[Review] ASUS RT-N56U Wireless-N Dual-Band Router - Bringing Sexy Back

[weap0nx]

2.4GHz is supposed to pass through obstacles (eg. walls, ceilings, floors, etc.) better than 5GHz.

Only problem with 2.4GHz is the inteference from other wireless routers as most people are on 2.4GHz at the moment.

Yea lower frequency translates to longer wavelength so it can cut through thicker obstacles easily.

 

[weap0nx]

Anyone encountered any problem with the latest firmware 1.0.1.3? I upgraded mine, but my SMCWIPCAM-PZ wireless IP camera had difficulty display the image, although I can get to its other functions. I downgraded the firmware back to 1.0.1.2 and the problem disappeared.

Remotely or while on the LAN?

IP Cameras sometimes have more than 1 port. If it's remotely you may only have access to the Web server. It may for example use another port for the video, another port for control which have not been forwarded.

 

[Shinji_U]

Are you basing your expectations on other routers' 5.0 GHz performance? Or basing it against 2.4GHz performance?

Based on the 5 GHz APs that I've deployed over the months...

I was guessing that the RT-N56U 5 GHz could further be improved with firmware updates...

 

[elpibe10]

Firmware 1.0.1.3's 5GHz Wireless-N still not compatible with D-Link DAP-1522 Dual-Band Wireless-N Bridge ... same problem as 1.0.1.2.

Problem : 5GHz connection stays on but after a while (about 5 to 10 minutes), PCs that are connected to DAP-1522 loses LAN and WAN access.

2.4GHz is fine.

 

[Dr_ARCHer]

Remotely or while on the LAN?

IP Cameras sometimes have more than 1 port. If it's remotely you may only have access to the Web server. It may for example use another port for the video, another port for control which have not been forwarded.

On LAN via a web browser. I could see the page, but the image is just not there. Ironically, I could access it via my mobile phone's app through the WAN side, so it is not the portforwarding issue. The thing is, it is not just one SMC camera, but both (I have 2 units). My other IP cameras are okay (WVC-200, DIR-6620G, DIR-5635, LevelOne WCS-2040, F series, H series and IP-7010PTn).

 

[Dr_ARCHer]

Based on the 5 GHz APs that I've deployed over the months...

I was guessing that the RT-N56U 5 GHz could further be improved with firmware updates...

Not many 5 GHz wireless routers/APs. I have the WNDR3700 and indeed the RT-N56U is not as good on 5 GHz as the WNDR3700. Limited testing on E4200 so far (have other toys to play with, like 6990 and GTX590 ), but range is about the same. Don't have DIR-825 to test, so don't know that one.

 

[elpibe10]

Limited testing on E4200 so far but range is about the same.

Thanks, that's what I've been waiting to hear.

Looks like I'll eliminate E4200 from my shopping list

 

[dagovima]

What router is the best choice?

Hello to all, great forum I had founded looking for info about routers.
This is my history.
My idea was to acquire a NAS, but founded out it was out of budget (needed 4 slots).
I also did need to upgrade my net home system so decided to purchase a new router with wifi n and giga red. But surprise, founded router with USB, BT client, FTP, etc.
I also have popcornhour & xtreamer.
Can this new router act like a NAS? for this I would need
- hub USB connected to the router USB port to connect more than two HDD
- web based file system to copy big files (more than 2gb if possible) shutting downed the PC.
- BT & FTP client inside the router (I had readed that it must be in the PC in this review).
Could some body connect a USB Hub to the router and check this out and post back the results if more than 3 HHD o pen drives can be seen?
It would also appreciate if the HDD's connected to the USB hub can be seen trhought the file browser web based (if there is any)

Thanks in advance, and sorry for my english.

David from Spain

 

[wohouboy]

Using this router now on NTT 100mbps , realized the ezQoS function can help me maintain my ping even when i'm BTing at CRAZY speeds.

This is the speedtest, checkout the ping:


And this is my torrenting WHILE I was doing the speedtest:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

song dah.

 

[alvinaloy]

Just to confirm. Since this is a dual band router, so if I were to get a dual band dongle for my PC to connect to the router, I can theoretically get a transfer speed of 2x 300Mbps?

 

[liangtam]

Just to confirm. Since this is a dual band router, so if I were to get a dual band dongle for my PC to connect to the router, I can theoretically get a transfer speed of 2x 300Mbps?

No.
*10 char*

 

[bingom]

one question for existing owners of Asus N56U, are you guys able to connect the USB port to a Brother laser printer?

The Asus webpage put up a list for AIO HP, Canon and Epson only

Thanks

 

[alvinaloy]

So I can only connect to 1 band at a time then? Either the 2.4 or 5GHz band but not both at the same time.

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[Dr_ARCHer]

So I can only connect to 1 band at a time then? Either the 2.4 or 5GHz band but not both at the same time.

Simultaneous dual band means the router can connect to 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz clients simultaneously. It does not mean that the same client can connect to the router on 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz simultaneously.

 

[alvinaloy]

I see. Thanks for the clarification.

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[wrt54gs]

Simultaneous dual band means the router can connect to 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz clients simultaneously. It does not mean that the same client can connect to the router on 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz simultaneously.

Even using Dual Band Wireless Card ?

if that + poor 5.0 GHz signal
+ Very expensive of dual band router + wireless card

= useless of dual band ?

 

[Dr_ARCHer]

Even using Dual Band Wireless Card ?

if that + poor 5.0 GHz signal
+ Very expensive of dual band router + wireless card

= useless of dual band ?

Yes, even with dual band wireless card. Current technology is that you can only use a single band, be it 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz.

Dual band is more about flexibility. 2.4 GHz band can be very congested, and this could affect speeds. 5.0 GHz has quite a lot of room.

 

[liangtam]

Even using Dual Band Wireless Card ?

if that + poor 5.0 GHz signal
+ Very expensive of dual band router + wireless card

= useless of dual band ?

Thats why you don't see the widespread use of 5ghz. But its more about a choice here.

One advantage about 2.4g is that the performance when compared to 5g sometimes outperforms and hence nullify the cons of the band being overcrowded.

 

[aaur4man]

what abt "clean room" tests done at 5ghz yielding better results, does it mean that with no interference 5ghz would have higher throughput?>

 

[elpibe10]

5GHz isn't as easy to get working effectively. Give it an obstacle or 2 (eg. wall, floor, ceiling) and it goes downhill really quickly.