RT-AC86U Wifi Router

It's stronger than the Asus AC86U it replaced, which i found to work quite well for the last 7-8 years or so that I've owned it (I got it mid 2017 iirc). Well, except for wifi 7 and 6E stuff in higher bands, it's hard to really say, line of sight helps a lot but I've only really tried wireless vr twice so far and as long as it's LOS the experience was quite good. Say what you will about asus lately, but they make pretty good consumer components, the old ac86u was highly supported both from asus and the aftermarket firmware community, asus seems to be a lot less against that kind of thing than other brands, which I find important.

If you don’t specifically need the 6ghz band the 88U or 86U are better on the 5ghz band which is where most performance devices will connect

I have been an ASUS user for more than a decade. Had a RT-AC86U until a close lightning killed it. Now I have a RT-AX86U Pro running Merlin firmware. Refer to: https://www.asus.com/us/product-compare?ProductID=26439,25357&LevelId=Networking-IoT-Servers-WiFi-7 Both routers are close from a specifications perspective. However, there are a few differences that may help you decide.

More than a decade ago I needed a router and LinkSys was my choice. I returned it the next day and bought an ASUS RT-AC86U and met my requirements until a near lightning strike took it out. I replaced with an ASUS RT-AX86U which has been fantastic. Both routers used Merlin firmware. Today, you need to understand your requirements and then go to the ASUS website and compare/contrast but before you buy go to https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net to confirm Merlin support. Additionally, choose a router that has features that will future proof your home network.

I have had the ASUS 86U routers for more than a decade. I’d still be using the first one if it wasn’t for lightning. The replacement router an RT-AX86U Pro has been in operation for a couple of years now and I use Asuswrt-Merlin firmware rather than ASUS. Asuswrt-Merlin updates firmware components more frequently as well as redesigns some of it though the core is base on latest ASUS build. I use it in a 1,600 sq ft condo.

Usando o RT-BE92u há um mês e ZERO problemas, zero quedas, Zero reiniciação. É o roteador principal da Minha rede AIMESH com mais dois routers asus, um RT82U e um RT86AC voa. 5 TVs, Gamer XBOX, câmeras, celulares, tablets e outros aparelhos . Tudo funciona sem engasgos ou demora. Consigo jogar COD , com a família todas usando internet, streaming e tudo mais. Ping baixou, upload subiu, antes era 50% do disponibilizado, agora é 100% para down e up.

As others have said.. repeaters suck. There's ethernet over power adapters. Which aren't amazing but do a fairly solid job and can get you 1-200 Mbps - would still need a router on the other end of it. I've definitely seen routers improve wifi range... Asus gt-ax6000 would probably do the job for you I'd say. And it should be in that budget? I changed from some Asus maybe rc-86u or something similar, to an ax6000 and it was very noticeable the extra range. I'm also an Asus fanboy for home networking, however I know they aren't flawless (but the issues I've run into are with a gt-be98 and 2x bt10s in an aimesh setup and for things you're unlikely to use or care about anyway). That's my two cents - and I'm very much not an expert.

I’ve been using two ASUS RT-AC86U routers in AI Mesh mode, 2600 sq ft wood frame 3 level house. Main router sits in basement office and the 2nd is on a second floor at opposite side of space, \~60’ away with 2 walls in between. They’ve been great for many years. Now that I’ve learned ASUS has deemed this model as EOL I’m researching the upgrade path. I’ve ever only used LinkSys and ASUS in my networking journey. I’ve been considering trying TP-Link if I can’t find something that I need with ASUS. Originally I was leaning towards the BE550 or AXE75 or AXE95. Not sure about dedicated mesh systems like Unifi or Orbi, etc. I see varying opinions on TP-Link OneMesh/EasyMesh. Usage is a WFH wife using wifi, 2 teenagers constantly on wifi with phones/tablets/some gaming. I game too but keep the consoles (PS5/Xbox One) hardwired. Also have multi room audio (SONOS & Bluesound) with some wifi devices and most hardwired. I now do have a couple of devices that support 6ghz.All told there’s about 35 devices connected via Ethernet or wireless. Budget is not an issue, I will spend accordingly based on features, reliability, and usefulness. Obviously I’m looking for robust. I know the ”gaming” type of router would likely be the ideal type to go with but I’m not a fan of the starship/Alien facehugger designs. I look towards the seasoned users here to direct me to specific models to consider. I’m leaning towards WiFi 6E or 7 router. Let me know if additional info is needed. Thanks in advance!

If that Asus is the RT-AC68U then it's at least meshable if you buy a newer Asus router to use as your main router. That's one of the things that I like about using AiMesh. You can get a better router, and still put your old one to work somewhere else in the house. My current RT-AX68U Pro replaced by RT-AC86U, and that replaced an RT-AC66U. All three are currently meshed, so the garage and driveway get a good signal, as well as the rest of the house.