, ADSL, VDSL2, fiber and cable services for complete future-proofing
Combined maximum data rate of 1900 Mbps allows smooth streaming of 4K/UHD videos, online gaming or other bandwidth-intensive tasks
Dual dedicated CPUs for wired and wireless connections to maximize both range and stability
AiRadar with universal beamforming optimizes signal strength in any direction to give up to 150%* coverage and is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n clients
Multi-purpose USB 3.0 port supports file sharing, printers, 3G/4G dongle sharing and media streaming — with up to 10 times faster data transfer than USB 2.0
ASUS AiCloud lets you access, sync, share and stream data from your home network to any internet-connected PC, Android or iOS device
Its plaid finish on the front makes it more attractive than your standard black router, and it comes in black or white. It has a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port, the latter of which can be used with a 3G/4G dongle. Asus' AiCloud also lets you access networked drives remotely. Overall, this is a great investment for supercharging your home network.
What Owners Are Saying: Two-thirds of the user reviews at Amazon for the RT-AC68U are five-star ratings, with owners praising the router's easy setup, reliable connectivity and impressive range.
Some test specs:
PERFORMANCE, 5 FEET - 361.3 Mbps
PERFORMANCE, 140 FEET - 291.7 Mbps
First Deal Post so please be gentle,
Usually 159.99 everywhere and higher on some, but PC World also doing 10% off. NETWORKING10 code scanned in store or used online.
Just bought one today.
This router is a rotter do not buy this thinking it will be same as RT-68U they are not the same, the adsl on this doesn't work well, I did lots of research as I was going to buy this. No custom firmware for this ADSL one.
- fizz
Top comments
I've use one of these for a couple of years now. Using the AdvancedTomato firmware.
Fantastic router, just about every feature anyone could want in a home router.
Video streaming (and wireless storage) from USB3.0 port, real-time bandwidth monitoring (overall and per interface), built-in bittorrent client for those that would use such a thing, can be run as both a VPN server and client. Can be used to block all adds at a router level. Using EE I found it had higher internet connection speeds than the EE BusyBox 2 and tried it BT OpenReach modems, in fact using the EE BusyBox2 in modem only mode still made for higher internet speeds aswell as overall wireless performance.
The stock firmware broadcast range isn't wonderful, partially due UK broadcast power limitations but custom firmware is easy to install and gets around this. Lately I've been considering changing the antennae for large high gain ones none-the-less.
Any questions on this I'll be happy to answer, I have a fair amount of experience in networking.
Wrong version. Get the RT-AC68U instead.
All comments (73)
Here is the linik to the router on ASUS Site:
https://www.asus.com/Networking/DSLAC68U/
one router in bridge mode?
Suggest purchasers read this before buying it:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18606945
I bought mine for a lot more back in March. It's a cracking bit of kit and worth every penny, even more so now at £99. Never had any firmware issues and it has always been super stable, something which didn't apply to the Netgear one it replaced...
I think the forum is based on many people tweaking the lines and doing all sorts so it's hard to say if it's any good or not yet.
As I said there was firm ware issues I think before, but I think it's all horses for course when people start making them a unique setup for their own place.
I've just ordered Infinity and my BT HH3 is dire and will certainly be an upgrade for me.
Being a techie I guess I don't mind doing stuff like firmware updates etc and tuning it, but some of the features are not on other routers at that pricepoint IMO.
Good luck with yours.
If you don't need ADSL get the other version, even for ADSL I would conect with an ADSL router/modem
DEFINITE HEAT!
Effectively I am unable to get to the admin page only a power down/up of the router allows me to reconnect. Forget playing with online games as the lag becomes intolerable.
I'm not the only one either, search for issues with this router online and you will see what I mean.
Not tried the Merlin firmware personally but I will NEVER buy another ASUS router again ever. Asus support is complete and utter rubbish.
Good luck!
Maybe you have a dud?
Make sure you do a complete firmware update before swapping out the old modem / router!
I've use one of these for a couple of years now. Using the AdvancedTomato firmware.
Fantastic router, just about every feature anyone could want in a home router.
Video streaming (and wireless storage) from USB3.0 port, real-time bandwidth monitoring (overall and per interface), built-in bittorrent client for those that would use such a thing, can be run as both a VPN server and client. Can be used to block all adds at a router level. Using EE I found it had higher internet connection speeds than the EE BusyBox 2 and tried it BT OpenReach modems, in fact using the EE BusyBox2 in modem only mode still made for higher internet speeds aswell as overall wireless performance.
The stock firmware broadcast range isn't wonderful, partially due UK broadcast power limitations but custom firmware is easy to install and gets around this. Lately I've been considering changing the antennae for large high gain ones none-the-less.
Any questions on this I'll be happy to answer, I have a fair amount of experience in networking.
Wrong version. Get the RT-AC68U instead.
Amazon will back order it for £109.99 here
No, you really didn't as neither Tomato, Shibby, Advanced or Merlin (all based on Tomato) or DDWRT support the DSL range. They don't support adsl/vdsl devices.
