Review: Synology Router RT1900ac

Conclusion

Synology is a welcome newcomer to the world of home or office routers. The company's heritage in developing network storage solutions suggests that we shouldn't be surprised by the RT1900ac's fit-and-finish, yet for a first-ever router, the level of polish is an impressive feat.

But is there enough here to challenge the status quo? Synology's AC1900 hardware isn't cutting edge by today's standards, and while other router's are adopting more stylish designs, the RT1900ac's black chassis can be deemed relatively staid.

It is by no means the prettiest router on the market, yet Synology's knowledge of network products has proven that aesthetics and top-line performance aren't as important as the overall user experience. To this end, the RT1900ac's setup process and admin panel are, even at this early stage, among the best we've seen from a consumer router.

Borrowing heavily from the company's NAS operating system, the new Synology Router Manager software is without a doubt a key attraction. While competitors have a tendency to implement superfluous features you're unlikely to ever use, SRM's user-friendly approach makes available a wealth of features that you're inclined to explore. Traffic management, parental control and media server are all handled with aplomb, and Synology has laid a solid foundation on which future models can build.

The RT1900ac is a good bet for anybody in the market for a quality router, but a follow-up model with, say, an integrated modem and perhaps a 2.5in drive bay for built-in NAS duties, could really set Synology apart.

Synology Router RT1900ac

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The Synology Router RT1900ac is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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