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TM-AC1900 (Rebranded RT-AC68U) Wireless-AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router by ASUS - US $93.57 (~ AU $117.50) Shipped from Amazon

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TM-AC1900 (Rebranded RT-AC68U) Wireless-AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router by ASUS - US $93.57 (~ AU $117.50) Shipped from AmazonAffiliate
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Puk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 14:40 amazon.com (4021 clicks)
Last edited 13/08/2018 - 12:01 by 1 other user
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A good price for a great router, might be interesting for those who don't care about the local warranty and are able/willing to re-flash it into the original ASUS RT-AC68U product (here's how). I personally use it with a well-respected Merlin firmware.

Might not be technically a deal, but IMO it is, considering the lowest available prices for the original RT-AC68U router.

UPDATED, to make it clear, this is just a router, it does not have a modem. I have not tried it with the original T-Mobile firmware as I re-flashed it right away. I myself use it on an NBN FTTN connection together with a dedicated VDSL2 modem in bridged mode, particualrly this Zhone 6712-W1, also from Amazon, configured like this. When I first got connected to NBN (via TPG), I tried a few different modems and Zhone had worked the best. Since then, I've switched away from TPG to a small telco, but this modem still works reliably. Your mileage may vary, but you certainly can buy these two things together and save on combined shipping. Especially, if you like tinkering with networking hardware :)

HOWTO Guide: Upgrading Merlin Firmware on RT-AC68U Router Converted from TM-AC1900 without Losing Settings.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing ASUS Wireless Router

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closed Comments

      • Click_It on 05/09/2017 - 17:22

        Oh I didn't know that. Thanks for the correction

      • uk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 17:31

        @Click_it, see my comment above regarding Zhone modem if you need a reliable and relatively cheap VDSL2 modem. I really prefer to run them separately.

  • lplsz on 05/09/2017 - 17:09
    +4

    Guys, don't get so excited. For an tm verision. You will need to do stuff to the cfe to install Merlin on it. Furthermore, I got a ac66u b1 which is exactly same as 68u and can directly install Merlin for about A$96

    • uk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 17:34
      +1

      Where did you get RT-AC66U from for A$96?

      • lplsz on 05/09/2017 - 22:23

        That's not 66u, 66u is out of date. But AC66U B1 which is same as the AC68U,I think asus only sells them in China

    • PLANT on 05/09/2017 - 19:16

      What about the ac66u A2…cause that was my lst Amazon purchase at $200…when the $ was 1:1

      • lplsz on 05/09/2017 - 22:38

        Well,it is a completely different stuff. AC66U A2 is just a different hardware version while AC66U B1 is a different device which has same hardware as ac68u

    • netsurfer on 05/09/2017 - 20:40

      AC66U B1 is roughly equivalent to AC68U A1/A2. AC68U B1, C1, E1 does come with a slightly more power CPU.
      However, AC66U B1 for $96 is a great buy. Better than this one.

    • CJ31 on 06/09/2017 - 22:30
      -1

      www.asus.com/us/Networking/RT-AC66U-B1/

      AC1750 not 1900

      • lplsz on 07/09/2017 - 00:19

        Well, their hardware parts are the same. After installing Merlin you will get a 1900m 66u b1

        • CJ31 on 07/09/2017 - 06:53

          Nice to know, I'll keep an eye out.

  • 2jzzzz on 05/09/2017 - 17:12

    I've got Optus cable, will this work?

    • SevenSmurfs on 05/09/2017 - 17:23

      not as a modem but in bridge mode wireless… yes

      • 2jzzzz on 05/09/2017 - 17:24

        Thanks, purchased.

        • SevenSmurfs on 05/09/2017 - 17:26

          Remember you will need to follow the steps to flash it to a 68u

        • sween64 on 05/09/2017 - 18:36
          +2

          And follow these step to get your Optus Cable modem in bridge mode.

  • Thiefsie on 05/09/2017 - 17:39
    +1

    JUST TO BE CLEAR _ THIS IS NOT A MODEM > ONLY A ROUTER

  • inf3kted on 05/09/2017 - 17:45

    Would this work with the standard Telstra NBN modems?

  • drdedus on 05/09/2017 - 17:47
    +2

    Great product but I have so many routers.
    Mikrotik, tomato, merlin, ddwrt, and the latest is the Xiaomi 3g with 128/256 usb3 2core4threads and a simple app for Android.
    if they put printer support and vpn server it will be great for the 37$ it cost now in gearbest.

    The next I will try it will be ubiquity the cheap one..