My situation is this, I've just moved house & fibre isn't available so I'm currently on about 3mb download speed but BT may run a fibre line straight to the house, I don't know when that might be.
I take it the 2 systems need different modems?, so if I buy the correct 1 now it'll be scrap later? & if I buy the router without the inbuilt modem where do I get the modem I currently need from?
As you can tell I've not much knowledge about this subject!
Thank you in advance
1) Don't buy this unit. It will work but the ADSL / VDSL modem in this unit has issues.
2) Get the basic modem that your ISP provides.
3) Connect that to a high end Wifi Access point ideally install in the middle of your house (first floor) for best coverage not near the street where the BT line comes in
BT don't do fibre to the house for consumers / nor to Virgin. BT run fibre to the cabinet and VDSL to the house over the old phone line = 2 copper wires = the ones used for ADSL!
Also Virgin have Sandvine installed on their network and horrific shaping if you go over the limit. I had problems from the get go, ditched and switched to PlusNet thanks to a price hike, then ditch PN for BT again due to a price hike. PN and BT were excellent for my but I'm not a gamer.
Virgin seems fine for video streaming, poor for bittorrent so I'm told. BT and PN are better for torrents.
I use the cashback deals on each switch and move even if I'm happy with the service as the incentives to move are massive and keep my ISP costs tiny.
There were was my saga with VM, though a lot of folk are really happy with them I think its a location thing? Virgin media is not one network but all the old cable companies (NTL) etc. Oh and don't trust the speedtest things as the Sandvine kit allows this through, Most of the ISP host the speed test servers and prioritise / burst their traffic so the consumer test look good. There are graphs and charts on my thread of woe below for those interested. Would recommend the free thinkbroadband monitoring tool as it runs outside your home network and provide independent evidence of shoddy ISP service:
https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Forum-Archive/Problems-with-slow-connection-latency-problems-London-W13-Areas/m-p/2184834#M1024460
My main 'phone point' is in a utility room so the router needs to go there, not ideal hence wanting a better router & I could use some of its features too.
Incidentally about 6-8 miles from me BT add run fibre direct into houses as a test bed in a very rural area, the BT engineer told me this when he was installing my phone line & said the more rural you are the more chance of that happening, it costs more, about £10/week but those houses are in the back end of nowhere & are on 300MBS, to me it's worth that!
I think most people who upgrade now are given all in one devices, although they're often locked down or perform poorly. So does anyone have any suggestions? I would of tried this ASUS one, but there seems to be too many issues reported online for my liking. Apparently the firmware is open source though, so that's a nice plus.
The firmware is regularly updated, so I wouldn't worry to much about the lack of Merlin's firmware for this model... Sure it can be a nice option to have, but it really isn't as necessary as some people here seem to think.
So if I'm not happy with the speed for my gaming, I am able to cancel the contract?
I've held out for so long with by Billion 7800N because it works well, but being able to see the VDSL info and change the options would be nice. That plus getting 5 GHz would also be ideal as the 2.4 GHz range seems to be congested in my area now.
ECI's are more complex, it's a 90 second job for a HG612, relative to that making a cup of tea is complex, a ECI takes all of 10 minutes and the kit costs £2. For that you can run a fully unlocked DDWRT build on it if you want. A 612 costs £25-45, an ECI £10-15. You suggest you want to be able to manipulate the line variables at a modem level, but are worried about a very simple TTL interface and modem unlock? That doesn't make much sense. Also the 2.4Ghz spectrum congestion tends to be easy to avoid if you survey etc. Remember 5ghz has a smaller fresnel zone and less penetration, it'll also be equally crowded shortly as every home router jumps to 5ghz as does every device.
Unless you have a very specific requirement or line issue then stats are largely irrelevant, manually altering variables can help, but without knowing what you're doing you will usually make them worse. Either way without knowing what the issue is, connection type and what you want to achieve its not easy to suggest a solution.
thanks
My line isn't with BT, but back when ISP's didn't provide routers with VDSL modems built in everyone would get a BT modem that'd be fitted to your wall by a BT engineer.
Info on how to actually do it is sparse and outdated though.
http://blog.stuart.shelton.me/archives/999
http://hackingecibfocusv2fubirevb.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/bare-instructions-to-unlock-eci-vdsl2-modem/
To me it looks like too much hassle. I'd rather just buy something that works exactly how I want it to then mess around with command line, soldering or opening up hardware that otherwise works fine as it is. I just want an all in one device so that I can free up some room and remove the ugly BT modem from my wall. It sucks that I'm having to power two devices to do what one should.
I like to have the options should I need them. I did need them while on ADSL due to a REIN issue, which still hasn't fully been resolved as the suspected property causing the issue won't allow BT access.
There's over 20 networks that my computer can pick up and by using inSSIDer I've determined that a lot of them overlap. Everyone's fighting to get a strong signal, but I'm wanting to get into the 5 GHz spectrum because that seems to be less of a problem and I have some media devices that can make use of it.
