Asus DSL-AC88U ultra-fast AC3100 dual-band Wi-Fi modem router

by Mark Tyson on 14 February 2017, 11:01

Tags: ASUSTeK (TPE:2357)

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Asus is getting to be a very popular brand for those who choose to replace the routers provided for 'free' from their ISPs. To keep its products at the cutting edge of technology and desirability Asus must keep up to date with supporting the latest standards, which invariably bring faster speeds to the end user. The new Asus DSL-AC88U does just this by supporting the latest G.fast standard. Furthermore, Asus claims this is its fastest ever modem router, thanks to its advanced Broadcom NitroQAM technology.

As mentioned above, the DSL-AC88U supports the latest G.fast standard (as well as ADSL, ADSL2/2+ and VDSL2 services). G.fast lives up to its name by enabling broadband speeds of up to 18x greater speeds than VDSL2 services can muster.

If you don't need its modem functionality you can connect the DSL-AC88U via Ethernet to your existing fibre - or cable-modem service (for example). Last but not least, a USB port on the front of the modem router can provide 3G/4G network support - good as a backup if your wired broadband goes down.

Broadcom NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology works to boost max Wi-Fi transmission speeds on both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands. This tech can provide a 25 per cent uplift in performance compared with other four-stream (4x4) MIMO designs, claims Asus. Examples of 5GHz speeds being improved from 1734Mbps to 2167Mbps, and 2.4GHz speeds being boosted from 800Mbps to 1000Mbps, are cited. NitroQAM helps make the most of your connection for minimising lag, latency, and buffering.

Asus has equipped the DSL-AC88U with easy to use parental controls. Parents or admins can use filters to block sites or apps. Scheduling functionality can automatically restrict device connections to the internet based upon time rules.

If the Asus DSL-AC88U tickles your fancy you might be happy to know it will be available in the UK from the first week in March. Various leading retailers will stock this modem router and the SRP has been set at £219.99.


SPECIFICATIONS of the ASUS DSL-AC88U

Wi-Fi

Network standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, IPv4, IPv6.

Concurrent dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz

802.11ac (5GHz): up to 1734Mbit/s

1024QAM (5GHz): up to 2167Mbit/s

802.11n : up to 800Mbit/s

1024QAM (2.4GHz): up to 1000Mbit/s

Wi-Fi features

MIMO technology:

2.4GHz 4 x 4

5GHz 4 x 4

DSL compatibility

G.fast, ADSL, ADSL2/2+, VDSL2, Vplus (35b)

Memory

128MB Flash / 512MB RAM

Ports

1 x RJ11 DSL

1 x 10/100/1000Mbit/s WAN

4 x 10/100/1000Mbit/s Ethernet LAN

1 x USB 3.0

1 x USB 2.0

Antennas

4 x external detachable antennas (4x4 MIMO)

Management

ASUSWRT web-based admin console

Utilities: Router setup wizard; Firmware restoration; Device discovery; Printer setup utility

Firewall & Access Control

Access control: Parental controls, Network service filter, URL filter, Port filter

Features

Link Aggregation, Smart Connect, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, Parental Control, Guest Network, VPN server, VPN client, Roaming Assist

Additional features

ASUS AiCloud personal cloud service

3G/4G data sharing

Weight

950g



HEXUS Forums :: 8 Comments

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I'd say thats to compete with Netgears R8000.
It looks like a good interface but hopefully they havent ditched a load of useful settings and features.
AGTDenton
I'd say thats to compete with Netgears R8000.
It looks like a good interface but hopefully they havent ditched a load of useful settings and features.
Not even close to as Netgear has no built in DSL support
SHSPVR
Not even close to as Netgear has no built in DSL support
It does seem ASUS have filled Netgears own gap of not having a D8000 in their range. The closest at similar price points with DSL is the D7800. The rest of the features are fairly competitive.
Netgear does seem to be holding off from embedding DSL support fully across their range. Perhaps they're thinking the majority of customers will still have the little BT White box for some years to come.
Also Asus update their firmware way faster than Netgear does along with a built in tool in the Asus UI. Netgear routers are a highly popular target for hackers.
Kato-2
Also Asus update their firmware way faster than Netgear does along with a built in tool in the Asus UI. Netgear routers are a highly popular target for hackers.
Not only that it far better option and very nice UI.