This was posted 3 years 10 months 8 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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ASUS RT-AC86U, AC2900 Wi-Fi Router $289 (RRP $369), Free Shipping @ Amazon AU

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ASUS RT-AC86U, AC2900 Wi-Fi Router $289 (RRP $369), Free Shipping @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 10:45 amazon.com.au (2118 clicks)
Last edited 19/06/2020 - 11:38
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A good deal on a popular and well rated router and at a much better price than current price comparison on staticice:

https://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=asus+rt-ac…

NOTE 1: Currently temporarily out of stock,but deal is still being honoured when stock arrives. Shipping times to be advised. NOW COMPLETELY OUT OF STOCK

NOTE 2: Doing a quick question search on the page confirms from another buyer (bought 18 June 2020) that this is an Australian router with an Australian AC plug and 3 year warranty

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing ASUS Wireless Router

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closed Comments

  • Bargain Beast on 19/06/2020 - 10:51
    +1

    Oos

  • zemphism on 19/06/2020 - 10:56

    I just need a reliable router to plug my Tenda MW6 into. The stock modem router I got from tpg seems to drop out quite a bit.
    I’m on a HFC NBN connection.
    Can anyone help me?

    • HappyBargainer on 19/06/2020 - 11:03
      +2

      Asus 86U is a very good router. You will be happy with the performance. By the way, how is your Tenda MW6 performing?

      • zemphism on 19/06/2020 - 13:21

        Tenda is great. Had black spots on all corners of the house. I’m on a 560m2 block and can get wifi all the way to the back fence and out on the street now. I have 3 blocks in total. Front, middle, rear Of the house. Can’t fault it. It’s just the TPG modem router I’m having problems with.

    • Turd on 19/06/2020 - 11:04

      Rooted Telstra Gen 1 DJA0230

    • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 11:26

      Churn from TPG and plug in the Tenda to the NBN connection device.

    • aldroid on 19/06/2020 - 11:42
      +1

      The Tenda primary node is a router. Just ditch your TPG router and plug the Tenda into the Ethernet port on you HFC connection box. Job done.
      Edited: Apologies, this won't work with TPG due to their requirement for setting a VLAN ID on the router (which the Tenda does not support). As someone else suggested, change to an ISP that doesn't use VLAN tagging like Aussie Broadband, Superloop or Telstra.

      • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 11:59

        That setup doesn't work with TPG and Tenda. TPG use VLAN tag 802.1q of 2.

        • aldroid on 19/06/2020 - 12:02
          +1

          Yes, I have since discovered that and edited my comment. Cheers.

          • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 12:13

            @aldroid: Yeah new TPG group (including Internode and iiNet) setups are a pain in the behind with VLAN tag 802.1q :-)

        • LaughItUpFuzzball on 19/06/2020 - 13:08

          The VLAN tagging option is in the IPTV menu of the WAN.

      • zemphism on 19/06/2020 - 16:06

        So are all the 3 nodes I got routers?
        I have it plugged into my modem/router tpg “gave” me and turned off the wifi function and just have the 3 nodes around the house, obviously 1 connected to the modem/router

        • aldroid on 19/06/2020 - 16:13
          +2

          If you're running them in routed mode (the default), you will designate one as the router (connected to your internet gateway) and the others are satellites. If running in bridged mode then there is no router. The way you have it setup results in a double-NAT situation which isn't really a problem unless you need to allow external access, port forwarding, etc. It can also mess with UPNP.

  • Dream-cast on 19/06/2020 - 10:57
    +1

    This is also a good deal. Similar to the AC86U but without the gaming features and doesn't look like an alien spaceship. Im very happy with mine.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-AC2600-Router-Smart-BLUECAVE/…

    • congo on 19/06/2020 - 12:51

      Don't think this works with iMesh?

      • Dream-cast on 19/06/2020 - 15:22
        +1

        It supports Aimesh.

    • ddhar on 19/06/2020 - 23:10

      I'm currently using the Tenda MW6 as my wifi router at home. No problems with connectivity but internet speed/latency is sometimes not the best. I have not done a Speedtest over Ethernet however.

