Sub $400 for a wifi 7 router seems like a good deal to me.
1.5GHz Quad-Core CPU.
1GB DDR4 RAM.
256MB Flash.
1 x 2.5GbE WAN port.
3 x 2.5GbE LAN ports.
1 x USB 3.0 port.
2.4GHz and 5GHz Dual Band Wi-Fi 7.
CamelCamelCamel.
It doesn't have 6GHz, if that's something you think you'll need.
Don't really get why they skip 6ghz?
6GHz is not mandatory for Wi-Fi 7 and some countries don't allow 6GHz yet. Wi-Fi 7 dual-band also saves costs.
m.o.n.e.y.
It's got 6 antennas if that helps.
Shouldn't it have 7?
Just bought one from Aliexpress Chinese version, TaoBao. Costs me around $150. Don't know any difference but 100% not fake.
Less output power of the antennas and DFS channels for the wifi. Can probably use SSH to change the region but it may revert again to China on reboot.
Easy to switch to Australia mode, it is not locked from my view.
Good to know, thanks.
@Tread: The first thing for ASUS router Chinese user is switiching to Australia mode and this is probably the reason why they keep the mode. Only one click at Region Page.
@psqpower: No it just changes the language. Changing the region doesn't unlock the missing Wi-Fi channels or increase the Tx power.
@Tread @psqpower
@Twix: pity just changes language, would have been nice to load latest firmware, get australian power and bands, and save some money.
@Twix: It will increase TX power 100% and missing Channels will be unlocked once the router detect your real location in Oz.
@psqpower: That's not how it works. It's hard coded at the factory. You may be able to use the workaround on github.
@Twix: Bought one and update to Merlin and change to Australia mode. This should allow you to use all function. I guess ASUS intends to keep the bug to attract Chinesse Users. Some users tried to buy routers from the US which is much cheaper but looks like the channel is unable to unlocked due to real-time location detection. So, If the router detected your location in Au, It should allow you to use the missing channels and increase TX. Same as iphone, some functions will be hidden in China, but will be unlocked once you leave.
You can take a try or do some search to confirm that.
forum
@psqpower: Merlin firmware doesn't unlock the missing Wi-Fi channels or increase the Tx power either. Merlin firmware gives you extra settings to use.
No it's not a bug.
I paid like $39 for my first NBN router from a clearance bin ow Netgear router haha.
Paid like ~65 for my current asus wifi ax 1800 RT-AX53U router too.
Will wait for sub $100 wifi 7 routers before I update I reckon haha.
I wouldn’t bother with budget WiFi 7 routers, because a significant chunk of the money is going toward the WiFi 7 badge, and this one doesn’t even have 6GHz, which is the main new feature of the WiFi 7 standard. You can buy two decent budget dual band WiFi 6 routers, like the TUF Gaming AX4200, for less than this, two of those with Ai Mesh will likely provide a better overall experience, especially for larger homes.
Dual band only, missing 6GHz