ASUS RT-N66U Wireless-N Dual-band Router - Beast Unleashed!

Enter The Dark Knight - The Wait Is Over

Mention 'ASUS' a decade back, and people would probably associate it with motherboards and graphics cards. And who would have known that the humble ASUS RT-N16 would change that perception when it landed here three years ago? Yes, ASUS has finally come of age in the ranks of 802.11n routers (it was draft-N then). Fast forward to the present, ASUS has since established itself as a serious contender against the likes of Linksys or D-Link with formidable dual-band offerings of their own, like the RT-N56U 'Dark Diamond' which made its debut in late 2010. The Taiwanese's latest and highly anticipated networking maestro, the RT-N66U, supposedly evolved from the conceptual RT-N76U gaming router which never quite made it to retail shelves. Code-named as the 'Dark Knight' in its final materialization, the N66U appears to have all the angles covered as far as home networking needs are concerned. More on that when we discuss its features. We did receive an engineering unit from ASUS in December last year, but we had to postpone our review due to the premature and buggy firmware (the router hung when we tried to hook it up to the Internet). This was also an early build of the N66U which included a built-in fan.   

The final version of the  'Dark Knight' will carry a Broadcom BCM4706 processor (clock speed: 600MHz), plus a BCM4331 wireless chipset capable of 3x3 streams. Loyal followers of Broadcom solutions would be glad that ASUS hasn't jumped onto the Marvell ship as yet. At a glance, the N66U appears to be crammed to the brim with networking goodies such as print server and file sharing features as well as multiple SSID support. Plus, ASUS' latest router also supersedes the RT-N56U with theoretical top speeds of 450Mbps on both bands. In addition, we understand ASUS have upgraded their web browser interface (ASUSWRT Dashboard) along with the N66U's release. You may peruse our findings over at the next page if you'd like to find out more. Released in the States earlier this year, we're glad to say that the wait for this Dark Knight is finally over on our local shores. Local networking enthusiasts can get their hands on the N66U at the upcoming IT Show at a launch price of $279. Comparatively, that's just about 20 dollars more than the RT-N56U when it was first launched more than a year ago. For now, let's get on with this review and see if this true dual-band N66U is in fact worth the wait! 

Demystifying The Dark Crusader

Metaphorically speaking, you can say that the ASUS Dark Diamond has a louder dress sense than the Dark Knight. If you recall, the RT-N56U flaunted a rather glossy frame compared to the RT-N66U's more subdued finishing. ASUS, on the other hand, has retained the criss-crossing patterns on the N56U which works very well with the N66U's matte frame. The N66U can be placed in a traditional horizontal position, or mounted vertically when affixed with the bundled stand. Cosmetically, the biggest differentiating factor between the two models has to be the three external antennas sported by the N66U. ASUS took us by surprise when they opted for internal antennas with the N56U, but they've since gone back to regular detachable (and upgradable) offerings with their latest release. The blue LEDs laid out on top of the router are mostly standard fare with indicators namely for the LAN ports, WAN (Internet), the two wireless bands, and USB slots.

The same standard setup can be said about the N66U's back panel. We found a regular line-up of four Gigabit LAN and a single Gigabit WAN port. The Reset button isn't too recessed so it's possible to activate it with your fingernails. Apart from these, we also spotted a power button and a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button. And given that this router supports printer-sharing, file-sharing, and 3G features, it's only logical that it carries two USB slots instead of one. However, the close proximity of the two USB slots also makes it harder to attach thicker USB peripherals for concurrent use. You might want to keep this in mind when choosing your USB drives or cables. Sized like a 7-inch tablet, the flagship router also feels significantly heavier than conventional ones with its weight factor of 450 grams. Another perk of the N66U is ASUS' inclusion of a flat LAN cable, as opposed to thick and stiff wires bundled with entry-level models. 

ASUSWRT Dashboard - Dark Theme for the Dark Knight

One key update which follows the N66U is a brand new web browser interface, also known as the 'ASUSWRT Dashboard'. Instead of a light blue theme found in previous stock firmware (RT-N16 and RT-N56U), the revamped Dashboard is now garbed in a darker dress code like the N66U itself. Positively, ASUS has retained their finesse at creating an attractive yet comprehensive GUI to pander to both novices and enthusiasts. Key selections are placed on the left column of the Dashboard, divided into two subsections - 'General' and 'Advanced Settings'. Files stored on USB or NAS drives can be shared via the router's FTP or Samba services. We also noticed that newly-minted user accounts are replicated across both services, although specific file permissions on the drive's volume needs to be manually set. Another interesting feature of the N66U is its 3G Backup Mode. Simply put, the router would switch to 3G if there's anything askew with your WAN or Internet connection. That's provided, of course, your 3G USB modem is already installed and configured. Presets like APN names and Dial Numbers for local ISPs like M1, Singtel, and Starhub are readily available. 

Like most N-routers, the ASUS N66U supports both 'Wireless Router' and 'AP (Access Point)' modes. Needless to say, IP Sharing and NAT functions are disabled by default when the N66U is programmed to function as an AP. A 'Wireless Bridge' mode is also available if you need to connect the N66U to an access point wirelessly. Quick tip: use the 'Hybrid' option if you want to enable both wireless bridge and wireless AP settings. For those of you who want to create guest IDs, you will find it under the 'Guest Network' button on the left column. You can set up to three discrete SSIDs (with configurable access times) for each band. Security wise, the N66U has no lack of features, ranging from Parental Controls to firewalls with URL and Network Services filters. Streaming media files from an attached USB drive to mobile devices is also possible with the router's integrated DLNA media server. As for print services, the N66U actually requires a 'Network Setup Utility' to be installed before you can manage your printers. Thankfully, this utility can be downloaded online via the link provided. In short, the ASUS N66U is easily one of the most formidable routers we've seen, given its comprehensive functions and future-proofed IPv6 support. However, ASUS might want to consider stabilizing its stock firmware by a notch, taking into account that the Dashboard hung on us on two occasions while we fiddled with its settings.  

