Amazon.sa:Customer reviews: ASUS Whole Home Dual-Band AiMesh Router (AC1900) for Mesh Wifi System (Up to 1900 Mbps) - AiProtection Network Security by Trend Micro, Adaptive QoS & Parental Control (RT-AC68U)

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xmigoyx

Review from Souq.com

Reviewed in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on 12 December 2018

easily configure for my Aimesh

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AHMED THIGA

The worst Router software you can find in the market...

Reviewed in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on 5 February 2023

I have notice Asus product have the problems with maintaining the router with same settings you have applied its become clear that all of Asus Router or mesh network have same problems

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M. Massenzio

AiMesh doesn't really work (wirelessly)

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 10 June 2020

Verified Purchase

I don't really know how this works as a router, but I can tell you it's a complete waste of money if you plan to use its AiMesh feature to extend wireless coverage in your house, unless you plan to run an Ethernet cable from the Router to the Node.

The TL:DR is that you get WORSE connectivity, even when in range of the Router; and it doesn't really improve connectivity on the poorly-covered spots.

Asus Networking Support confirmed that it needs to be "within 3 to 5 meters" (which is ridiculous) but even so, I doubt it's any good.

Look at the attached pictures to get a sense (this is, incidentally what I also sent to Asus Tech Support - of course the drones there completely ignored all I said -- their canned response further below):

First, understand that in an AiMesh there is one Router (what you connect to your cable modem, or whatever: the WAN part) and one or more Node(s) (which connect to the Router and should theoretically extend the coverage):

Setting it up and connecting to it went all very smoothly, no problem at all - I also updated the firmware to the latest version.

However, when connecting to it, clients would experience significant drop in download/upload speeds: from around 30Mbps (without) to 6-7Mbps (with) - this even without any physical obstacles.

See the attached pictures:

1) laptop, with the AC68U turned off, connects to AC5300 router, and (as measured by Google's speedtest) gets up to around 30Mbps (this was consistent also with iPhone and iPad tests);

2) when connected as a client of the AC68U (same physical location for the Node, so one should assume it would get the same wireless reception as the laptop, if not better, due to better antennas/RF Hardware - hopefully!) the laptop only gets up to 3-6Mbps

3) when connected via *WIRED* Ethernet cable, the AC68U however provides great extended coverage, and I can get 30Mbps in the garden, where I would previously only get 6-7Mbps, or worse.

It's pretty obvious (well, if you don't work at Asus Tech Support and your head is useful for more than just keeping your ears apart) that in both #1 and #2 scenarios, the RF signal for both laptop and Node is absolutely the same - but the laptop gets up to 30Mbps by itself, while the AC1900 could only deliver 3Mbps.

Here is (part of) their response (note I sent both the explanation above, with more details, and both photos):

"I understand that your routers have connection issues. I know the importance of having it fixed and allow me to apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Let me do my best to assist you.

The WiFi performance depends on how you place and connect your router and node. Some commonly used appliances might be an interference to your wireless signal.
[...]
If you are using wireless connection…

We suggest you to locate your AiMesh router and node between 3-5meters.

Try to place your router and node on flat and hard surface,

Try to place your node in the center of your house. The fewer the walls (and the less substantial their inner material) between your router and node, the better your performance will be. Houses with dense materials like plaster, lath, or chicken wire in the walls are particularly hard for WiFi waves. Whenever possible, aim for direct line of sight between routers.

Routers radiate their signal more upwards than downwards, but mostly along the plane they are placed on. It is best to place your routers at a height halfway between the floor and the ceiling, not on the ground."

Honestly, don't really know what to say...

One person found this helpful

bhughes

Not a well tested device with bad technical support

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 18 February 2020

Verified Purchase

I purchased this router because I needed VPN Server support so that I can remotely connect to my home LAN. Seems simple enough right? Wrong. The UI for the router is thick to say the least. Once you navigate to setting up your DDNS and then selecting your VPN Server option, there are two to choose from PPTP and OpenVPN. First, if anyone is a Mac user, Apple no longer support PPTP because it has security issues so OpenVPN it is.

Stuff that was not tested well:
I was originally logged in with my laptop plugged into the LAN with using Ethernet. I ran the configuration and then logged into the router. Once everything was working, I connected via WiFi and unplugged the wired connection. I went back to the router console only to be told that I needed to logout first. Really?! What is the solution here? Reboot the stupid router. Its like Windows 95 all over again.

I believe this is actually a security issue. The router tries to default to router.asus.com instead of 192.168.1.1. Which means that using router.asus.com could suffer a man in the middle attack or a hi-jacked DNS (it has happened before).

