Just a word of warning to those recommending the DSL-AC68U ahead of this because it has a built in modem.

You clearly have never used the DSL version. IT'S USELESS. It has less features, won't work with 3rd party firmware, and the modem is a joke. Asus modems (DSL versions, as opposed to RT routers) are the only modems on the market to use a mediatek chipset. It's the most unstable VDSL2 modem I've ever used.

Pop over to the kitz forum and read some reviews on it and you'll see what I mean. I just purchased the RT version to replace my useless DSL version. The OpenReach DLM system hates this device, and whacked my line with heavy interleaving.

I highly recommend getting a VDSL2 modem with a Broadcom chipset. Only the Wi-Fi in the DSL version is Broadcom, the modem is mediatek (formerly realtek and ralink).

They also don't have U.K. firmware for the DSL version. This means Asus have removed certain WiFi channels and reduced WiFi power to conform with U.S. regulations. If you purchase this RT model then you can install 3rd party firmware like Merlin and override the U.S.changes.

I can't say it enough, buy this RT version, DO NOT BUY THE DSL VERSION

Massive heat OP. Currys refunding £19 as got this just before Xmas.

Basically supports VPN out the box. I have only had mine for about 5 weeks and I bought it for VPN. I happen to use ExpressVPN who along with some other VPN companies provide OPENVPN files to load onto the router to configure it for you. In general I have some devices connected to this router thus connected via VPN whereas some other kit not needing VPN is connected as usual to my Superhub

doesn't seem to be available anymore.

Is it just the BT openreach fibre modem I need if I was to use this(echolife or eci).

Still don't have my money back! Currys CS is absolutely shocking

What's the best firmware for best WiFi range? There was 1 that removed 80% restriction forgot which now

Can third party firmware be installed on the E1 version?

If you have a look at the white sticker on the back it will tell you the hardware version.



In the picture it shows A1.. mine from Amazon is also the newer E1 version

​How do you find out this information, I bought one as well in this deal thanks

Got mine today and noticed it is the newer E1 hardware revision which runs at 1000Mhz whereas the one I paid £100 for from Amazon last week was an older A1 revision from 2015 which runs at 800Mhz.

I don't expect to notice a difference but still nice to have a newer one :stuck_out_tongue:

Ditto, received mine today and setup was very easy, got full speed internet now on AC devices :smiley:
Update: Its version E1 too...

Glad I got mine in time. Brilliant router and easy to set up, love it <3

Still showing at £89:99p on Currys-PCWorld Ebay shop!

Looks like this might have ended early - back to £150 on Curry's site even though it is listed as a sale item

​Got mine from Maplins who price matched £89.99 and had them on the shelf. So far an excellent router and better than my old Netgear R7000.

Thanks OP. Ordered in the hope this will improve my WiFi range over my current Netgear DG1000N. Had two routers and two separate networks for ages now but can't be doing with manually switching between them all the time - just isn't intuitive enough for me.

Currys customer service being as shocking as ever. I ordered mine Thursday evening for next day delivery to store, and it still hasn't arrived yet.

I dread to think how long the Yoga I ordered will take to come. The delivery reference they've provided for that shows the item as being delivered to an address 200 miles away last April :/

Spot on - thanks. I was able to jump onto the recent VM deal so will get them to install the new service, try it and see how things are. If wifi is still an issue, I will order the asus unit. Thanks.

Can't comment on the BT hub however when it comes to Virgin I have been with then back to Cableinet days about 20 years ago so I feel able to comment with some experience
1. Price Increases - New customers will be on an introductory discounted rate so you can expect a price increase after 12 months. The terms & conditions do also allow them to increase prices in the introductory period but other than 2 increases in a 12 month period last year I cannot recall them doing so before.
2. Reliability - Rock Solid
3. Speed - This can be variable and is down to the level of utilisation on your particular part of the network. If utilisation is high you will get less than the "up to 100mb" speed but it is still fast enough for everything I do. If utilisation level is what might be regarded is normal then you get the advertised speed or a little more. I take forum comments with a pinch of salt as comments are often not qualified by details of local network interference and other aspects of WiFi that impact on throughput.
I have both the VM SuperHub 2ac and the ASUS. So far my non scientific testing shows fairly similar results in performance with the ASUS edging it. It should be noted that as yet I don't have any "ac" capability so I cannot comment on throughput at that setting. The ASUS is more flexible in end user customisation however.

with the most recent firmware, yes.