  • spy on 05/09/2017 - 17:48

    No modem :(

  • callumds on 05/09/2017 - 17:48

    Can I ask someone, if I have the crappy belong modem/router that they gave me when I signed up, and I only get 2mbps, what would using this do for me? Would I have noticable increases in speed, or is my speed so bad that the improvement won't be worth it?

    • dxlr8 on 05/09/2017 - 17:56

      2mbps means your issues lay elsewhere so no.

      • callumds on 05/09/2017 - 20:36

        Yea, I'm in a bit of an internet dead zone. Not really close to any exchange.

    • klownz on 05/09/2017 - 18:01

      This is only a router, so you would still need to use your original modem in bridge mode with it. You'll likely not get improved speeds (your WAN speed will still be the same) but your wifi signal may be better around the home, so probably not worth it.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2017 - 18:35

      Assuming you are on ADSL the line speed is very dependent on your distance from the exchange:
      http://www.increasebroadbandspeed.co.uk/2012/graph-ADSL-spee…
      So if you work that out, then the graph will give you a best case speed.

  • ro0sta on 05/09/2017 - 17:58
    +1

    Can't spea More highly of this device. Running on ddwrt firmware, hasn't missed a beat, easy to use and update. Good price. If you need a good quality AC router for a large home or small office, this is a great choice.

  • ilsan0 on 05/09/2017 - 18:02
    +1

    Cheers guys. Got 1.
    will read up on flashing and Merlin once I have it.

    I have Tesltra cable and the Gateway modem for wireless is shite.
    Hoping to get better connections with this.

  • bogan on 05/09/2017 - 18:41
    +1

    Found some comment about it being region-locked on Whirlpool. Is that info out of date?
    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2129988#r53375326

    • uk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 18:52
      +1

      Interesting. I can confirm mine works after flashing Merlin firmware, but it was never even connected to Internet with the stock firmware, I flashed it right away. I imaging the region lock (if any) is only present in the stock T-Mobile firmware.

      • SevenSmurfs on 05/09/2017 - 18:57
        +1

        Do you have to flash to the stock Asia 68U firmware first before flashing Merlin?

        • uk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 19:03
          +4

          I precisely followed these steps, particularly including this comment:

          STEP 28.Flash FW_RT_AC68U_30043763626.trx is VERY Important. You have to flash to this specific firmware before flashing to any laterASUS firmware versions or custom firmware.
          From the slickdeals thread:” NOTE: If you are flashing later versions of Asus or Merlin 376.xxxx or ANY version of 378.xxxx or 380.xxxx (Asus or Merlin), you must flash to a firmware that will expand your rootfs partition from 32M to 64M first. Asus 376.3626 is recommended. Flash Asus 376.3626 and after installation, reset NVRAM. This will expand your rootfs partition and allow the new firmwares to install correctly!”
          Thank you for putting all this together!

  • ilsan0 on 05/09/2017 - 18:58
    +1

    Can someone please explain:
    If I am following the above guide for reflashing to original. At what step do I flash it to Merlin build?

    Else I follow all 28 steps listed on the guide, then re flash it with Merlin?

    • netsurfer on 05/09/2017 - 20:48
      +3

      You need to do all 27 steps first. As indicated in step 28:

      1. Feel free to flash AC68U builds from Asus, Merlin, Tomato, DD-WRT, etc…

      After you've done all 27 steps, you've patched the boot ROM, expanded the root partition to make it look like a real AC68U.

      • ilsan0 on 06/09/2017 - 06:36

        Cheers mate. Appreciate the reply.

  • overkillxx on 05/09/2017 - 18:58

    Has anybody actually purchased "This" particular TM model from this dealer & flashed it to support merlin/AC68U firmware? It seems that Asus has tried to make it harder to flash this router which is why I am asking if the steps posted in flashing will actually work.

    • uk3000 on 05/09/2017 - 20:44

      I did, wouldn't be posting otherwise. Also, look at the Amazon reviews. Anyhow, the price has been steady for a while. You may like to hold off until someone else confirms it works.

    • netsurfer on 05/09/2017 - 23:00
      +1

      Asus put a special firmware version on it, for T-Mobile. In terms of the steps, compared to RT-AC68U, you do need to do more. However, it is actually not too bad. For example, D-Link DIR-868L, to put Advanced Tomato on it, you need to install 3 firmware files (to DD-WRT minimum, then DD-WRT, then Adv. Tomato). The instructions give 2 sets files for earlier steps, and I picked the wrong set initially. It was a pain to go through recovery, then do it all over again. Also, DD-WRT, Adv. Tomato simply cannot compare to Merlin (or it could be D-Link router being really bad, despite having the same CPU as this one).

