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Asus RT-AC68U Router + Bonus Asus Clique H10 Wireless Headset $158.1 Delivered @ Wireless 1 eBay
Techprofile link Out of Stock
Asus RT-AC68U Router + Clique H10 Wireless Headset $158.10 (or Just Router $125.80 from Techprofile): Wireless 1 (eBay Plus)
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Pricebeat on 23/06/2018 - 22:03 ebay.com.au (659 clicks)
Last edited 25/06/2018 - 19:13 by 3 other users
Last edited 25/06/2018 - 19:13 by 3 other users
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Just some additional info:
Asus RT-AC68U: Get hardware revision E1 or C1 if you intend to use Merlin firmware. If you intend to use other firmware (i.e. tomato), then you need to try to get a B1. You will need to check with the seller, otherwise you may receive a different version than the one you really want.
Thanks for the extra tips, netsurfer. I just placed an order, do I need to message the seller now requesting for any particular version? Which version (in your opinion) is the best for this router? Which firmware is the most suited?
It's generally best to contact the seller before purchase to check the version(s) they have in stock. You normally need to specify the version(s) you prefer in the comment, otherwise the seller will just randomly pick up.
When I purchased mine a while back, I read on a forum that people were getting revision C1 (at that time, C1 was the latest) so I assumed I would get a C1 from the same seller. However, I ended up getting B1. The seller did allow me to send the router back and get a C1 instead. Generally, you prefer to pick the latest revision (assuming the maker did not use cheaper CPU in that revision) - I think E1 is the latest.
B1, C1, E1 are all fine if you intend to use Merlin or Asus firmware. Merlin firmware is the main reason why people like this router. If you want to try out all sorts of custom firmwares, then B1 is the safest. I wanted a C1 because I already had another RT-AC68U that is a B1.
Basically, anything other than A1 or A2 are fine, unless you have some basic linux skills and want to customise the router a fair bit (or you prefer the wifi hardware in E1 or C1). The reason you want B1 or later is that Asus changed the CPU from revision B1 onwards to the one that's the same as Netgear R7000 - i.e. a faster CPU.
P.S. I did get one refurbished TM-AC1900 form Amazon. That's essentially an A1 with a restricted ROM, but because it is less than half of the proper RT-AC86U and I wanted it as a secondary router, I was willing to accept the slower CPU. However, as I mentioned, avoid TM-AC1900 unless you have experience with Asus routers and know how to completely reset a router and recover a bricked Asus router without having the router's admin password.
Is it worth getting another one of these to build an aimesh network for home?
I've been considering on either picking up a Google wifi or Linksys velop 3 pack but or simply getting another aimesh compatible Asus router which would be a cheaper option and also still have the capabilities of advanced router features since the current consumer aimesh routers are do not have many advanced features.
@kunfushun: Cannot comment on AiMesh yet (haven't tried). Also tempted to try and I do have two routers. Problem is that I like Merlin firmware and the fact that it supports entware, which opens the door to complete customisation of the router.
Another reason for not trying AiMesh yet is that my current WiFi setup consists of 3 WiFi networks:
- 2.4 Ghz for family members (single router setup): no repeater so less likely to have issues
- 5 Ghz for everyone (single router setup): no repeater; if devices are in range and can use it, they can benefit from 5 Ghz.
- 2.4 Ghz for me (main router + repeater setup): longer range, but not the best speed and could play up from time to time. It's fine for me because I can figure out what to do (generally reboot repeater).
I don't want to put family members through repeater or mesh setup yet. Though AiMesh could be more reliable and faster than the old repeater setup. Extending the range of 5Ghz can be quite useful.
I know this is already out of stock, but be wary of Techprofile. They're actually based in Malaysia and not Australia as noted by their stock. The items they sell are basically grey imports.
I went through a pain of a time buying Hikvision Security Camera's from them, it was basically drop shipped from Malaysia to Botany then on to me which just added a large amount of shipping time - I wouldn't want to see the warranty process if I need it…
That's why it's so cheap.
That's a good price for what is a good solid router. I paid $170+ just a while ago.
I know there are newer Asus models, but if you don't need the features of the newer ones (and most people don't), you will have to decide whether double?? the price is worth the relatively small improvement in wireless speed and range. The RT-AC68U will give you wireless speeds faster than any NBN connection.
Avoid the TM-AC1900 from TechProfile because they simply got them from one of the Amazon US resellers and resell them at a higher price. You are better off buying TM-AC1900 through Amazon US if you really want one.
I bought a refurbished TM-AC1900 from one of the Amazon US sellers. One of the antenna connector was bent (I used a bit of force to bend it back). The router password was changed (so it was really used). While I did manage to flash the firmware to make it RT-AC68U, I am not certain whether the latest Ai-Mesh firmware would reset it back.
Also, it is likely you will get an US power adapter with a plug converter.
As for Asus RT-AC68U, there are multiple hardware revisions. You want to get B1 or better (C1 - not sure whether there is a newer version after C1 - quite likely). Best to let the seller know which version you want.
TM-AC1900 would likely be an A1 equivalent (or A2 - though I somewhat doubt it). In any case, the CPU in TM-AC1900 is weaker than the one in revision B1 or C1.