Yes I have heard the same although the guy on the phone (BT) said it was completely chalk and cheese compared to HH5; i.e. 100 times better. I have read a lot on the Virgin forums where people are complaining about not getting the speeds plus costs increasing after 12 months.

I think I will ask what the cost is to remain on the HH5, buy a OpenReach modem from the auction site and then order one of these ASUS modems.

Does anyone know if its worth getting the ASUS unit with included modem? Does the merlin firmware make a big difference? (I hear you cannot apply to dual modem/router - just saves me buying an OpenReach modem.

Thanks

I have been looking into this to upg

I have been looking into this and I found that the hub 6 or smart hub is a disaster in the bt forums. a lot of people are going back to there older hubs as they work better and the hub 6 is the worst router they have released to date

https://community.bt.com/t5/Connected-Devices-Other/Home-hub-6-not-so-smart/td-p/1642403

I think ill give the hub 6 a miss and stick with my bt open reach modem and think about going for for this to remove the hub 4, I might even use the hub 4 downstairs as a whi-fi repeater. don't know what to do as I have never used asus routers before and I have never used different equipment on fibre, used to on adsl

mmm what to do, anyone know why these have been reduced a lot are they going to discontinue them ?

Guys - I have a HH5 and my BT contract is about to expire. I have a couple of options which I need some advice on. Shall I go to Virgin 100Mb, upgrade to BT Smart Hub or stay as I am and put in the ASUS. I suppose I could use the Asus with the other options also. My wifi with the HH5 is pretty poor albeit, when it works, its not bad. I have an old house and signals are poor without extenders. From a cost perspective, Virgin want approx £25 pcm (12months) and BT same for 24 months. I would need to buy an OpenReach modem anyway if I went BT route or could buy the all in one.
Not a big gamer, just need a good wireless round the house for multiple phones/tablets. Thanks

well I am on a ECI exchange but not to sure if the bt openreach is a ECI

​There were issues when BT enabled G.INP on Huawei cabinets but certain customers had an incompatible ECI modem. Depends what you have? Personally I'd keep the Openreach modem and use it with the ASUS.

I've just replaced a Netgear R7000 as after a year it started dropping the internet connection on a daily basis. So far the Asus is flawless and the GUI is so much easier and nicer on the eye than the Netgear. This is a bargain imo.

Hi all
I have had bt fibre in for 2 years and have the white openreach modem and home hub 4. I have been having some issues and had an engineer out and he reset my ip profile back to 71mb as it used to be this and has slowly went to 64mb profile over the months.

He said it might be the modem and router config and best to get the home hub 6 or smarthub what ever it's called.

So the question is would this be better to get to replace the bt home hub 4 pr get the the hub 6 and turn the router of and use it just as a modem and use this as well ? The thing is the openreaxh modem is getting the 71mb sync now that matches the engineers equipment he was testing it with so I don't know if it is a open reach modem problem that's cause my profile to sync slower over time.

I used to use netgear stuff a lot but they have went down hill a lot in the past 3 years Any thoughts on this thanks all.

Are you saying that for this RT version, wifi power will be reduced for us compliance unless custom firmware is installed?

Just a word of warning to those recommending the DSL-AC68U ahead of this because it has a built in modem.

You clearly have never used the DSL version. IT'S USELESS. It has less features, won't work with 3rd party firmware, and the modem is a joke. Asus modems (DSL versions, as opposed to RT routers) are the only modems on the market to use a mediatek chipset. It's the most unstable VDSL2 modem I've ever used.

Pop over to the kitz forum and read some reviews on it and you'll see what I mean. I just purchased the RT version to replace my useless DSL version. The OpenReach DLM system hates this device, and whacked my line with heavy interleaving.