Since OpenVPN is my only option, I export the config and certs, then copied the client config to my Mac which was on the xfiniti public wifi. When you go to their FAQ: asus.com/support/FAQ/1004472 it is clear that this document is from 2013. This is supported more by the fact that Tunnelblink complains that it is downgrading itself to support a config that will not work soon. It is clear they do not test this stuff.

At this point, I have had two really bad tech support experiences where on of the agents was trying to tell my that the router does not support the VPN Server option. Yikes. I politely hung up on each of them. What an awful experience. I finally get past the issue and get the VPN to work, but can not access my LAN even with "push LAN to client" selected. I try a few more suggestions from the Internet and nothing. Finally, I try "Allow only specified client" and enter the LAN subnet and mask. Well, that hung the router and I thought it might be bricked. The reset to factory defaults worked (which by the way is not really a reset since the firmware update I did was in place).

Anyway, it is working (I think and hope). Lets see if it is still working tomorrow.

If you need a router for just a router, then this is probably a good bet. It does seem fast and with good range and works in a highly congested area (I live in San Francisco and there are at least 50+ other routers that show up on my list). If you need tech support, good luck, at this point I think they owe me money for my wasted time.

One person found this helpful

steve

Mostly good, one big issue: AiMesh

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 11 May 2022

Verified Purchase

These Asus routers are pretty good, we use alot of bandwidth and high number of devices... weve got 3 of these routers around the house to handle the quantity of devices and large space. The admin options are pretty good, typical good Asus performance, lots of customizations but nothing i can change will fix the wifi only node. This is the one knock on the product: the wifi AiMesh network, I have 2 units hardwired together (works great) and the 3rd using wifi backbone for the mesh... this causes the 3rd node to reconnect too often. Any end devices that connect to the 3rd node often are left isolated without access to the rest of network. As such, if you are thinking to deploy multiple nodes without wired backbone, I'd recommend another brand. (IT professional)

SP3204

Mixed bag - with dropped connections

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 12 December 2019

Verified Purchase

Prior to this I had an RT-N66U which performed well for it's 5-year lifespan. it started to get intermittent - 5 years is not a bad lifespan for consumer grade electronics and it tended to be quite warm all of the time. The RT-AC68U stands vertically and stays cooler for that reason, the heat flows up and out. However, this has not been a good device since I installed it in July. Setup was effortless. However, as some others have noted, there are lots of dropped connections. This never happened with the other router. I've kept the firmware up, and there have been two instances where a number of my IoT devices got wonky - did not see the network and could not reconnect and only rebooting the router would cure it. It was time for another firmware update, which I hoped would help. Instead the firrmware update failed (the mobile app tells you this) and I had to use my phone as a hotspot to retrieve ASUS' recovery utility (note to self and others - preload software like this that you might need). To do the recovery, you need to have the utility and the firmware downloaded, and follow a procedure that sets up the router for recovery and use a computer connected via ethernet to the router. It's not for the average user - you need to configure your IP setup on the computer in a specific way to talk to the router and reset it afterwards. The recovery went fine and the settings on the router were unchanged., It's presently running OK again, on the new firmware, but connections continue to drop. I've ordered a replacement (not ASUS this time) and am moving on. The earlier model was killer good - this one, not. There are some pretty good options coming out - Ubiquiti's Amplifi series, or even their Unifi series - that I think are going to overrun the consumer hedgehog look (with all the antennas) with the smooth commercial look and commercial functionality. So I would recommend you pass on this model - clearly there are issues beyond things that can be fixed by firmware. It's a disappointment - the '66 was a great router.

ADAM

ASUS offers VERY LIMITED SUPPORT for this device

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 7 August 2019

Verified Purchase

The setup for this modem was easy and it lasted quite some time, until half of my devices stopped seeing the network as available (desktop computer, wireless printer, all smart plugs but not smart bulbs, etc). My laptops, phones and Amazon devices still worked fine. Noticed the 2.4 GHz light was no longer lit on the device, while the 5 GHz band's was. Did a factory reset, same. However, when I go to my network map on the router itself it shows all devices as connected to the 2.4 GHz band. Under the Professional tab in Wireless both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz have radio enabled.

Contacted ASUS customer support and explained my symptoms and troubleshooting, and after some conversation was told "Based on my checks, I would recommend that you contact T-Mobile to see if they are able to provide you with any other troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.". When I explained that I am not, nor have I been, a T-Mobile customer and therefore have zero relationship with them, and that I purchased this directly through ASUS' Amazon store, I was told "Based on my checks, I would recommend that you contact T-Mobile to see if they are able to provide you with any other troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue." and then "We provide limited troubleshooting that you have already exhausted. For further troubleshooting or indebt [sic] troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, you will need to contact T-Mobile." And so on and so on.