      I have a spare RT-68U that I could pair with the Blue Cave via Aimesh. Does this make sense at all or am I just wasting money this way?

    • 1st-Amendment on 20/06/2020 - 08:38

      Don't be racist against alien spaceships. Their lives matter!

  • xcornx on 19/06/2020 - 11:00
    +1

    is it a deal when the product is not available? What are the restock/waiting/delivery times?

    • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 11:10

      I'll report back when I get an email on dispatch times. Hopefully later today.

      • xcornx on 19/06/2020 - 12:11

        that would be nice as I'm looking for a replacement Router.

        • coupleofdays on 21/06/2020 - 19:48

          I got an update email today - estimated time is between 16 - 30 July

  • kingmoron on 19/06/2020 - 11:02
    +1

    is this good for gigabit internet?

    • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 11:13
      +2

      It is according to this list on Whirlpool

      https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/suitable_modems_routers_for_gi…

      • kingmoron on 19/06/2020 - 11:37

        thanks but my current modem is already on there :D

      • ChatPTG on 19/06/2020 - 12:16

        Reading that page I would have thought people would be better off with the RT-AX56U instead of this? WiFi 6.

        • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 12:57

          I've read that range is a bit better on this unit which is why I chose it, and I don't have any Wi-Fi 6 devicews. But otherwise if you're leaning towards Wi-Fi 6 then sure AX56U might be better for you.

    • A a on 19/06/2020 - 11:36
      +1

      No issues getting gigabit speeds with this router, however I did have to turn QoS off.

      • Dex on 19/06/2020 - 12:10

        I bought one of these back when I first got NBN. Any idea if the one in this post is a revised version? like RT-AC86U V2 or something?

        Mine was not red, and I am led to believe that anything with red on it goes faster ;)

        • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 12:18

          I'm assuming you're not thinking of the RT-AC68U?

        • Springfield on 19/06/2020 - 15:58

          Other than the fancy-looking front, the RT-AC86U resembles its older brother, the RT-AC68U that came out four years ago. The new router is much more powerful, however, running a dual-core 1.8GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.

          Copied the above from a 2 year old review.

    • dryandra on 20/06/2020 - 04:37

      I have this router and can get gigabit speeds.

  • PissLUR on 19/06/2020 - 11:03

    I have been trying to buy Asus routers AX1800 & AX3000 when its out of stock temporarily. and there hasnt been any estimation dispatched date at all.

    Their prices are the best.

    • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 11:10
      +1

      I pulled the trigger on this as I've been waiting a little while now. I'll report back when I get an email on dispatch times later today.

    • drinkin-beer on 19/06/2020 - 12:47

      i bought rt-ax56u (ax1800) from centrecom for $250 during covid. where were you looking?

      • PissLUR on 19/06/2020 - 12:48

        Amazon AU. I put the order when the lowest price is at $279. Saw the opportunity to upgrade to AX-3000 for an extra $60.

    • congo on 19/06/2020 - 12:51

      AX3000 is overpriced. Get the RT ones

      • PissLUR on 19/06/2020 - 13:01

        RT-AX3000 - $339 from Amazon AU.

        no dispatch date so far.

        • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 13:12

          Link? I can only find $385 on Amazon AU.

      • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 13:05

        AX3000 is an RT just with wifi 6.

    • coupleofdays on 21/06/2020 - 19:49

      I got an update email today - estimated time is between 16 - 30 July

  • SuiCid3 on 19/06/2020 - 11:04
    +1

    Thanks OP. Been waiting for a router deal to pop up.

    • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 11:08

      No worries, me too. I happened to come by it by chance.

  • Turd on 19/06/2020 - 11:06
    +6

    Also dont forget to install the merlin firmware: https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/

    • HappyBargainer on 19/06/2020 - 11:08

      Is there any performance boost for installing Merlin firmware? Thanks

      • Turd on 19/06/2020 - 11:08
        +1

        Cant say much abou the 86U but with my 68U and merlin it is a lot stabler

        • HappyBargainer on 19/06/2020 - 11:10

          Can I confirm that we just flash the Merlin firmware then leave all default settings. Is that right? Thanks

        • Dex on 19/06/2020 - 12:11

          I feel like mine runs better with Merlin.