I highly recommend getting a VDSL2 modem with a Broadcom chipset. Only the Wi-Fi in the DSL version is Broadcom, the modem is mediatek (formerly realtek and ralink).

They also don't have U.K. firmware for the DSL version. This means Asus have removed certain WiFi channels and reduced WiFi power to conform with U.S. regulations. If you purchase this RT model then you can install 3rd party firmware like Merlin and override the U.S.changes.

I can't say it enough, buy this RT version, DO NOT BUY THE DSL VERSION

Massive heat OP. Currys refunding £19 as got this just before Xmas.

I purchased this this morning I am on super fibre (76) Talk Talk can I use this as my main router or will it be best to be a slave off main router. I live in an old farmhouse brick walls and kids winge about signal on floor above your help would be much appreciated

Yes can confirm the black superhub i have is the 3.0 model- if you go to this site and scroll down right to the bottom of the page you will see it http://www.virginmedia.com/shop/bundles/full-house-movies-bundle.html

I think they also have the SH3 in black

I am possibly misunderstanding you but i thought the only colour of the Superhub 3 was white. The Superhub 2ac was black however so I believe that is what you will have
You will not get the same throughput wirelessly as you would with ethernet plus local interference is likely to play a part so I can't say exactly what your problem is. However when my own Superhub 2ac (I have had it replaced twice) arrived i noticed with each of them that the default Wireless Radio was optimised for wireless range rather than performance. You can change the performance characteristics of the 2ac (which is what I think you have) but I don't think that option is available in the Superhub 3

:smiley:

Silly question here but not sure-i have the black virgin superhub 3.0 installed last week with the vivid 200 speeds and getting 210 Mpbs speeds no problem to a wired connection on my pc on the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands with the superhub in wireless mode but when it comes to my laptop connected wirelessly my speeds are about 120 Mpbs and about 50Mpbs on my phone so wondering buying this router to put the superhub in modem mode to go with this router will it give me the advertised 200 Mpbs speeds on my wireless connected devices.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encryted network between your device and the VPN preventing your ISP and other agencies snooping on what you are doing or reading your internet traffic. Your IP address is also seen as something different significantly reducing/ eliminating the likelihood that your activity is detected. Additionally you can appear to be located in another country thus avoiding "Geo Blocking" so that you can access the service.
You will need to sign up to a VPN service of some sort and there will be a fee usually in the range of about $5-$8 per month. The longer you sign up the cheaper it usually is. You can find some free services but the amount of traffic is usually limited and you might have to manually configure the router for the free option (No downloadable openvpn configuration files).

​The bug is in the firmware of the Hub3, not specific to the router you attach so don't be put off buying this one as it's excellent. Intel are working on a fix for the issue, but no timescales given.
Virgin have stopped issuing the Suberhub2AC now too so it's just a case of waiting for the fix as we're out of options.

Good deal. I have the DSL version and works flawlessly with sky. You can't add custom firmware on that one though as mentioned.

Cheers Gazz :smiley:

Heat added.

Perfect. Have been dithering over whether to trust PC World with this. No brainer now.

I'm having the SH3 installed in the New Year, was thinking of getting this but if it's going to cause these issues then I think I'll leave it.

Are there any routers that you recommend for the SH3?

Finally able to order with code, wouldn't work last night. Thanks op :smiley:

If you'd prefer delivery and don't mind waiting Amazon have price matched http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/asus-rt-ac68u-wireless-cable-fibre-router-was-80-99-amazon-2589374

Worked fine for me late last night. Might be worth another try. £80.99 delivered as OP said.
Not sure if I'm clever enough to get it working though. Hoping it will resolve some intermittant streaming and connection problems I'm having with my Plusnet fibre setup. Any suggestions for where I can see all the possibilities for this in fairly simple English?

Hi, please could you explain how the VPN works? Will I need to buy a VPN subscription service as well?

Not if using a SH3

Just got Fibre... is it worth it?