      If you can somehow get AC66U B1 for $95, then get that one. But, right now, this one seems to be a good deal if you don't mind the steps. There is one other difference though, AC68U comes with various plugs for different regions. This one, according to OP, only has the US plug.

  • Jimmy6 on 05/09/2017 - 19:26

    Am i able to use this to boost the range of my Archer D9 modem/router? Or I can't because I'm already using a router that's attached to my modem?

  • Captain M on 05/09/2017 - 19:51
    +1

    Thanks heaps for sharing.

  • mec on 05/09/2017 - 19:59
    +1

    Guess anything can beat the sagecom one optus supplies. bought thanks OP!

  • Hornpub on 05/09/2017 - 20:07
    +4

    bought it , for no reason. damn it.

    • uk3000 on 06/09/2017 - 10:05

      You did the right thing! That's what true ozbargainers do :)
      Now you're gonna waste another hour or so flashing/tinkering with it.
      Then you'd think about how much an hour of your personal time is worth or how it could have been spent otherwise, and do the final math on the gain from this bargain :)

  • hummel on 05/09/2017 - 20:12

    Is this suitable for FTTH? That's fibre to the garage box 100mbit

    Basically I want to share the connection across the home but want to run this as first point of contact with a VPN for security etc

    • johnyBgood on 05/09/2017 - 22:28

      Yes, I'm using this with Opticomm FTTH modem.

      • hummel on 06/09/2017 - 09:26

        My understanding is you don't need a modem with FTTH? Or are you saying the box in my garage is the modem?

        • johnyBgood on 06/09/2017 - 09:57

          Yes they call that Optical Network Terminal (ONT) which replaces the modem in ADSL.

  • turna on 06/09/2017 - 09:08

    Does the Zhone 6712-W1 via amazon come with a USA Plug instead of Australian?

    • uk3000 on 06/09/2017 - 09:53

      Same as the router, it comes with a 110-240V power supply with a US plug. You'd need an AU plug adapter.

  • uk3000 on 06/09/2017 - 10:10

    Seems popular :)

    Only 16 left in stock - order soon.

  • trufflesthepenguin on 06/09/2017 - 12:21
    +1

    Looks like a bargain bargainers- I bought one quickly as there was only 8 left but looks like that's a lie with 16 being available shortly after.
    Paid $121.35
    Looking to get the tp link 8960N as rhe bridging modem. Happy to hear any other suggestions.

    Also unsure if it's worth the extra $7 for think n300 version, the n150 is $32 from msy. I won't be using it's wifi so I'm assuming the n150 is the more economical sensible choice…

    http://www.msy.com.au/peripherals/5947-tp-link-td-w8960n-wir…

    • LHSolutions on 06/09/2017 - 12:36

      There is plenty of stock as there are 4 different sellers with the same deal.

      Store Wht a deal has least amount of stock but 100% positive reviews.

      Store DealsDealt has lots of stock but 99% positive reviews with many many negative customer feedbacks…

      Guess this deal will be up till the sale price changes :)

      But at the end of the day as it is fulfilled by Amazon I guess if anything goes wrong Amazon will handle unhappy customer complaints, warranty and refunds.

    • uk3000 on 06/09/2017 - 13:57

      A suggestion: look for a modem with a Broadcom chipset and bridged mode support. AFAIK, TD-W8960N doesn't even support VDSL2, so you won't be able to use it with NBN.

      • trufflesthepenguin on 07/09/2017 - 08:50
        +1

        Moving to the country and nbn isnt fully fledged there yet. The w8960N is meant to be reliable for long distances (~2km) from the exchange which is about where I'm renting. I figure for $39 May as well get the best modem suited for now and replace it when the nbn is actually an option for me.
        Hopefully won't have to replace this router for quite some time.

        • uk3000 on 07/09/2017 - 17:02

          Before I got NBN, I was on ADSL with ~3km from exchange. I had the best results (~3.5Mbps) with this old NetGear DM111P modem, which does have a Broadcom chipset. See if you get one a second-hand one, it might still be a better choice than TP-Link. I still have mine laying around, in case at some point I'll have to move countryside, too :)

  • lancedefrance on 06/09/2017 - 19:02

    Can someone who ordered this confirm it is flashable to work outside the US and that there are no issues with it?

    • trufflesthepenguin on 07/09/2017 - 08:51
      +1

      Mine arrives on the 22nd of September.

      • lancedefrance on 07/09/2017 - 17:25

        Thanks mate really appreciate it. I ordered one, then cancelled it based on a couple of comments here around 800MHZ as opposed to 1GHZ processor and unable to use it outside the US so would be great to find out once you receive yours.

