Setup and web-interface
One of the stand-out features of the DSL-AC68U router is setup process is very easy. Upon first logging into the web interface, available by default at 192.168.1.1, the ASUS router walks through the 'Quick Internet Setup' which auto-detects the connection type with minimal fuss, requests the ISP login details and then sets up the WiFi SSIDs and passwords. Even for the most novice user the DSL-AC68U can be setup in under five minutes.
When connected to the Internet and fully setup the DSL-AC68U becomes even more interesting, especially for the power user. There is a wealth of features on offer in the well-designed web interface, from monitoring to VPN creation, that cater to just about every usage scenario.
The USB 3.0 port on the DSL-AC68U can be turned into a makeshift NAS by simply by attaching USB-based storage. Certain USB storage drivers may require external power, but from our testing there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on the type of USB storage: powered and unpowered hard drives, hard-drive caddies and USB flash drives are all possibilities. USB storage functions include simple file-sharing, media and FTP servers and download management.
Another nifty feature is the ability to monitor traffic usage on each component of the DSL-AC68U: WAN, wired, 2.4G and 5G. Data usage can be recorded, useful for users with a bandwidth cap, and displayed over real-time, hourly or daily intervals. One step further from monitoring is the ability to prioritise certain user-defined streams of traffic, such as online gaming and video calls, over others; the ASUS QoS feature supports this.
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For users buying this specifically for the inclusion of the DSL-modem feature the detailed DSL settings page should be useful with its extensive array of tweaking options. In most cases no manual adjustments is required as the automatic configuration takes care of the hard work in setting up the DSL configuration.
Another technical feature worth closer scrutiny is the VPN service. The router makes use PPTP and OpenVPN VPN servers, meaning the user's home network can be accessed securely from anywhere. The ability to access files on local network storage in your home while away can be invaluable.
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Many of the software features the DSL-AC68U are present on other ASUS routers. The layout for the web interface will vary depending on the hardware of each router; some routers may not have a USB port, for instance, but the structure is broadly the same. A dummy version of the ASUS router web interface can be accessed here.