How would this work with plus Net Fibre? Would I still have my BT Open Reach Modem, and connect the Ethernet cable in to the new Router

Wireless on this router is so good I manage to stream wirelessly from my PC to my Steam link with absolutely 0 lag. Amazing as my previous BT home hub with powerline adapters had endless issues streaming

Just bought too, been waiting for this :smile:

​Strange, it wasn't when I tried earlier. It is now though, brought and paid for with code. Great find :smirk::smirk:

It was available for me home delivery with code, just bought it.

Basically supports VPN out the box. I have only had mine for about 5 weeks and I bought it for VPN. I happen to use ExpressVPN who along with some other VPN companies provide OPENVPN files to load onto the router to configure it for you. In general I have some devices connected to this router thus connected via VPN whereas some other kit not needing VPN is connected as usual to my Superhub

be careful with SH3 and these....

I had one about 2 weeks ago and returned because of the problems with SH3 and modem mode

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2016/08/unstable-ethernet-ports-affecting-virgin-media-superhub-3-routers.html

I also bought this at the beginning of Dec for £99, Connected with Openreach VDSL Modem & it's fantastic! Also lets me enable Ipv6 for BT infinity too.

Dam it.. Not avaliable for home delivery anymore and none in any stores near me.

Then you've not set it up properly. Either wrong port for modem mode or your router is setup incorrectly.


I bought this at start of Dec for £99.99 and its a fantastic router. Currently got a 2TB usb 3 external connected to it and its awesome for a NAS alternative. I did put Merlin on it for better features but what a nice piece of kit. Would recommend for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative for a NAS.

​its a more stable faster network. if you're just browsing web pages and get signal throughout your house then you probably won't notice any difference but if you're pulling large files about then it will really come into its own

​Not strictly true, with some DSL routers you can put them in to bridge mode so they'd be just as compatible with the ASUS as an FTTH or Virgin service would be.

​Faster wifi, more reliable service, other inbuilt services such as torrenting etc

I've never stuck with an ISP provided router simply because I don't trust their reliability.

If you're not having issues with your ISP router then I wouldn't worry too much about buying something like this deal.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but this seems to me to be only for cable and FTTH as it doesn't appear to have a vdsl/adsl modem. A bit misleading of companies to say fibre compatible without mentioning which type. In fact isn't this just a router?
If anyone else is interested it's the dsl-ac68u that has the modem built in so you can use it on adsl/vdsl.

Sorry if I'm being thick here - but what would be the main benefit of this over the standard router than Virgin Media provide with the fibre package?

​380.59 is the firmware I'm using from Merlin. to access the torrent client you must go to usb applications and it's called download manager but you must have a USB drive of some sorts plugged in. as for accessing drives that are plugged into it you simply open explorer and click on network.......there you should see the drive and be able to open it as a normal drive location.....hope this helps and any problems then feel free to msg me

Purchased this when it was £99.99 and that was a bargain. This is scorchio! :sunglasses:

​im using the latest Merlin firmware if you do a bit of searching online you will find all the info you need but all the features I mentioned are in the standard Asus firmware

​when you put it in modem mode it will only output through Ethernet port one.......all the other ports become defunct........they really are something special these Asus routers as I said earlier I still have the older n66u and it's been absolutely bullet proof. our house has 3 floors and I can stream a 20gb movie from the bottom floor to the top over wireless to my nvidia shield without any problems at all.

You should check what channels are busiest in your neighbourhood and try switching to channels which are being used less and do speed checks on each

Bought in Maplins who price matched Curry's £89.99 price and had them on the shelf.

^ what he said. not available for home delivery and store reserve doesn't let you use the code to bring the price down!

No longer available for delivery to home with code! I'll try in-store tomorrow...

Yes, provided you continue to use your bt supplied modem. The bt modem will make the adsl connection and this router will then do everything else (dhcp/firewall/wifi etc) when connected via Ethernet to your bt modem.

All your kit would then connect to this router and not your bt modem.

