Multitasking is on everyone’s plate with the busy world we are in now. Subscribing to a decent internet plan is one thing but getting it to work accordingly is another thing. You can only do this if you have the best devices to back up your network. The Asus RT-AC56R router is an affordable alternative.
Asus currently stands as the 5th top producer of high-quality, high-performance computers and other peripherals. But the most immense contribution of Asus to the world is the Republic of Gamers series of computers and almost every conceivable gaming peripherals, including mice and mouse pads.
PROS
CONS
HARDWARE & SPECS
Main Features & Benefits
The router has many features that everyone should sing about, but for the readers’ benefit, we narrowed it to the top 5 best features to make it easier for you to go through everything.
Optimized for Multitasking
The Asus RT-AC56R can handle up to 300,000 data sessions. More data sessions mean better router performance. When everyone in your network is multitasking, it gets congested. Congestion means buffering videos, lagging gamings, and stuck documents. This router does its job better because it works 20 times better than a conventional router.
Easy Setup and Management
The Asus RT-AC56R uses AsusWRT, a user-friendly GUI that allows you to set up, configure, and manage your router. You can also set your parental controls using the same interface, update your firmware, and optimize your router with the QoS. Most importantly, you can do that from your computer, tablets, or smartphone.
Standalone VPN Server
Anonymity on the internet is a must for the user to get perks such as special sales, access to location-specified sites, torrenting, or simply protecting yourself while on public Wi-Fi. Having your VPN server is a plus in any network without paying for monthly subscriptions. OpenVPN is not as secure as paid VPN servers, but it does the job.
Easier and Faster File Sharing
This router has a USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port for file sharing. The USB 2.0 port is best for connecting a printer, and the USB 3.0 is best for sharing files as it works 3 times better than file transfer on USB 2.0.
Advanced Security Protocols
Aside from the VPN server, the router also comes with fantastic security protocols. Rename your SSIDs so you can see them when you open your computer. You can also set up 3 SSIDs for Guest Access so your guests can enjoy your secure Wi-Fi without accessing and jeopardizing your primary network.
Having kids connected to your network makes it more demanding, especially since they don't have much control over safe internet use. This router comes with robust parental controls to keep your kids secure at all times and keep them off the internet by setting block times.
AiRadar Beamforming
Beamforming increases the range and coverage of a router by strengthening wireless connectivity. The internal antennas amplify the signal so
Gigabit Ethernet LAN Port
The Asus RT-AC56R has 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for your wired devices or an additional Ethernet switch.
Cons
Here are some of the drawbacks we found with this router based on experience and online reviews.
Intermittent Connection Drops
It is annoying if the connection suddenly drops in the middle of important work or a game. This is one of the constant drawbacks you'll see in 2.4GHz bands of most Asus routers, even on the newer ones. Because it does not have external antennas, you cannot tweak the antennas to a better position. Getting a better position without interference and barriers.
Incompatible with DSL Modems
Not all routers work with all modems. Compatibility is one of the keys before getting an excellent router to work in your network. You cannot establish a wireless network without a router. Always check out compatibility before getting one.
What is the Asus RT-AC56R Best For?
Best for Multitaskers
This router is best for people who love to multitask. Watching Netflix while doing two to three tasks and has 20 or more tabs opened on their computer. For online freelancers who do a lot of research while working, the loading time affects productivity, mostly if you upload a video over YouTube or your site.
Best for Newbies
This is an excellent router for newbie users with its user-friendly web-based user interface. Everything you need is in one website, and you can find everything you need within the interface, so you don't have to navigate to other websites to update your firmware or manage your router.
Best for VPN Users
If you use VPN a lot, it is a good choice to invest in a router that can stand as a VPN server without paying anything after purchasing it, unless you want a paid VPN version.
What Buyers Say About the Asus RT-AC56R
We looked into the internet for verified reviews to see that this router is worth the expense, even if this is just a used router.
I've waited a while to write this review. I have had a number of AP's that work great for the first few months and then crap the bed (usually due to poor thermal management). This one seems to be holding up quite well, and with the HEAVY heat-sink in it, I can understand why. It has LOTS of thermal mass to manage the heat load on it, and I have high hopes for this one to last a long time.
This is only the beginning. This thing is awesome. It took me 10 mins to get it in and connected. I have not used every aspect of this thing to date, But as I get time, I will, and I will update my review. So far, my wife is the biggest champion of it, and she can walk to the bus stop (162 FT away) and stay connected while she waits for our son.
I bought this router around 4 or 5 years ago. Installed the Merlin Firmware onto it because I could not use OpenVPN setup with it. Once flashed with Merlin it works just fine. Recently in the past month, I Switched it over to an Access Point only. The distance and power of this are absolutely fantastic. If you want something in this price range, Just get this. It will do anything you want. Period.
Conclusion
We highly recommend this router for everyone who has problems with multitasking without worrying about the buffering in the middle of an important game. Take advantage of the many perks of this VPN server without paying another penny after setting it up. For newbie users, this router needs only a couple of minutes to set up and manage.
Considering the many tasks before you, the Asus RT-AC56R is the right choice for multitasking.