A router should be easy for all users to get started with and there are no difficulties getting started with this Asus model. In principle, all you have to do is connect the RT-N66U to a computer and via a web interface configure the router and the wireless networks.
On paper, a speed of up to 450 megabits per second is promised for the 5 gigahertz band, but as we said before, this is only a theoretical speed. In our tests, however, the Asus RT-N66U manages to reach extremely good speeds and ends up clear of other routers we tested.
Over 100 in both directions
At a distance of a few meters, the router maintains a speed that exceeds 100 megabits per second for both upload and download. The results vary with file size, but for a 1 gigabyte file we ended up with a speed of 139 megabits per second downstream and 124 megabits per second upstream. For a 50 megabyte file, the result was 160/144 megabits per second.
We tested against a laptop PC with “regular” Wi-Fi of the 802.11n type. And even then it was unusually fast. With dual band devices, such as Asus’ own adapter EA-N66, you should be able to reach even higher speeds. However, we did not have the opportunity to test that.
The RT-N66U can either lie down, be mounted on the wall or stand on a high edge with an included foot.
Streaming media is no problem, and with the speeds the RT-N66U itself reaches, it shouldn’t be either. The router has good qos functions (quality of service) which means that media and games can be prioritized and have minimal lag.
The device is also equipped with two USB ports that make it possible to plug in other devices (printers, external hard drives, etc.) that appear as a resource in the network. It is also possible via the router’s user interface to manage the resources and you can, for example, distribute files (from a plugged-in USB device) to the internet.
Easy and educational interface
The RT-N66U’s user interface is simple and also stylish. Instead of the usual boring link-based interface routers are usually equipped with, Asus has designed theirs with both icons and illustrations. For the less network-savvy user, it probably makes things easier, as you can easily get an overview of both the network and the status of the various devices.
Unfortunately, there are some bugs in the system, but they are no worse than you can live with them. Among other things, this is about pages not being updated as they should, but Asus should be able to fix this easily by updating the router’s software.
The RT-N66U also has other features. To name a few, here we find a vpn server (virtual private network), support for ipv6 (internet protocol version 6) and traffic management. Overall, the RT-N66U is a nice experience, and fast too!
Asus RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router
Manufacturer: Asus, www.asus.com
Wan: 1 gigabit ethernet.
Lan: 4 gigabit ethernet.
Wi-Fi: 802.11a, ieee 802.11b, ieee 802.11g, ieee 802.11n, wep, wpa-psk,wpa2-psk, wpa2, wpa, dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Size: 20.7 x 14.9 x 3.6 cm.
Weight: 400 g.
Miscellaneous: Two USB ports.
Approximate price: SEK 1,700.
Pros: Very good speed. Easy to use.
Cons: Minor bugs in the user interface. Somewhat expensive.
Grade: 
(9 out of 10)