Sounds from this thread that the issue could well be fixed now if you've recently recieved or firmware updated your superhub:

http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Networking-and-wireless/Superhub-3-keeps-dropping-out-in-modem-mode/td-p/3128518/page/5

i know that this works with fibre broadband but would it work if i got.bt modem to connect to sky standard broadband

Not sure if still an issue but you might want to tread carefully if planning to keep the Virgin Superhub 3 as a modem and using this Asus Router for wifi :

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2016/08/unstable-ethernet-ports-affecting-virgin-media-superhub-3-routers.html

Might cause more issues than it fixes! :wink:

You'll have a job!. Slightly ahead of yourself there :wink:

Sounds good to me. Thanks

I use this with my Sky Modem. I switched off the Wifi from the Sky. You just connect a network cable (provided) from the back of the Sky router to this and it will work.Better signal and more robust piece of kit. If you switch providers in the future, you can continue to use this router. Good investment.

No this is the Cable/Fibre version. You should buy this and connect with your ISP modem. I know it's better to have 1 device to do all, but buying the cable version of this is better because you can upload/customise it.

Can this be used as a direct replacement for my Sky fibre router, or do I still need that also?

Buy this instead of Modem version of this. The Cable version allows you to upload custom firmware version (Merlin). It makes it way more future proof and you can customise the hell out of it. Example: You can block all adverts at router-level (AB-Solutions). I love this router. Hasn't let me down at all. Had it with Talk-Talk and now Sky. At this price, it is a very good investment.

Great price!

Big difference between the cable and modem version is the modem consumes one of the USB sockets on the back. Cable/Router version has 2 configurable USB ports

This has no modem in it if that is what you mean? you would need the DSL-AC68U to plug into your wall socket for it to receive VDSL service without the need for another modem. I have BT Home Hub 4 and will be replacing it with one of these RT-AC68U but i will still need to keep the white modem and plug that into the new Asus Router.

Hope that helps..

Ours in the office has 526 days of uptime. That's probably the day it arrived.

Great box to replace the utterly useless BrightBox 2 from EE

Bought! Was gonna order the ASUS RT-N66U this evening and thought I'd pop on here quickly so glad I did. Thank you.

So modem mode is a the better option , instead of replacing the virgin hub? Does it support vpns with ease or do you have to change the firmware ?

With my virgin hub the wifi is terrible. Virgin reckon it's to do with the channels being crowded. I imagine this will still be the same?

Thanks in advance

Is this suitable for VDSL? Thanks

I've gone ahead and ordered it too :smiley:

If it shows some of the aforementioned problems I'll return it.

Excellent router that has been rock solid for me for the last two years. Currently have Virgin 200mb with SuperHub 3.0 in modem mode (previously used it with BT Infinity 2). It replaced my RT-N66U which i now use as an access point to expand my wi-fi further in the house.

Both routers use the Merlin Firmware: Asuswrt-Merlin Download

Calling it a 'fibre router' is a bit disingenuous.

Thanks Sparks :smiley:

If it's store collection you can mention abou the code and they reduce the price :smiley:

Looks like you cant use the discount code to collect in store? :disappointed:

Thanks

good find Vassy! head added :smiley:

I have the DSL version and absolutely love it! So configurable :smiley: I had the VR900 before hand and chopped it straight in for the ASUS. Don't regret it at all.

Understood, thanks. I appreciate the info. Seems a shame really. I just want to avoid having 2 boxes. i did away with the OR equipment when I got my HH5.

When I say DSL, I should say my only experience is with VDSL / FTTC, though I should imagine the majority of people are using fibre if available to them. You have random drops, slowness in connection, and ASUS have been aware and have pushed out many firmware updates over the last couple of years but the problems remain. Switching to a separate modem in conjunction with the ASUS works well but you're still unable to use any sort of custom firmware.

I sold mine and if I were you I would avoid the DSL version.

No. You still need a modem so you would continue to use the Virginmedia router in modem mode.
I use my Superhub 2ac as a normal router but have set up the RT-AC68U as my always on VPN. It's easy to do and any of my devices can now use either connection depending on what I want to use it for

Just about to buy the DSL version. In what way is it awful? I'm not into customising firmware or anything, just wanting to replace my HH5 for something with a bit better throughput.

I want to improve performance of Xbox streaming over my network.

Thanks

​thanks. I've got hh5 which is connected directly to the line.