Since I don't have a T-Mobile account, I'm having trouble contacting their technical support online so I'm on hold with their 1-800 number. Wish me luck. I'll likely order a different manufacturer's WiFi router to replace this one while on hold.

***Update. T-Mobile tech support disconnected me twice while on hold before I ever was able to talk to anyone. Sent a request for support with my email and cell. Filled out the survey with ASUS after my customer support session, fairly and honestly including what worked well while the device worked. No contact from either two business days later. Ordered a Netgear. Guess I'll drop the ASUS off at Big Lots or McDonald's or the liquor store down the road since one of them might support it.

4 people found this helpful

Xbanderradio

Bad Power Switch - Really.. the Simple Thing Failed

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 26 June 2022

Verified Purchase

Purchased the RT-AC68U Ver-4 that was manufactured in 2021. It has a slide type power switch instead of the push-button style. I did the initial configuration and firmware update and cycled the power switch maybe 2-3 times, no problems. A few days later when I started to install, I slide the power switch ON and no lights. Check the AC outlet, the 12V on the adapter and both OK. When I was sliding the switch on-off-on it did not feel OK, no click or anything. After a few cyles it just jammed in the center position and no power on. Back to Amazon for a replacement. ASUS had a push-button style power switch on earlier models that would not lock in the On position. They did not exactly fix the problem with a minor redesign. Will turn On and tape the switch in position and never touch it again. Just unplug the power adapter to turn off. The stars are primarily for the Amazon return and replacement process.

One person found this helpful

ArenaVM

Disappointed

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 14 May 2015

Verified Purchase

When I received the device it was a breeze to set up and worked like a champ. The instructions Asus provided were spot on and the default credentials were on the back of the device itself which I found extremely helpful. After a couple weeks of ownership I really liked this router. My only minor complaint at this time would've been I don't find the range to be as strong as some have suggested. I have mine upstairs but it has a clear shot to downstairs and has minimal interference so I know it's the router. Further, I have a rather open floor plan which while it doesn't help with heating/cooling should provide great wireless coverage but I found it to be good not great. After 3 weeks of ownership none of my devices could connect on wireless. So I tried to log in to check the logs and couldn't. I use keepass to store all of my passwords so I know what I set the password during install was correct. Searched the web and i'm not the only one apparently with this issue. It took me about 20 minutes of trial and error to finally set the thing back to factory defaults. Should be a breeze but this one was not and again I found that on the web as others had issues. After I got into the device I noticed I needed a firmware upgrade which I did and reconfigured the router. Worked great for a few days and now am having issues with devices connecting again. So I went to log in and check it out but couldn't because again it won't accept my credentials. The worst part is, as of this morning when I checked to see if I could return the item of course I am 4 days over the date I can return it. So now I will have to factory default it again to gain access to the router and this time I may flash it with a modded firmware. Bottom line is would I purchase this again? A resounding no. And if you are thinking about buying it because you think you won't get a dud like many of us have be cautious in doing so. At the first sign of issues (which hopefully will be in the return window) don't try and work it out. Instead return this thing immediately. Also, as much as I hate flashing my credentials, I feel it necessary to lend credibility to my ability on troubleshooting/knowledge of networking. So to let you know I've done this for over 15 years, work as an adjunct professor teaching networking and hold 4 Cisco certs up to a CCNP in route/switch. And this thing frustrated me, what does that tell you!

D. S. Adams

I want to love this router, but it's getting hard to do so

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 9 February 2015

Verified Purchase

This router ROCKED!!!! (At first)

--
First post:

It also has some features that I don't know were emphasized clearly enough, like the ability to use a free app to directly access storage (if you've attached it) as a big cloud drive for your portable device. I'm still on Dish, and really appreciated that I could plug in a USB-based HD and immediately stream video to my Hopper. Nice touch for people who don't want to spend a lot of time setting up a media server. Still haven't used the "direct torrent" feature, but it looks promising.
---

Second Post:

Some of these other reviews are really frightening me off calling customer service for my router.I have really liked it, for the most part, in my house, where we have multiple wi-fi devices on MacOS. iOS, Linux, Dish, and Windows 8.1 operating systems. All have had great network coverage from day one. Until recently, our only problem was that the range was TOO good and we wanted to make sure that no one else was getting in.

... then, as the router's log shows, this happened:
May 19 22:23:25 kernel: EXT4-fs (sda): error count: 11
May 19 22:23:25 kernel: EXT4-fs (sda): initial error at 1432001914: ext4_reserve_inode_write:5747
May 19 22:23:25 kernel: EXT4-fs (sda): last error at 1432001917: ext4_find_entry:921: inode

I have been seeing that repeating message in the logs ever since, even after moving the HD to one of my Linux boxes, where it works flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure that the router is stuck on a process of some sort.