          I don't really have anything to quantify this. It just FEELS better.

          More stable, as someone else wrote, I guess.

    • lonewolf on 19/06/2020 - 11:41

      Does Merlin support mesh yet or still no mesh? Thats why I never put Merlin in before

      • TheGunslinger on 19/06/2020 - 13:20

        The latest versions do support aimesh. I have it running on my ac86u and ac68u.

      • ajd88 on 19/06/2020 - 15:13

        Yes, can confirm. Running Mesh on 2x AC68U's.

        Absolutely perfect in my house now.

        Ethernet connects the two routers though (ran the cable through the roof, worth doing).

        • alvian on 19/06/2020 - 16:18

          Running Mesh on 2x AC68U's. Ethernet connects the two routers though (ran the cable through the roof, worth doing).

          This is just a traditional multi-AP WLAN, you are not running mesh at all. Remove the cable between them to use a wireless backhaul, suffer the drop in performance, and join the mesh bandwagon.

  • Catcher on 19/06/2020 - 11:07
    +2

    At this price, its worth considering the TP-Link Archer C4000. Triple band Vs dual and Quad core CPU vs dual

  • dealman on 19/06/2020 - 11:18
    +1

    Can other devices be added to this to turn it into a mesh? Or something like that? For longer double storey houses with modem up front

    • wazman67 on 19/06/2020 - 11:21

      I have not personally tried this, but yes, you can - they call it AiMesh.

    • ingster on 19/06/2020 - 11:38

      Yep you definitely can. I currently have two AC68Us in a Mesh. You can also mix and mash with other AI mesh enabled routers (you could mesh an 86U with a 68U etc). Just make sure the best router is the main mesh unit.

  • Hugh G Rection on 19/06/2020 - 11:19

    i feel like i need this. i have the one that came with my nbn, will getting this greatly improve my wifi? im capped at 50mb anyways and i am already getting that.

    • Jugganautx on 19/06/2020 - 11:32

      Only difference would be wifi range and strength… If you're already getting your full speeds consistantly throughout your house theres no point buying this when yours is doing the job already.

      • Hugh G Rection on 19/06/2020 - 16:11

        thanks, you saved me $289. now thats a real ozbargain.

  • ezym0ney6 on 19/06/2020 - 11:20
    +1

    im going Ubiquiti any day over these.

  • wazman67 on 19/06/2020 - 11:24

    Great deal - I have this router and has been terrific since purchase (bought for $212 from Gearbest when the Aussie dollar was much better). Perfect for NBN use. Maybe requires a reboot once every few months or so, but rock solid on a wired/wireless mixed network with NAS and tons of devices/streaming/etc.

  • CaveDevil on 19/06/2020 - 11:25

    Got a little excited, then realised it wasn't a modem-router, can anyone explain why you would want to have two seperate devices doing these jobs? It has never made any sense to me, except for some specialised situations.

    • kulprit on 19/06/2020 - 11:30
      +1

      A fair amount of NBN customers don't require a modem (HFC and fttp)

      • CaveDevil on 19/06/2020 - 11:37

        Aah okay, that makes sense… I live in a rural area, so haven't really ever come across those situations. Internet has always been over phone line. Thanks Kulprit

        • Dex on 19/06/2020 - 12:14

          When I had DSL I had the DSL-AC68U… good piece of kit, so when I got NBN FTTP I got the rT-AC86U. At the time I felt like they were basically the same device, but one with a WAN port and one with a DSL/POTS port.

          • Grohouse on 19/06/2020 - 13:29
            +1

            @Dex: Strange, I had constant disconnection issues and wifi dropouts with the DSL-AC68U - I blame it on the crappy + cheap Mediatek chipset they used over the Broadcom. I have since switched to the TP-Link VR600 V2 and its been so much better without the dropouts.

