Asus dual-band routers

[Spidey]

Saw these at Staples last night. Been meaning to upgrade to dual band with the use of Netflix and more devices in my home, and im using an old Linksys that while does work well (although I do have to manually reboot it every do often) I think is now past its capability.

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=65%2C4532,4539&webid=466983&affixedcode=WW


I liked the fact this has the usb ports and can be used as a print server and media server. Right now I have to have my computer on for any of the kids to print for school, and this would save from having to go turn it on, etc. Its not on alot just because my wife uses it and I use my laptop. As for a media server I have my extgernal drive hooked up directly to my PS3, but with my kids getting older and all having computers in their room, would be nicer to have it hooked up this way so they can watch stuff from their room if needed

Anyway, anyone heard good things or bad things about thr Asus brand in routers. Ive usualy stuck with Dlink or Linksys in the past.

[Broli's Mom]

Admittedly, I don't know anything about routers or networking but I recently upgraded to anAsus 66U router from a D-Link 825 (I think that was the model number). The router is in my basement and the wireless performance has been excellent: streaming media wirelessly to my laptop on the second floor and Skype video chats have been flawless.

[Spidey]

Admittedly, I don't know anything about routers or networking but I recently upgraded to anAsus 66U router from a D-Link 825 (I think that was the model number). The router is in my basement and the wireless performance has been excellent: streaming media wirelessly to my laptop on the second floor and Skype video chats have been flawless.

The reviews I have read today have all been good. I think I may bite the bullet and upgrade my 10 year old plus router. Its getting a bit flaky, have to do manual reboots more now, etc. Got my moneys worth from it

I think with the amount of computers we have and the addition of Netflix and an external media hard drive now, just make sense for easier access to stuff instead of always having to have a PC on all the time

Anyone got some good Staples coupon codes they want to lend me

[wilsonlam97]

Yeap the N66U does have very good reviews. Many people worship that model for it being so powerful.

[killoverme]

I have the n56u. Its not the best for the 5ghz i think. Perhaps its my devices (HP touchpad) and not the router but I can only be a few metres away from the router for it to have a good transmission rate (with no drops). The 2.4 ghz band is great though. It could also be my building.

[Spidey]

Yeap the N66U does have very good reviews. Many people worship that model for it being so powerful.

Maybe its the upgrade I need. The last year Ive probably quadrupled my wireless devices in the house

[Spidey]

Anyone see these on sale anywhere/ Staples seems to be the cheapest that I have found so far

[nagasadow]

Anyone see these on sale anywhere/ Staples seems to be the cheapest that I have found so far
Are you looking for the 66u or 56u?

[Spidey]

Are you looking for the 66u or 56u?

56u, whats the difference from the 66u? Staples only carries the 56U

[xtasyx]

Using the 66u and it's AMAZING. Upgraded from a dir-655 and it's a huge difference. Router is in the basement and i used to get 2-3 bars in my room on the 2nd floor. Now I get full bars and much faster speeds. Although I do want to get a dual band network dongle just to see the difference between 2.4 and 5ghz N.

[HandsomeRob]

I was on a DD:WRT WRT54G for years, ISP upgraded me to a DOCSIS gateway/router/switch/whatever which was the absolute worst.

I went RT-N-16 with Tomato and don't have a single bad thing to say about it. By reviews these have to be even better.

[Spidey]

I was on a DD:WRT WRT54G for years, ISP upgraded me to a DOCSIS gateway/router/switch/whatever which was the absolute worst.

I went RT-N-16 with Tomato and don't have a single bad thing to say about it. By reviews these have to be even better.

All reviews seem good with this. And if my router is getting flaky anyway, might be time for an upgrade. With a Staples coupon can get it for about $100

[jacquesstrap]

I also own the N66U, and it's hands down the best router I've ever owned. I've got it down in the basement in my "network closet in the making" and get flawless reception everywhere in the house, as well as in the backyard.

I've never had to reboot and haven't had any disconnects. Right now I'm only used wireless as I have to wiring jacks/patch cables.

[Spidey]

I also own the N66U, and it's hands down the best router I've ever owned. I've got it down in the basement in my "network closet in the making" and get flawless reception everywhere in the house, as well as in the backyard.

I've never had to reboot and haven't had any disconnects. Right now I'm only used wireless as I have to wiring jacks/patch cables.

Does the n66U have the USB ports like the N56U. I know I would use those for a print server for sure

[HandsomeRob]

Does the n66U have the USB ports like the N56U. I know I would use those for a print server for sure

http://www.shadowandy.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/Asus_RT-N66U-7.jpg

[jacquesstrap]

Does the n66U have the USB ports like the N56U. I know I would use those for a print server for sure

Yes, it has 2.

http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66U/

[Spidey]

Yes, it has 2.

http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66U/

Thanks. Wish it was for sale at Staples, just the 56U is

[Spidey]

Just an FYI, Staples is having an unadvertised sale on these , on sale for $112, down from $139.

With the coupon codes can be had for under $100 now. Picked one up tonight

[Thai]

5 GHz has less than 1/2 the range of 2.4 GHz. So at the distance limit of 5 GHz, only 2.4 GHz will be used.

[Spidey]

5 GHz has less than 1/2 the range of 2.4 GHz. So at the distance limit of 5 GHz, only 2.4 GHz will be used.

Thanks, reviews for this are still really good, and I needed a router anyway as my 10 year old one is getting flaky. The print server option is a nice option as well that I will use

[poorwingman]

I read a review that said that 56u only had one SSID.. (http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31436-asus-rt-n56u-black-diamond-dual-band-gigabit-wireless-n-router-reviewed)

If that's the case... how would I force my appletv to use the 5ghz frequency?

thanks...

[FrostedGlass]

I have a 56U. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz can each have a unique SSID.