        • trufflesthepenguin on 22/09/2017 - 21:23

          Can confirm its 800MHz CPU and 666MHz RAM

          admin@TM-AC1900:/tmp/home/root# nvram get clkfreq
          800,666

        • lancedefrance on 23/09/2017 - 06:49

          @trufflesthepenguin:
          Thanks for the confirmation, did you manage to get it to work and what is it like? do you get good performance out of it and are there any drop outs?

  • Deviner on 07/09/2017 - 16:50

    I wonder is there any merit in this review:
    - "I purchased this router for its higher clock speed as advertised on this product page (1 GHz). However, the device I received from "TrulyTheBest" has 800MHz cpu."

    For what it's worth, the one I ordered is coming from "Wht a deal", who have 100% feedback, rather than "TrulyTheBest" that has 95% feedback.

    • LHSolutions on 07/09/2017 - 17:05

      Maybe Its best to contact the amazon seller directly and ask them :)

      • Deviner on 07/09/2017 - 17:18
        +1

        Damn you and your logical responses that make me do work! :)

        • I've just asked my seller now and I'll report back here with their response.
        • lancedefrance on 07/09/2017 - 17:27

          There are comments on this deal that this is router has 800 MHZ cpu as opposed to 1GHZ. Based on that I cancelled my order but to be honest I am not sure what the impact is and what functionality I would miss out on.

        • LHSolutions on 07/09/2017 - 17:31

          lol :)

          So far an Asus representative has stated on an Amazon question reply that the specific T-Mobile AC1900 router version is only 800 MHz chipset.

          I am more worried about the review statements of customers reporting receiving refurbished or second hand used routers with missing accessories.

          My order is with seller DealsDealt with lots of negative feedback lol :) noticed it too late and now Im hoping for the best

        • Deviner on 07/09/2017 - 17:49

          @lancedefrance: Ahh, you're right lance - just went back to page 1 and see what you're referring to.

          Ahh, I'm sure it's not the end of the world.
          We'll see how it goes.
          I'm coming from a 500mhz N56U so this will be an upgrade either way.

          @LHSolutions: Yeah, I'm seeing a lot of people freaking out about them being blatantly not new from certain sellers or them dying after 2 months… bit worrying!

        • lancedefrance on 07/09/2017 - 18:00

          @Deviner:

          Please report back once you have received your router I am really interested but a bit scared to take the plunge lol :)

        • LHSolutions on 07/09/2017 - 18:07

          @Deviner:

          Good thing is that it is being fulfilled by Amazon so they will take full responsibility if anything goes wrong and handle disputes / refunds directly.

          My current RT-AC52U is also around the 500 MHz mark so even if it is the 800 MHz version its sill a good upgrade for me for cheap $$$

          I guess a higher CPU is an advantage if you use the built in VPN function to gain faster, smoother experience and if you do online Gaming.

          Lets just hope its brand New and nothing is missing :)

        • uk3000 on 07/09/2017 - 21:50

          @LHSolutions: Mine was RT-N66U (600 MHz) under Merlin f/w, and it was doing just great. Honestly, the only improvement I can feel now is the 5Ghz WiFi range.

  • thara56 on 10/09/2017 - 11:33

    Can I connect my Telstra (Technicolor) wife-modem in bridge-mode and connect this router for a good wifi?

    I have NBN at home

    • uk3000 on 10/09/2017 - 16:55

      Yes, if you modem is indeed in bridged mode (to avoid ambiguety, not a WiFi bridge, but the modem's VDSL2 bridge).

      • thara56 on 11/09/2017 - 20:17

        Thanks mate! I got FTTP. So I reckon I can plug this directly to the WAN port and don't need a modem. Am I right?

        • uk3000 on 12/09/2017 - 06:00

          Lucky you! :) This must be right, although I didn't have a chance to verify it myself with FTTP.

  • j697469 on 10/09/2017 - 16:26

    Do i really need to flash ac68u firmware? even though im not interested in any function at all? I just need gigabit router for simple purpose, guess this would be the best choice

    • uk3000 on 10/09/2017 - 16:51

      You probably will have to flash it. It's been reported (looks across the comments here) that this router's stock firmware might be locked to the US region.

  • LHSolutions on 13/09/2017 - 12:24
    +1

    Delivery within 7days is nice :) Thx god it was brand new and flashind firmware was easy. Very happy

    • pogiguy on 13/09/2017 - 12:39

      Wow that was quick! Good to know it was brand new and easy to flash.
      Which day did you order and was the tracking details up to date?