            This just confirms the mix reviews.

    • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 11:41

      A modular setup and it's how the NBN is setup.

      FTTN and FTTB = BYO modem and router.
      FTTC, FTTP and HFC = NBN connection device and router.

    • tukanglistrik on 19/06/2020 - 16:32
      +1

      I ran two devices when I was still in a property with FTTB. It's actually more stable, especially when you setup the modem to be in bridge mode and the wireless switched off. That way, the router acts as the single source of wifi, but it piggy backs the DSL function of the bridged modem to connect to the provider. You also don't need a fancy modem, just the one supplied from the provider is sufficient. Most cheap modem/router have pretty stable modem but crappy wifi range/stability.

  • s1Lence on 19/06/2020 - 11:25

    it seems my current router (default iinet one) is capped at 10 wifi users at a time, anyone know about this problem and is it my router limitation or something else?

    • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 11:43

      Which iiNet router?

      • s1Lence on 19/06/2020 - 11:44

        tg-1

    • alvian on 19/06/2020 - 11:46
      +1

      Limitation specific to your model of router. Sometimes configurable in firmware but very likely not. There is a second related problem which is the router might have a limited DHCP reservation pool, but this will affect both wired and wireless clients.

      The possible solutions are (in decreasing level of difficulty but increasing cost)

      1. Discuss the problem with iiNet
      2. Replace the firmware
      3. Configure the firmware
      4. Replace the router's WiFi with your own wireless access point
      5. Replace the router.
  • johnnyg on 19/06/2020 - 11:25

    stick that baby between 2 slices of white a4 paper and you have the ps5

  • littlesoldier on 19/06/2020 - 11:26
    +5

    Still quite happy with my AC68U (running over 6 years now)
    If I am going to get a new router
    probably will upgrade to one with Wifi 6 (ax)

    • Turd on 19/06/2020 - 11:26
      +2

      Same here!

    • Game R on 19/06/2020 - 16:42

      Another owner here having first bought it in Feb 2014 and even brought it along with me when I migrated to Australia.
      It's still receiving updates from ASUS to this day and never missing a beat in reliability across 2 continents and multiple broadband services.

  • avinit86 on 19/06/2020 - 11:26

    Top router. Had since it released and bought at rrp from Harvey’s. Highly recommend

  • mduncan2 on 19/06/2020 - 11:28

    Not sure on the differences in warranty or underlying hardware, but this is about $225 delivered from Joybuy (USD$140+gst)

    • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 11:52
      +1

      Yeah don't do it. Asus possibly won't honour the warranty and Chinese settings and firmware.

  • frugalbat on 19/06/2020 - 11:30
    +1

    Looking for a AC68U but they're so expensive now

    • Grohouse on 19/06/2020 - 13:35

      I wouldn't recommend the AC68U - I bought one 2 months back with I had NBN connected to the house. I have had constant issues with the Wifi dropping out and disconnection issues. Read up the whirlpool forums and you'll soon find out this is a common issue with the Mediatek chipset they use in the unit.

      I would highly recommend the TP-link VR600 Version 2 is you want a great modem + router combo. You can pick them up on eBay for ~$160. These use the better Broadcom chipset making it a more reliable + stable unit.

      • Twix on 19/06/2020 - 14:06

        That applies only to the DSL-AC68U and not the RT-AC68U.

  • obsolete on 19/06/2020 - 11:31

    Is this sold out or how do you lock in the $289 pricing via AmazonAU? I can only see the other sellers on the ad.

    • coupleofdays on 19/06/2020 - 11:43

      sorry looks like it is fully sold out now.

      • obsolete on 19/06/2020 - 11:47

        No worries, thanks

  • kindaunstable on 19/06/2020 - 11:36

    Picked one up a couple of weeks ago at Centrecom Richmond $335. Got it setup with a RT-AC88U

  • arkh on 19/06/2020 - 11:47

    Currently i have a DSL-AC68U with FTTP but the wifi is pretty rubbish. This is not really an upgrade from that right?

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