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ASUS RT-AX86S Wi-Fi 6 Router $260 Delivered (UK Imports) @ Amazon UK via AU

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ASUS RT-AX86S Wi-Fi 6 Router $260 Delivered (UK Imports) @ Amazon UK via AUAffiliate
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LYakult Plus on 12/05/2022 - 10:43 amazon.com.au (945 clicks)
Last edited 12/05/2022 - 10:45 by 1 other user
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I had an AX86U and it's working good, now need another router, saw this AX86S deal online, seems an excellent price. Please note this model is a bit simplified compared with AX86U, but the WIFI function looks the same. No need for 2.5G Lan for me so I am ok with it.

Note: This is the ASUS RT-AX86S. This is not the ASUS RT-AX86U. The main differences are in the CPU, RAM, 2.5Gb LAN port and USB ports. The Wi-Fi channels and Wi-Fi transmit power on the ASUS RT-AX86S is different with UK imported stock.

ASUS RT-AX86S
Dual-Core CPU @ 1.8GHz.
512MB RAM.
2.5Gb WAN/LAN = removed.
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 + 1x USB 2.0.

ASUS RT-AX86U
Quad-Core CPU @ 1.8GHz.
1GB RAM.
2.5Gb WAN/LAN.
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1x1.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing ASUS Wireless Router

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closed Comments

  • mrgeckoz on 12/05/2022 - 10:54
    +1

    The Asus router I bought years ago came with different adapters, not sure about now?

  • John Doh on 12/05/2022 - 10:54

    I have ac68U with over 7 devices connected and I see the dual core CPU usage almost nil all the time. I wonder how many devices are required to saturate a more advanced quadcore.

    • jlogic on 12/05/2022 - 11:07
      +2

      If you use it as a NAS you can saturate it.

      https://dongknows.com/asus-rt-ax86s-vs-rt-ax86u/

      https://dongknows.com/asus-rt-ax82u-ax5400-gaming-router-rev…

      Check the NAS portion of the 82u review.

      So if you need a NAS don't get the crippled version. But for general use I doubt most will see a difference.

    • skid on 12/05/2022 - 11:08
      +1

      The CPU comes into play when the router is running multiple servers like samba, torrents, dlna, ftp, diversion (adblock like pihole), skynet (firewall), wireguard etc. RAM helps too.

      Not sure, but I think routing relies more on clock speed.

    • poglet on 12/05/2022 - 11:08
      +1

      You will start to notice CPU usage when using some of the additional features like VPN. On an unrelated note, this router supports custom firmware www.asuswrt-merlin.net which might suit some people.

    • mini_wombat on 12/05/2022 - 11:09
      +1

      I had over 50 devices on the ac68u and it was fine. No need to upgrade when you don't need the other features. It's still a great router in my opinion.

      • John Doh on 12/05/2022 - 11:20

        I know, I think initially in our office we used a slightly older model and it supported a team of 25 with all the laptops, phones, meetings etc without missing a beat.

    • mrgeckoz on 12/05/2022 - 11:09
      +1

      my deco m5 mesh has at least 15+ devices connected 24/7, CPU usage 5-30% most of the time, memory usage 30-70%.

  • mathew42 on 12/05/2022 - 11:04
    +1

    Broadcom’s BCM4908 and BCM43684 chipsets are used in ASUS RT-AX86U and most likely this, which means it is unlikely that OpenWrt will support due to lack of open source drivers.

    • expatOz on 12/05/2022 - 11:34

      Why would you want OpenWrt when Asus-WRT has pretty much everything there's even Asuswrt-Merlin which unlocks additional functionalities.

      • mathew42 on 12/05/2022 - 11:41
        +1

        Reasons to use OpenWrt has long list. Personally it is security, particularly for older devices, and consistency across devices for ease of management.

    • Wizballs on 12/05/2022 - 18:45
      +1

      The lack of trend micro for one reason. But yes this isn't the router for openwrt

  • whyzeguy on 12/05/2022 - 11:10

    Waiting for the AX68U to drop….. Seems like there's either no stock or no one willing to put it on sale for ~$350 mark. Considering how old it is, it sucks we don't see it cheaper more often. Supply/demand I guess but I'm wondering if Asus are still manufacturing them.

    • tukanglistrik on 12/05/2022 - 15:36

      Has AX68U ever been sold in Australia? Asus AU website doesn't have that model.