      • LHSolutions on 13/09/2017 - 17:21

        05/09/2017 straight when the deal was posted and received it yesterday.
        I Guess postage delivery depends on how fast Amazon receives the modem from the seller and then re-ships it to the buyer…

        Can`t wait to see how Aus Amazon will do with shopping and delivery :D

  • Jimmy6 on 18/09/2017 - 18:53

    For the life of me I cannot set the Modem to the Recovery mode despite following the instructions to a T.

    Anyone else having trouble?

    • Perumal on 18/09/2017 - 21:52
      +2

      Hold reset button for 10 seonds, remove power plug, wait 10 seonds, plug power plug back agian, wait another 10 seonds. thoughout, keep reset button pressed.
      You should be able to see power LED blinking slowly while in recovery mode.
      Also use tftp to upload your firmware, which worked for me, than recovery utility from ASUS.
      Good luck.

      • Jimmy6 on 19/09/2017 - 08:53

        Thanks I'll give it a go tonight.

        What is Tftp by the way?

    • rdallen on 19/09/2017 - 13:08
      +1

      I received mine today, got Merlin installed following the instructions.

      I found getting it into Recovery a bit hit and miss: sometimes it worked, other times not. Try a few times. Make sure you are connected by Ethernet. Try pinging the router to make sure you can see it from your computer.

      It also failed the first time I tried flashing the router. Not sure why.

      So not all smooth sailing, but not too difficult either.

      • Perumal on 19/09/2017 - 13:37

        agree, not easy but not hard either.

        • Perumal on 19/09/2017 - 13:38

          Got latest version of Merlin & cant complain.

        • Jimmy6 on 20/09/2017 - 15:31
          +1

          @Perumal:

          I finally got it flashed and Merlin installed!!

          Such an idiot, I didn't realise I had to connect the ethernet cable to the computer. DuH I didn't see that listed on the steps so I followed it blindly.
          Once the cable was connected, it was easy as pie.

          The only thing I wasn't sure of was the firmware after it has been flashed. Couldn't find a matching firmware from the merlin website.

          I couldn't find the right Merlin firmware to install, so what I did in the end was upgrade the Asus router AC86 firmware to the latest version, and picked the latest version on the merlin download list.

          Seems to have installed!

          Thanks everyone for the help.

        • Perumal on 21/09/2017 - 09:37

          @Jimmy6: Good on you.

        • trufflesthepenguin on 21/09/2017 - 21:19

          @Jimmy6: I was thinking about this in the 3rd step, "surely I connect this with the ethernet cable", glad you had posted the same thing. I'm assuming that these are all 800mhz, which is disappointing. Is anyone replying back to the seller or Asus regarind this comment (https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RWV0UG3ROILD9/ref…)?

        • trufflesthepenguin on 21/09/2017 - 22:02

          @Perumal: Did you have to hold WPS WIFI and RESET buttons together? Its the only way I've got to recovery (flashing asus logo on the back). However I havent been able to keep it in recovery to upload the firmware… Any tips?

        • trufflesthepenguin on 21/09/2017 - 23:12

          @trufflesthepenguin: I've found out how and have answered below, good luck!!!
          I'm up to step 12 now without much issue.

          Edit: I'm so tired I am answering myself… jesus.

    • hotwinter on 19/09/2017 - 13:57
      +1

      -Removal of power plug is not necessary. The power button works the same.
      -Your are in the recovery mode once the front power LED flashes. Some times it only takes 3 second after power on.
      -You can release the reset button right after you enter the mode.
      -I think the following blog with command to check router status is vital when you stuck: https://slickdeals.net/f/9330575-asus-tm-ac1900-wireless-ac1…

    • trufflesthepenguin on 21/09/2017 - 22:50

      So I received the Personal Cell Spot router version and for the life of me could not get the downgraded firmware process to work. I eventually found this and successfully uploaded the downgraded firmware… so glad that step worked. Now to continue this tomorrow.

      "Newest Firmware
      -For CellSpot Routers with the latest firmware that are unable to get into rescue mode. Do this ,connect the router to the computer. Then press the Reset button while the power is off. Plug in the router and keep holding the reset button and wait 8 seconds. Once you do this go into your browser and type 192.168.29.1. You will get a CFE up-loader screen, choose the firmware on the Step 1 folder and press upload. Once it finishes uploading , reset the router and connect to it again and follow the video." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_giMfTYIzI in the video description

  • rdallen on 19/09/2017 - 14:17
    +1

    Did anybody else notice the fine print on the box?

    "Deposit kept & non-return fee applied if device is not returned….Property of T-Mobile USA, Inc. Not for resale"

    I guess I'll be losing my deposit.

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