Product Overview

2 Routers, 5 Network Adapters, what could possibly go wrong?

Some computer components get all the glory.  Your normal lineup of FPS crushing GPU’s, Handbrake dominating CPU’s, and super-fast Memory end up with most of the headlines.  Yet behind the scenes, there are some computer components we use that are pivotal in our use and enjoyment of computers and receive very little fanfare.  Without networking we wouldn’t have file sharing, LAN parties or even the Internet itself.   Without routers and network adapters, we wouldn’t have networking.

ASUS recently sent a whole slew of networking components our way and we’ve decided to take them for a spin and see if they’re worth your hard earned dollars.  Our box of ASUS goodies included:

  • ASUS RT-N66U Gigabit Router – Dual Band Wireless-N900
  • ASUS PCE-N10 – Wireless N PCI-E Adapter Wireless-N
  • ASUS PCE-N15 – Wireless N PCI-E Adapter Wireless-N
  • ASUS USB-N53 – Dual Band Wireless N Adapter
  • ASUS USB-N66 – Dual Band Wireless-N900 Adapter

Without further ado, let’s jump in and tackle each one.

ASUS RT-N66U Gigabit Router – Dual Band Wireless-N900

Routers are one of those components that most of us don’t really think about unless something goes horribly wrong.  Most people will buy one they find on a big box store shelf (or even worse, just use their ISP’s router), pull it out of the box, plug a few cables into it and then forget about it in a closet for a few years. 

There’s a lot of power and performance packed into today’s Wi-Fi routers and the ASUS RT-N66U is definitely no slouch.  Some highlights of the ASUS RT-N66U include:

  • 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Concurrent Dual-Band Transmissions for Strong Signal Strength and Ultra-Fast Connection Rates up to 900Mbps
  • Gigabit Ethernet Ports for the Fastest, Most Reliable Internet Performance
  • Download Master for Wireless Data Storage and Access to Router-Connected USB Storage Devices
  • Expanded Wireless Coverage with Detachable High-Powered Antennas
  • File Sharing, Printer Sharing, and 3G Sharing via Two Multi-Functional Built-in USB Ports
  • ASUSWRT Dashboard UI for Easy Setup, Signal Monitoring, and Network Application Control

The specs sound a lot better than the aging Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 I have rocking in my networking closet.  A few items that immediately caught my eye included the dual USB ports and 900 Mbps Wi-Fi rates.

Editor's Note: Before jumping into the rest of the review, you should check out our video below where Chris and I discuss the testing methodology and general opinions on the ASUS products in question!

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