My EXT4-formatted NAS drive will no longer mount, and no amount of searching the web has given me a sniff as to how to get it back. I do this kind of support for a living, so there's no way I'm going to subject myself to the kind of "service" experience others are reporting. It still does all the other "router stuff" well, and I'm geeky enough to keep plugging away at the current issue - probably even to the point of sucking it up and running the "firmware recovery" software, if I can get up the nerve - but I can see a day coming when this review has to drop another star or two and I start shopping for something better.

Gaj Aiyer

WiFi - speed blasted or speed bloated?

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 30 January 2016

Verified Purchase

For fairness, I am reviewing a "Like-New" router that I bought from Warehouse deals. When I received the package, only the plastic wrapping on the box was gone, but the box itself was unopened. So it felt like a Brand New item. With that said, here's what I experienced.
At the outset, I read through so many reviews that scored the top AC routers under $200 agonizingly for over 2 weeks. Pretty much, every reviewer scored the Asus RT-AC68U above Netgear Nighthawk R7000. I had a router emergency at home and so got the Nighthawk from my local Costco. It was running brilliantly. However, this nagging feeling that I may be missing out on the best kept persisting. So, went ahead and got the only competitor to the Nighthawk: The Asus RT-AC68U.
Both are comparable in terms of hardware specs, physical appearance, and interface ports. So, there is no uniqueness between them. The world of difference lies in the experience.
Based on a usage period of 6 hours on each router, sufficient enough to make N opinion I suppose, here's my finding:
Admin UI coolness - Asus
Admin UI Simplicity - Netgear Genie
Router WiFi performance on 2.4Ghz (coz most devices and IoT devices are still latched on to the lower freq spectrum) - Netgear wins hands down, no deadspots, no dropped connections, great speeds even 70+ feet away from the router. Asus, outside of the 50 ft radius, nothing is reliable. Was rather shocked because all reviews claimed Asus was much better at "punching through walls" than the Netgear model. Redbooted, adjusted channel config, moved antenna around, moved some furniture around... comically they resulted in Netgear reception improving from 78% to 86% in the farthest reaches (100 ft+), Asus connection would be a paltry 48-53% in comparison.
Router performance on 5 Ghz: Even game sort of. Even then Netgear reception and speeds were better than Asus.

There are other things like configuring parental controls, remote management, etc. which you can read about elsewhere too. Am not glossing over those because the most important decision making parts are the ones above.

Hope you readers find this useful in someway.

5 people found this helpful

William M.

Wonky Extra Features Aren't Worth the Premium Price

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 17 April 2014

Verified Purchase

The router is fast, there is no doubt, but some of the key features billed as reasons to buy just aren't much more than a headache. All of my comments reflect the original and most-updated firmware, both of which were tested prior to this review.

First, while there is a USB port for a printer, good luck getting a printer to work. The website you're sent to to check if your printer is on the compatible list is several years old and only lists a handful of units. Neither the utility for connecting a printer, nor the LPN routine described in the manual, result in anything more than a Page Before Dying because rebooting your computer causes the connection to fail on restart. Even when I could get the printer to work it required Monopoly Mode which locked out anyone else on the home group. My Linksys E3200 that this replaces had one-button print setup through the Cisco Connect utility.

There is also a USB 3.0 port for a hard drive, a big selling point for me because the family is always screaming about running out of storage, and access from iOS devices to the drive would be important. Well, while you can set up multiple accounts for drive access through the Samba server, only the main admin account can get in. Who thought it wise to use the account that give access to every single router feature as the only way to enter the storage unit? So, total fail.

As I worked through the manual yesterday on my day off from work, it seemed I experienced more sadness than joy with my new router. I have been doing this for well over a decade, starting with my Linksys WRT54G and custom firmware, and haven't been this disappointed. Maybe I shouldn't have changed brands?

******UPDATE JULY 27, 2014*****

Well, one of the LAN ports died and I had to RMA it (RMA#USBW461173). I bought a LINKSYS WRT1900AC because I can't depend on this ASUS and the LINKSYS works like a charm. I now can print over the network, I can access my USB 3.0 drive, and everyone's wifi access has been improved--even in the far corners of the building. I was right: I never should have changed brands.

3 people found this helpful

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ASUS Whole Home Dual-Band AiMesh Router (AC1900) for Mesh Wifi System...

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ASUS Whole Home Dual-Band AiMesh Router (AC1900) for Mesh Wifi System (Up to 1900 Mbps) - AiProtection Network Security by Trend Micro, Adaptive QoS & Parental Control (RT-AC68U)

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ASUS Whole Home Dual-Band AiMesh Router (AC1900) for Mesh Wifi System (Up to 1900 Mbps) - AiProtection Network Security by Trend Micro, Adaptive QoS & Parental Control (RT-AC68U)

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