      • whyzeguy on 13/05/2022 - 13:18

        You're right. Got my 86s and 68s mixed up! I meant the AX86U

  • vash12 on 12/05/2022 - 11:11

    Does this support Vlan and policy routing?

  • Nkl on 12/05/2022 - 11:14

    Got a used one off marketplace for $130 the other week and so far very happy with it! Would definitely recommend.

  • congo on 12/05/2022 - 11:18

    Was around $252 from camelcamelcamel
    Have the AiMesh, its great.

  • congo on 12/05/2022 - 11:22
    +1

    Which one is better value?
    $260 ASUS RT-AX86S (UK)
    $250 ASUS TUF-AX3000 - https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-Wi-Fi-Gaming-Router-TUF-AX300… (AU)
    $225 ASUS TUF-AX5400 - https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-802-11ax-Accelerator-Adaptive… (UK)

  • Yamete Kudasai on 12/05/2022 - 11:28

    do you think this is good enough for 2 storey house with 10 devices?

    • mathew42 on 12/05/2022 - 11:45
      +1

      Probably, but it depends on where the router is located and the structure of the house. If the router can be placed in the centre of the house and up high then whole house coverage should be okay. If the router is at one end of the house and blocked by a fridge, then possibly not.

    • freesteakknives on 13/05/2022 - 08:35

      I have an RT-AC68U in the top floor of a two storey house. ISP port is at the front of the house unfortunately. Good enough for 4K Prime and Netflix to the downstairs family room at the back of the house but garage gets occassional drop out. Have about 10+ devices on it. Thought about mesh but current setup is good enough

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/05/2022 - 11:28

    Anyone running multiple in a mesh configuration?

    Got a RT-AX86U and thinking to just mesh with a similar asus instead of going an x60 setup

    • littlesoldier on 12/05/2022 - 11:36
      +2

      I got one AX-88U and 2 x AC-68U in mesh config (with wired backhaul)
      works pretty good and all connected devices (either to primary router or to node) also got around 100Mbps in speedtest (bottleneck on my nbn internet)

      My previous setup was using AC-68U as primary mesh and another 2 x AC-68U as node
      and got occasional drop out of wifi, I believe AC-68U was not powerful enough when it handles over 50 wifi devices in mesh network
      once upgraded to AX-88U everything goes so well

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/05/2022 - 11:47

        We have about 40 devices on network - and looking to try and maximise 1000/50 nbn all over the house haha

        • TB0n3 on 12/05/2022 - 13:22
          +1

          I've had an RT-AX88U connected to 2 x RT-AX86U (via ethernet backhaul) on a 1000/50 plan from ABB - been working flawlessly for almost a year now.

          Average of 35-40 devices connected to it most of the time, with a Synology NAS.

          CPU sits at 1% with RAM at around 48%

          Only had one drop out, which I think was due to a firmware issue - (RT-AX88U wouldn't come back online by itself) power-cycled everything and was back up and running.

          We get a few visitors to the house, so out of habit I reboot the whole network every 1-2 weeks.

          If you can, its worth the effort having an ethernet backhaul. ASUS does a great mesh setup, but depending on the house, materials used and interference from other devices, mesh wont be as constant as having them wired.

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/05/2022 - 13:39

            @TB0n3: Hmm back to the drawing board.. still trying to consider how best to allow for wired back haul

  • Catch88 on 12/05/2022 - 11:37
    +3

    I am in Australia, last year 2021, I brought the same product from UK Amazon via AU Amazon. However it got lost in the transits. APG ecommerce solutions is the courier. I only got my refund back after waited for 2.5 months. Interestingly APG ecommerce's tracking still showing that they've got my parcel. https://apgecommerce.com/, click "Tack My Parcel", tracking no AP13485458.

    I try to buy the same router again after the refund, but it cost $60 more. When sterling is low, it looks like a budget, but to me it never got delivered. Buyer beware.

    • DeToxin on 14/05/2022 - 12:29

      Probably don't want to be sharing your tracking number - you might want to delete that

  • Captain Hindsight on 12/05/2022 - 11:39

    Nice may have got this but just got TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 for $169 locally. Not quite in the same league but still wifi6 and mesh option with solid reviews for it and similar AX50 for anyone looking for cheaper local option.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/234177516827

  • ozstig on 12/05/2022 - 11:55

    Thanks OP. Been looking for a replacement for my Netgear Nighthawk which needs rebooting damn near everyday.

