Highlights
- The DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U share a sleek and modern design, featuring a black chassis with distinctive red accents.
- The DSL-AC68U utilizes a Broadcom BCM6316 chipset and four internal antennas, while the RT-AC68U employs a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 chipset and three external antennas.
- Both routers offer a comprehensive suite of features and robust security measures, ensuring a reliable and secure home networking experience.
In the realm of home networking, ASUS reigns supreme as a manufacturer of high-performance routers. Two of their most popular models, the DSL-AC68U and the RT-AC68U, have garnered significant attention for their exceptional features and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison aims to elucidate the key differences between these two routers, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Design and Connectivity
The DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U share a sleek and modern design, featuring a black chassis with distinctive red accents. Both routers boast a robust array of connectivity options, including four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, a WAN port, and two USB 3.0 ports. Additionally, the DSL-AC68U offers an integrated DSL modem, eliminating the need for a separate device.
Performance and Coverage
Under the hood, the DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U employ different chipsets and antenna configurations. The DSL-AC68U utilizes a Broadcom BCM6316 chipset and four internal antennas, while the RT-AC68U employs a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 chipset and three external antennas. This difference translates into slightly better performance for the RT-AC68U in terms of both speed and range.
Features
Both routers offer a wide range of features to enhance your home networking experience. These include:
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes network traffic for smooth streaming and gaming.
- Parental Controls: Enables you to manage your children’s internet access and set time limits.
- Guest Network: Provides a separate Wi-Fi network for guests, isolating their devices from your main network.
- VPN Server: Allows you to create a secure VPN network to access your home network remotely.
Security
Security is paramount for any home network. Both the DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U feature robust security measures, including:
- WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK: Advanced wireless encryption protocols to protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Firewall: Protects your network from malicious attacks.
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Detects and blocks suspicious network activity.
Price and Availability
The ASUS DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U are both available at a similar price point. The DSL-AC68U tends to be slightly more expensive due to its integrated DSL modem. Both routers are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Router is Right for You?
Choosing between the ASUS DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require an integrated DSL modem, the DSL-AC68U is an excellent choice. If you prioritize performance and range, the RT-AC68U is the better option. Both routers offer a comprehensive suite of features and robust security measures, ensuring a reliable and secure home networking experience.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which router has better performance?
A: The RT-AC68U generally offers better performance than the DSL-AC68U due to its superior chipset and antenna configuration.
Q: Does the DSL-AC68U support VPN passthrough?
A: Yes, both the DSL-AC68U and RT-AC68U support VPN passthrough, allowing you to connect your VPN client to your home network remotely.
Q: Can I use the DSL-AC68U with a cable modem?
A: No, the DSL-AC68U is designed to work with DSL connections and cannot be used with a cable modem.