Yes, just set the vm router into modem mode

That's what I have been doing with it for almost 2 years. It's brilliant

Take them of the radiator then

what HH have you got?

If you have the white openreach box before your hub then you can swap them, otherwise if your homehub is connected directly to your phone socket then you need to try and run the homehub in a modem mode (ie the homehub supplies internet signal only to a device, which would be the router in this case).

will this replace my bt fibre optic homehub outright or will I still need something in between?

I have the older n66u and it's been absolutely bullet proof........intact it's been that good that I'm not even tempted by this absolute bargain. you can plug in external drives to it's USB ports turning it into a nas drive. It also has a torrent client if that's your thing so it can download files straight to the drive meaning you don't need to leave your PC on. it truly is a fantastic piece of kit

Just look at the reviews for this modem - fastest speeds you will get at this price point. I have a Virgin Superhub which works ok but do get low signals in some parts of the house. Bought one of these 2 months ago and it has been solid. Simply go into Superhub setup and turn on Modem Mode and plug the top ethernet socket into this router. The router will setup automatically and your set. We now get top speeds all over the house. Have an Xbox One S wired into this router and the download speeds on game updates etc are truly impressive - much quicker than the Virgin router. At this price, just buy one and transform your wifi.

​thanks mate!

this better then the TP-LINK Archer VR600 AC1600 Mbps Wireless Dual Band ?

Will give this a go! Cheers OP.

Zyxel VMG1312 or Openreach HG612 modems (both on eBay) are good for use with the ASUS routers.

surprised there's no modem included for the price it is.
Looks like a good deal though.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a modem that will work with bt inifiniti connection and with these routers? I don't have my openreach one anymore as my bro sold it off which I wasn't too pleased about.

Damn just paid £100 from Amazon for this a few days ago. A feel a return may be in order.

Been looking for a better WiFi device to replace my crappy Superhub 2 Wifi network. I want this to work in conjunction with my Apple Airport Extreme. Problem I have is everytime I try to put my Superhub2 into modem mode it never ever picks up the internet connection.

Great deal. Is it worth upgrading my router and getting powerline adaptors? I've got a plusnet router which gives surprisingly good coverage across all of my 3 story house. However it doesn't give me the same strength or speed that connecting via ethernet would. I've had some TP Link powerline adaptors before which kept dropping connection and I've been debating whether to try better ones or upgrade my router (or both!).

Thank you, this one then?www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/networking/network-routers-and-switches/routers/asus-dsl-ac68u-wireless-modem-router-10026294-pdt.html

Yes, you are correct! THis deal isnt correct it is?

This doesn't have a modem built in, that's the DSL-AC68U.

To be quite honest the modem in the DSL version is awful, and you can't put Merlin or any other custom firmware on it.

This non-modem ASUS is far better.

Has this not got the modem built in?

for an extra £10 you can get the modem version then replace your existing DSL....

I have the RT-AC66U for nearly 3 years now and its superb. I did have the BT Home Hub 4 and it was patentetic trying to stream anything over the netwrok. The RT-AC66U is something else. Adding it with custom Asuswrt-Merlin firmware, you can open up the router to another amazing world.

I wish I had the 68 as this has a fibre modem built in where the 66 doesnt. have some heat OP!

Quite probably a silly question but can this REPLACE my virgin media hub? I bought a router a while back and still have to use the VM one in modem only mode but sure this is where a lot of my problems are coming from.

Last minute check, compatible with Sky yeah? I've already sussed out my username and password :smile:

Heat OP!

Nice deal. How does this rate against the TPLink VR900? Any experience anyone?

nice find vassy , heat added :smiley:

just a question.The new Sky Q hub is available by a couple of ebayers for half this price.Has anybody looked into the new dual band Sky Q hub?

Ive got onw if these coming up on 3yrs old, hasn't missed a beat! Wondering if I should get another to use as a repeater!

Would this improve wifi coverage compared to a virgin hub 3 router?

I had three of these replaced under warranty before warranty ran out. they get hot

nice

This is truly a hot deal.

Good find vassy! Lowest it has been. Great router for those who want an upgrade.

- Pricespy