RT-AC68U hardware versions

[L&LD]

In terms of options and design, or stability? Or both? I'm not one to care for advanced options... I usually leave mostly everything at default. I just want a fast and stable connection. So far the AC68U has been just that. However the Netgear is cheaper, and if it performs just as well (if not better) then I'm tempted to go with the NG.

As I also said, I'm also concerned about reliability. I plan on using this router for several years, just as I did with my ancient WRT54GL (which still works fine BTW).

In terms of being the most secure, with the most updated code running within the firmware and with the most chance that it will still be supported, particularly for security updates, long after NG decides it is 'stable enough' and decides to focus on their newer products.

And the features and options too.

Going forward, depending which NG you decide to buy, you may or may not have the option to install any third party firmware at all too.

Cheaper is for a reason, imo. If you want the best router possible over 'several years', Asus is the only consumer brand that I would trust.

 

[rahzel]

Ok, you convinced me to just stick with the ASUS. In my short time with the AC68U, it has given me zero reason to switch. The only reasons I was even considering the NG is the SNB comparison/review of the two, the fact that the NG is cheaper, and it appears to have less USB 3.0 inference issues because of proper shielding (but this possibly has been fixed with newer revisions?).

 

[L&LD]

Ok, you convinced me to just stick with the ASUS. In my short time with the AC68U, it has given me zero reason to switch. The only reasons I was even considering the NG is the SNB comparison/review of the two, the fact that the NG is cheaper, and it appears to have less USB 3.0 inference issues because of proper shielding (but this possibly has been fixed with newer revisions?).

Not sure what improvements USB 3.0 connections have received. I don't use that feature on any router (NAS' are recommended instead).

 

[rahzel]

I will only be using the USB the odd time that I need to share a file or two between devices on the network, therefore the built in USB would suffice.

 

[_pseudonym]

HW revision C1 requires an updated SDK, and is currently not compatible with Tomato. Shibby will have to upgrade to a newer SDK to support it.

Thanks for the info. I just spend the last two days trying (and failing) to get Shibby's Tomato on my new C1 (ordered from amazon.com on 5/31). Is there anything useful I can provide from my C1 to help out?

 

[RMerlin]

Thanks for the info. I just spend the last two days trying (and failing) to get Shibby's Tomato on my new C1 (ordered from amazon.com on 5/31). Is there anything useful I can provide from my C1 to help out?

I provided Shibby with the necessary info when I got my C1 sample last December. He probably just never got around into updating his SDK to support this new revision, or he ran into some technical problems when doing so - I don't know.

 

[sm00thpapa]

Just went to Walmart today and saw plenty of C1's on the shelf. I noticed they no longer say RT-AC68U or 68R. I looked all over the box and all it stated was Asus AC1900 Router.

 

[speedingcheetah]

I realize this is an old thread....

But I have H/W: A1 (bought it years ago from MicroCenter)

I was looking to pick up a new AC68U put Merlin firmware on it to replace my folks ancient N56U.

Is the newer H/W versions "better" than my A1?

 

[ColinTaylor]

Look at the differences here: https://www.snbforums.com/threads/rt-ac68u-rt-ac68p-rt-ac1900-rt-ac1900p.35759/

 

[speedingcheetah]

Look at the differences here: https://www.snbforums.com/threads/rt-ac68u-rt-ac68p-rt-ac1900-rt-ac1900p.35759/

Thanks! Looks like the newer version have tad newer cpu and clock speed.
Not really something that would benefit me, as my current AC68U very rarely does it even break 50% CPU use or even use 50% RAM even when I am maxing out my LAN and wifi.
I dont use the vpn or usb features.

 

[doczenith1]

If you don't need the router to sit vertically I would check out the horizontally laying RT-AC66_B1 which has the same internals as the 68U at a much lower price. Make sure not to confuse the new _B1 model with the older non B1 model. The AC66U_B1 is also listed as an AC1750.