  • xenoray on 12/05/2022 - 12:01

    Good price! But beware, I think, this item couldn't get a warranty in Australia. correct me, if I am wrong.

  • Namidairo on 12/05/2022 - 12:07
    +2

    If there's no region selection for the wifi, there won't be the little 10 channel gap in the 5ghz that you're not supposed to be using here. (Channels 118-128). Something to keep in mind, especially if you set it to 160mhz channel width. (Because it might overlap into there if it does not pick 36)

    Transmit power might be about a quarter of the correct strength on channel 149 at worst. (I'm assuming ~29dBm max, compared to the limit in the UK of about 23)

    Of course if there's a dropdown for wifi region none of this matters.

    Edit: Looks like this has Merlin support anyway, so that'll probably have the region dropdown even if the stock firmware does not.

    • c0lch3y on 12/05/2022 - 13:52

      According to this thread https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/3vyjqp69?p=33 they are region locked… Well for the U version from UK Amazon anyway…

    • jimzou on 25/05/2022 - 22:15

      I received my one to replace my dead AC68U. I don't know if it is region locked. I selected Channel bandwidth of 20/40/80/160MHZ and Control Channel has the list of 36/40/44/48/52/56/60/64/100/104/108/112/116/120/124/128/132/136/140.
      In case if someone has concern of region locking, will you be able to make a clarification? As for myself, I am happy with its stability for WFH and parental controls. :)

  • guichenmin on 12/05/2022 - 12:17

    Hi All,
    I wonder if anyone can recommend a modem + router for me pls, I am with telstra and want to use Aussie Broadband. Thank you.

    • congo on 12/05/2022 - 12:28

      NBN comes with modem. You just need a router. This one is a good router.

      • Namidairo on 12/05/2022 - 12:35
        +2

        Not if you are on FTTN/FTTB. Then you'd require a compatible VDSL2 modem.

        If you want a decent modem on the cheap you can grab a "Telstra Smart Modem" (probably the gen 2) second-hand. I think the technicolour made ones are "unlockable" for extra customisation. https://github.com/seud0nym/tch-gui-unhide

        • rith on 12/05/2022 - 12:56
          +2

          ^ This! It depends what NBN you have.

          Here are the possible scenarios if you were to get this router, and other routers that aren't also a modem (should probably be included with all relevant router posts, imo):

          • ADSL2+ - This router + ADSL2+ modem connected to WAN port (bridged)
          • NBN FTTN - This router + VDSL2 modem connected to WAN port (bridged)
          • NBN FTTP/FTTC/HFC - This router + NBN utillity/connection box (installed in your house already) connected to WAN port

          However! It may be possible that you can use your ISP-provided modem/router in bridge mode with a router like this. Check what you've got to see :)

  • TheOneWhoKnows on 12/05/2022 - 13:11

    Is this legal to use in Australia?

    • timhn on 12/05/2022 - 15:53

      Good question. I won't tell.

  • BillyCool on 12/05/2022 - 13:46
    +1

    For those that may be turned off by the core count, it is misleading. What's important is that it is a 64-bit ARMv8 CPU with AES hardware acceleration, which will shine when using things like router-based VPN, USB sharing, or have a very busy network.

    Most other ASUS models at this price range use an older 32-bit ARMv7 CPU, which may have higher core counts but will lag behind performance wise.

  • yama131 on 12/05/2022 - 14:19
    -1

    and here I am still using my 10 year old ADSL 2 netgear router.

  • Grazz989 on 12/05/2022 - 15:23

    Don't UK wifi devices lack a number of channels or something?

  • viirgon on 12/05/2022 - 16:50

    Waiting for the AX86U to drop in price …, my current AC86U is doing ok but seems to need a reboot from time to time when home wifi devices lose the connection without affecting computers.

  • DrMilan on 12/05/2022 - 17:27

    i bought this one a few years back as i had some other TPLINK which didn't have enough range, this one made a huge difference and was money well spent.
    we have about 6 - 9 devices connected at any one time and it does its job.

  • sebasg91 on 13/05/2022 - 05:57

    Up to $304

  • ozstig on 20/05/2022 - 23:08
    +1

    Received this a few days ago and blown away by the speed and signal strength compared to my old Nighthawk.

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