ASUS Dual-Band Wireless Router (AC2600) Smart Homes, Featuring Intel WiFi Technology (up to 2600 Mbps) & Free Lifetime Internet Security Trend Micro, Works Amazon Alexa & Echo (Blue Cave)

Executive summary: it's a good looking router that might give you long range WiFi for your house.It was supplied with a wall-wart PSU and two EU adapters, but no UK adapter; it's one of those ones where you clip the adapter onto the power brick and insert into the mains socket. Not good at all. Current options:1) Smash it against the wall2) Refund and end up where I started, minus time and hassle3) Use it anyway and modify furniture to fit the stupid, big PSU and adapter combination.I have nonetheless tested this and tit has further problems, mostly relating to changing the config. For example, if you want to assign a static IP address to a device in the DHCP pool then the router will confirm the save, spend a minute applying the changes and then reboot! This takes 3 minutes. The same happens for many other seemingly trivial changes.Here is my sage advice as a 20+ year veteran of such products:1) Buy a decent new model Fritz!box2) Buy a Synology router with 4+ Gigabit ports3) Don't buy thisReason is: if they don't make any consideration or accommodation for different countries' plug sockets then they certainly don't have the attention to detail required to supply a reliable networking product.

I purchased the blue cave to get myself prepared to move to a mesh setup, it replaced an Asus RT AC87U, which is very good and highly recommended that is if you dont require a mesh setup.The BC arrived and was very straight forward to setup and have it running, all my connections where in place from the 87U.I found the wireless operated flawlessly with a strong and steady signal throughout my 3 bed semi.I have a collection of UHD (4K) films on my computer and use the wired connection to watch them due to the very high bit rate. Now this is where I encountered a serious failing with the BC.The ethernet ports are gigabit well they are supposed to be however, I have discovered that mine is not switching and is stuck on 100mbs and therefore the playback of my film collection is not possible - the films constanly freeze. Well its back to my trusty RT AC87U while i await the arrival of the replacement.The BC is a very nice looking router with powerfull wifi and if I can address the issue the ethernet port switching then I will be happy, FINGERS CROSSED.Amazons return policy is easy and straight forward and is to be commended.John

First this is a fantastic router. Blends in with the furniture, discreet and fast.However the last firmware update was April 2021, so it looks like its EOL. Should it remain on sale? No, as it'll only be a matter of time before a serious exploit is found.It does have its issues as well. It doesn't play nicely with Logitech Harmony hubs, refusing to get them on the network and when trying to get some TP Link smart home devices (KP303) on the 2.4Ghz WiFi network the whole wireless band collapses. Tp Links forums have multiple posts about it.Given its age pass on this one now, but do get another newer Asus router as they are amongst the best for regular firmware updates.

I want to like this router but I have had so many problems. We are a mid to high internet usage house with smart TVs, 2 alexa, kids computers and tablets, nest thermostat light bulbs and sockets. This router can’t seem to handle multiple users over Wi-fi network. Constant red light internet drops - as if the router loses connection to the modem. It’s so inconsistent I have lost my mind trying to sort it out with setting changes, hard resets and even replacement from amazon. The big problem occurs when two children go on their tablets and my other two children play on their pcs. Guaranteed to drop out at some point sometimes multiple times. Then the whole house loses internet and it comes on minutes later. We have had alexa connection problems randomly over night as well. Signal is not a problem. Looks like I am going to have to send this replacement back as it worked for 4 days, then the same old problems under multiple use . I have read that it needs power cycles so I will try that and see if it helps. Could be ram issue or heat issue. Whatever it is, it’s not really very useful unless you are a single user as when I’m gaming on on iPad on my own, then it performs with almost no problems.

The main reason for buying this was for the hardware firewall aspect, having recently had my identity stolen, I am particularly mindful of keeping my information secure. Thus far, its a great piece of kit, and having regular updates from Trend Micro for the hardware firewall element is a real bonus. It updates silently every day, and no annual charges for the updates. This was the deciding factor, the nearest hardware firewall competition charges £81.00 per annum after the first year to maintain the security. I have run a few tests, using software and web based 'ShieldsUp', I also tried to go to dodgy sites and, touch wood, it is as secure as it promises. Worked fine with BT Home Hub, but for some reason I couldn't get it to work with my BTTV box, probably down to my lack of patience and incorrect passwords, as much as anything. That said, leaving one cable plugged into the BT Home Hub router won't cause any issues, but everything else works fine. Except that is for going through the rigmarole of inputting all the new passwords in all the connected devices. I also know it works well with Nordvpn, a simple case of inputting my password, so that'll be the next step.I should add that there is a really straightforward app that enables you to have full remote control from, in my case, an android tablet.All in all, I can't recommend it highly enough.