Is the Asus RT-AC56U still a good option?

[hungarianhc]

Hi All,

I have the RT-AC68U running the most recent merlin firmware - love it. I know the 56U has the same CPU, but it's 2x2 instead of 3x3. I'm visiting my parents right now, and their wifi is pretty shoddy, and I'm in charge of upgrading the house. The house is large, and they currently have one 802.11N router w/ another router over homeplug in extender mode. I'd like to bring them up to more modern technology like the 56U. It's only 2x2, but I'm thinking that it will offer a major improvement over their current setup, even if it's not as high-end as some of the newer routers like the 68, 87, 3200, etc.

So my question is... Are there any major red flags about getting two AC56Us, loading up Merlin's most recent firmware, and running one as a router and one as an extender? The price is right on the 56Us, and while I appreciate the extra bandwidth, I don't think they would notice. They just want "fast internet" and reliability in more spots in the house. Thoughts? Thanks!

They are currently on an A1355 Apple Time Capsule w/ Airport Extreme extending.

 

[Rhialto]

BTW, a RT-AC55U showed up recently and it looks like an updated 56U. I posted about that here but I'm still trying to find more info on it...

I don't know the A1355 so can't comment or compare with it. Why going Merlin for you parents instead of stock that should just do fine?

 

[hungarianhc]

Why going Merlin for you parents instead of stock that should just do fine?

They will never use the router config page. I will. I want them to have the exact same type of deployment as I do so when I visit and something needs to be fixed, I know my way exactly around it. Thus, I'm for sure getting them two Asus routers. I'm just curious if the AC56U with the newest firmware is generally still considered to be a pretty good option.

 

[L&LD]

The RT-AC56U would be a great upgrade over the 2009 tech they currently have.

I would look into hggomes fork which allows higher Tx levels and may lead to needing only a single RT-AC56U. This fork is based on the latest RMerlin firmware but you need to PM hggomes to get the link.

Even with RMerlin's firmware, I am pretty sure that a single 'AC56U would be sufficient, if properly and optimally placed.

Take away: buy two RT-AC56U's. Open and configure only one and test how much of an improvement is gained. Possibly enough to not need an extender anymore. Only if needed would I open the second unit to deploy. With luck, location and the firmware you chose, I am suspecting only one current gen router is needed for your parents.

Ensure you have properly reset the unit to factory defaults after you flash the firmware you want installed on it. Manually and minimally configure the router to secure it and connect to the ISP. Highly recommend you use new ssid's also.

 

[sfx2000]

They are currently on an A1355 Apple Time Capsule w/ Airport Extreme extending.

You might end up in exactly the same place - and with less reliability and stability...

The A1355 TimeCapsule is a Marvell based 3*3 802.11n simultaneous dual-band AP. It's actually pretty decent as an AP, and the RT56U might be a step back... you didn't mention what model the AP Extreme was...

I would do a site survey - maybe the AP's just aren't in the best of places...

 

[sfx2000]

If the AP Extreme is a A1354 or A1408, no need to replace them... they're good..

 

[jtp10181]

The AC56 has been working great for me. Range about the same as my old WRT54GL but throughout is way better. I read some technical reviews showing range was nearly the same for the ac56 and ac68 and I don't need the extra speed. Plus I liked the stand up design with no visible antennas.

Well, on the range, actually the 5ghz range is comparable to the 2.4 range of my old router. I can't use the 2.4ghz because of over saturation. Only legacy devices are using it and they have to be close or its really slow.

 

[sfx2000]

Try downloading the Cloudcheck app to determine wifi hotspots in the home and the best channel to be on for the best performance. No need to purchase two routers if you can optimize wifi speed on just one!

Please stop spamming the forums for the Cloudcheck app...