Is the Asus RT N66U Dual Band Router worth it for my Computer and Devices?

[JanaNesan]

My internet connection is TekSavvy Express Cable 18 (18Mb/512kb). My modem is the Thomson Modem provided by Teksavvy. My PC is an Asus G73Jh laptop. I need the router to connect to my Epson 7520 WF, my BlackBerry Playbook, and My Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. Also I might potentially have a desktop PC in the future which might replace my laptop. So does this warrant getting an Asus RT N66U or should I get Asus RT N56U Instead? Or is there a better alternative? Thanks. All input is appreciated.

[rageking]

My internet connection is TekSavvy Express Cable 18 (18Mb/512kb). My modem is the Thomson Modem provided by Teksavvy. My PC is an Asus G73Jh laptop. I need the router to connect to my Epson 7520 WF, my BlackBerry Playbook, and My Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. Also I might potentially have a desktop PC in the future which might replace my laptop. So does this warrant getting an Asus RT N66U or should I get Asus RT N56U Instead? Or is there a better alternative? Thanks. All input is appreciated.

Unit is $160? It has a great reputation for the fastest wireless speed. But are you transferring many LARGE files frequently? Most 5ghz N routers can transfer at 10-17megs/sec wirelessly without issues and those costs $40-70, and they also have 1000mbit ports just like the N66U.

So the question is, are you transferring a lot of very large files wirelessly between computers? If the answer is yes then you might consider it. If only the occassional files then I question the need to buy the best of the best of routers which will be outdated whenever manufacturers comes out with the newer 802.11c routers.

Also, if the N66U is to be used for 3rd party firmware flashing, are you willing to do it yourself or is it all wishful thinking? You will void the warranty and possibly brick the router. The latter is a real possibility because modern routers require very specific multiple steps

[X360]

Buy cheaper Linksys 4200

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/fs-li...-99-a-1196375/

[wilsonlam97]

I was in the same debate. I only want to get a new router for the following reasons:

• Networked Storage
• Smooth DLNA streaming
• VOIP traffic prioritizing
• Speed capping individual connections

My current router does none of that and I want to make the most out of my budget ($70). I know that if I want the best I should ball out on the latest and the greatest but routers are an exception.

[JanaNesan]

Buy cheaper Linksys 4200

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/fs-li...-99-a-1196375/

Thankks!!

Edit: All the FutureShops and BestBuys I went to did not have it in stock >.> Should I just get the N56U from NewEgg?

[poorwingman]

I was in the same debate. I only want to get a new router for the following reasons:

• Networked Storage
• Smooth DLNA streaming
• VOIP traffic prioritizing
• Speed capping individual connections

My current router does none of that and I want to make the most out of my budget ($70). I know that if I want the best I should ball out on the latest and the greatest but routers are an exception.

I'm running.. laptop, ipad, synology ds212j, jailbroken atv2, brother mfc 7065dn (wired network printer/scanner). I was previously on rogers and the freebie modem/router was able to handle streaming from the NAS to the ATV2 flawlessly.

I'm in the middle of switching to distributel so I'm shopping for a router for the first time in years.. and I'm curious whether such a high end router is necessary to keep doing these things, if the free rogers modem/router was able to do it fine. Generally, I think you'd find that you might be limited by the capabilities of the NAS (i.e. if you get a cheap NAS box), or if you only have a N150 wireless device (didn't know there was a diff in N devices when I bought my dell laptop a year ago, so I didn't upgrade it), and probably most important, how many active users you expect to have (i.e. is streaming, phone, downloading all going on at once, and by multiple parties).

Since I live by myself, the last point doesn't apply to me.. but can anyone verify if I need a router that specially advertises all these features to keep doing what I'm doing?

[ChipCookie]

The only downside to getting the E4200 would be the pushed cisco cloud connect software. However I do recommend ASUS routers because they are able to handle a big load, with the highest throughput as reviewed on smallnetbuilder. I own the RTN56U and it has very good range and speed, as well as a very nice interface compared to other manufacturers with strong monitoring tools (Note that this router has 2 desktops, 3 laptops, 5 phones, 2 ipads, ps3, tv and other items connected at the same time without hiccup - except when someone maxes out torrent uploading (since any requests for webpages/internet slow down). These routers certainly give more range than the typical router/modem combo from isps (I have the rogers one)

The QoS tools are very nice and much more advanced on the RTN66U than the N56 and the ability for multiple guest ssids is great for visitors (onto the point where you dont want them to access your home network files :P)

Its all personal preference in the end on what you wish to get.

[aeolus811tw]

if you can install non OEM firmware like tomato/openwrt/ddwrt
great range of routers in sub 100 range can perform fairly well for your purpose.