The instructions and discussion on current firmware options are easily found, a TTL doesn't need to be soldered, you just need to ensure it makes contact with the pads (pogo pins etc). As to the space and power considerations the ECI is rated at 5w and comes in at 15cmx10cm approx. Also as you're adamant you can't touch it or move it as its BT's property it's still going to take up the same space because you can't touch it remember? Claiming it sucks is a tad dramatic, 5w is insignificant and so is the 150cm square footprint to most unless you happen to be on a space shuttle and as fixed line telephony doesn't exist to the ISS I'm guessing it's just you being dramatic.
If you really want line adjustment and have to have a single box set-up do not buy an Asus DSL product. Look to TP Link, Netgear or Possibly DrayTek, all have a much better track record for VDSL products and a proven history of fixing issues.
As to wireless it doesn't matter how many networks you have round you, it matters what channel they are on and what frequency range/chan you choose, different geographic areas in the world have slightly different frequency ranges available (hint). I regularly deal with much worse than 20 networks on 2.4Ghz over much longer distances (several km), what you describe sounds like most student areas or small business complexes I've visited/worked at. 5Ghz has less penetration but a smaller fresnel zone, 2.4Ghz is still best for distance.
Yeah I know that, but like I said, I don't want the ugly BT modem on my wall and I also know that it doesn't give you half as many options within it's UI that many of the others now do. In fact I've read that it can't even display itself correctly in some web browsers.
I'm looking for a hassle free solution that's got everything built into the one unit. So it's got to perform well and have a UI that looks the part; something that another family member or a friend could access and navigate around without too much trouble.
I may have been misinformed about the BT modem and what I can and can't do with it, but I wasn't worried about removing it because I wouldn't be damaging anyone's property. They could even have it back in full working order for all I care, but if I modified it then there could of been issues for all I knew.
I appreciate that you're trying to help, but I just don't want to go down the route that you've suggested as I don't like the BT modem for multiple reasons. I really want that modern looking all in one solution, but there doesn't seem to be one that stands out and is highly recommended.
is this what i need? bit worried with some saying it has issues.
or will the rt-ac51u (other hukd posted) do. i dont mind paying more if i get the best performance and reliability.
The unit posted by the OP can be used to replace a BTHH but has as has been pointed out the VDSL part of this Asus unit has poor performance on UK networks, so your options are 1) Find one that does support UK VDSL / ADSL Draytek have been good in this space but I've not used their kit on VDSL 2) Keep the BTHH and disable its wireless and drop in an Access point [also called a cable router as the Americans use these to connect their "Cable boxes" these are normally docsys3 (Radio over coax - TV aerial like cable) the closest in the UK is a Virgin Media Superhub which is an underpowered old Netgear Docsys3 Modem and router with oud of date botched software - I think Superhub is the marketing term.)]
Another options is to install a BT Openreach modem and connect this to an AP. This is the setup I have. The OpenReach modem is near the master socket. I have wired ethernet patched to the a room near the centre of the house on the first floor. Here I have an ASUS RT-AC68U (not whats posted on this thread) this logs me into to BT Internet or last year PlusNet. Switching is simple just change the username password. I'm not sure where to get an Openreach modem I got mine with the plusnet install pack and their crappy £5 thomson modem, that I have as a spare paper weight.
A lot of folk don't like the Openreach VDSL modem. As other units offer better stats and info than the OpenReach unit (I think its Thomson too!) is very basic just a few LEDs but it works for me. Very happy with PlusNet and BT Broadband infinity 2 and the huge cashbacks for signing up :smiley:
There are tools like the V1 version here (later versions seem to want money!)
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/test-home-network-speed-decipher-results/
It was delivered today, firmware was a bit out of date and took one click for it to fetch and install an update.It syncs at 80/20 fastpath with about the same SNR and higher reported max attainable rates.
It has logged a trivial 38 downstream CRC errors in the 2 hours the DSL has been up although is it the middle of the afternoon and so a quiet time. The wireless looks pretty good so far as well.
So turns out it was definitely hot for me, but, the price is now £129.99.
I will try using it as a single unit first. if i have problems then i will use it as a router and connect it to the open reach modem you suggest.
Anyway I've played and played, manually configured the VDSL properties and touch wood I now have stable connection and I am able to reboot without losing my LAN. I guess the point I am making is that this might not be an out of the box solution for most and anyone having issues may need to spend some time with the configuration and settings in order to get it working correctly.
DSL modulation: VDSL2
Annex Mode: Annex A
DLA: Disabled
Stability Adjustment (VDSL): Disabled
Tx Control (VDSL): -2dB
Rx ACC Gain: Stable
UPBO: Disabled
ESNP: stable
SRA: enabled
Bitswap Disabled
Bitswap: Enabled
VDSL Profile: 17a
G.Inp: Enabled
G.Vector: Disabled