Test Setup

To create a wireless network scenario, our routine test setup typically includes a desktop PC, the reviewed router, and a wireless client. The desktop system (with a Gigabit Ethernet port) is designed to simulate a host machine, while the router in question acts as the gateway. And lastly, a notebook plugged with a dual band Wireless-N USB adapter fulfills the role of a wireless remote client.

To gauge the router's peak potential and to prevent any possibility of varying wireless standards used, the evaluated router is locked down at the 802.11n-only mode for both bands. The QCheck application measures the wireless throughput (TCP) and streaming (UDP) finesse between the host and client endpoints based on a 1MB data packet. On the other hand, NetIQ's Chariot benchmark offers a more detailed account with average throughput and response time readings recorded over 30 seconds, based on a High Performance throughput script. Range is determined by the distance between the router and wireless client. Now, let's run through the results proper.

Chariot and QCheck Performance Testing 

We are wary of manufacturers' marketing claims when it comes to modern routers. More precisely, our skeptical minds tend to question if some of their signal enhancement technology are genuinely proprietary features, or simply drummed up 802.11n's capabilities like multi-stream beamforming for example. However, our fears were laid to rest when we saw how formidable the RT-N56U turned out to be. Like the older N56U model, the Taiwanese firm will maintain their Ai Radar technology (amplifies signal strength presumably) with the N66U, and it looks like their strategy will continue to pay dividends in terms of the router's wireless performance. Interestingly, throughput results on both ASUS routers were comparable on 2.4GHz band. What's notable, however, is the N66U's superior performance with WPA2 (AES) encryption enabled. This is a desired asset since hardly anyone deploys their routers without some form of security precautions these days. Compared to rivals like Edimax or Trendnet, the N66U also demonstrated tastier downlink speeds and very stable UDP streams at longer range, judging by its average throughput of 48.418Mbps at 25 meters with 0% data loss. The N66U's uplink figures were consistent throughout with an average uplink throughput of 66.959Mbps at 10 meters, and 42.535Mbps at 25 meters. As you can tell from our charts, the N66U also clocked in the best upstream throughput results at the farthest range.  

Chariot and QCheck Performance Testing 

The ASUS N66U continued to flaunt its brilliant showmanship on the 5GHz band. In a nutshell, its downlink speeds were simply unmatched by its adversaries. If you can keep your eyes trained on the bright blue bars below, you'll see that the N66U's throughput figures blazed the trail right up to 25 meters, where it was eventually edged out by the N56U by a notch. Peak throughputs were measured as 109.732Mbps at 2 meters, and 100.499Mbps at 10 meters. Similar to our findings on the 2.4GHz band, this router's performance at 10 meters was the best by far. The N66U also impressed with WPA2 encryption thrown into the mix, judging by its average throughput of 110.717Mbps which topped the rest of the routers as well. So if you are planning to stream media files via this router, chances are you won't be too disappointed with its downlink abilities. You might want to note that these results were based on the router being clamped in 802.11n-only mode with channel bonding (40MHz) enabled. We couldn't ascertain if there was a higher level of interference at the 5GHz band during our tests, but the N66U's upstream speeds were significantly slower than the N56U. Nonetheless, it did produce more optimal results than the Trendnet 692GR for all of the upstream tests. 

Summing Up The Dark Knight

It is time to conclude the RT-N66U as succinctly as we can. Looks wise, the N66U has our vote over the previous N56U for a few reasons. For one, we see no harm in external and upgradable antennas, and we also favor the router's matte finishing as opposed to the N56U's glossy dress code. We understand that this might be an arbitrary opinion, but that's our two cents if you buy them. The bundled stand is a nice touch from ASUS too. With it, we're able to elevate its antennas by propping the router in an upright position. This makes it easier to access its LAN and USB ports as well. We love the Dashboard's dark and sultry look. And it is, without a doubt, one of the sexiest yet comprehensive graphical UI among premium dual-band routers in the market today. The current stock firmware is more functional than the engineering version we tinkered with three months ago, but ASUS might want to improve its stability in lieu of the occasional hang-ups we've faced. More adventurous users, however, might want to try out third-party firmware like Tomato or DD-WRT.

There are hardly any routers out there who're able to rival the N66U in terms of features. The N66U's guest network alone supports up to six discrete and configurable SSIDs, with three SSIDs for each band. File sharing services such as FTP and Samba services are also available on top of its integrated print server. As mentioned, user profiles are replicated across both services, but you'll have to configure access rights on your drive's volume separately. To add, its backup 3G feature is an added bonus in the event the router's WAN port should fail, while users looking for a future-proofed router will relish the N66U's IPv6 support with various tunneling options. At the performance end, ASUS maintained its lead among the present lot of dual-band adversaries, more pertinently with its stunning downstream wireless throughputs on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. And although we didn't verify it for ourselves, the router's beefy 600MHz processor and generous 256MB RAM should ensure a resilient tolerance against heavy loads and multiple connections. ASUS' $279 label places the N66U squarely in the ranks of premium models like the Linksys E4200. But given all that it can offer, we believe it is a reasonable sum to pay for such an exemplary networking device.     

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