ASUS Reveals the Next Gen 802.11ac RT-AC66U Dual-Band Router (Updated!)
The RT-AC66U, coupled with exclusive ASUS AiRadar signal amplification and shaping technology, is perfect for demanding online applications as it is able to operate up to three times faster than existing 802.11n routers. The RT-AC66U is also an integral component of ASUS' Open Cloud Computing service.
ASUS has introduced its 802.11ac RT-AC66U Dual-Band Router.
Image source: ASUS
The RT-AC66U has the ability to run up to three times faster than existing 802.11n routers, thanks to the incorporation of dual-band Gigabit wireless with fifth gen 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology (or 5G Wi-Fi). With a massive combined 2.4GHz/5GHz bandwidth of 1.75Gbps, the router is ideal for demanding online applications, coupled with exclusive ASUS AiRadar signal amplification and shaping technology. Easy ASUSWRT setup, multiple SSIDs, and IPv6 support further enhance networking, while strong USB-based capabilities allow the RT-AC66U to function as a 3G, FTP, DLNA, and printer server.
The RT-AC66U is an integral component of ASUS' Open Cloud Computing (AOCC) service and aims to change the way consumers connect to cloud services. The RT-AC66U promises to act as a gateway to extend the reach and concept of a personal cloud service beyond the home network. With the ASUS AiCloud feature, the RT-AC6U allows for secure access to personal data and other files residing on home network, in the hopes of bringing seamless cloud computing services wherever there is Internet connectivity. This feature is available on two other routers:- RT-N66U and RT-N16.
Also released are the PCE-AC66 and USB-AC53 clients, both capable of 802.11ac speeds. The dual-band PCE-AC66 offers a mCIe client card for desktops, with 3 x 3 high-powered transmission. It can sustain 1.3Gbps in 5GHz and up to 450Mbps in the 2.4GHz band. For easy USB upgrades to 802.11ac, the USB-AC53 compact dongle plugs into any USB port, with 2 x 2 802.11ac. In 5GHz, the attachment can maintain 867Mbps, while in 2.4GHz it works at 300Mbps, achieving a total throughput of around 1.3Gbps.
Update: According to ASUS, the RT-AC66U Dual-Band Router will be available locally from August 2012 onwards. There's no word on its pricing as yet.
Source: ASUS
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