As part of this review, the mood of the ASUS RT-AC 1200 router will be phased out. Nominally, this is a middle-class router. But in its technical characteristics, it is only slightly inferior to modern flagship routers. At the same time, his cost is affordable and affordable.
Positioning
To begin with, it should be noted that this is a really good ASUS router. Four antennas are connected to it at the same time and this can significantly increase the speed of information transfer. In addition, it is a dual-band device. Therefore, to operate it at home is not entirely advisable. The only case when such a choice is justified for creating a network is when you need to regularly send or receive from the "global web" an impressive amount of information. Also, such a router can be used, for example, in a gaming club. Another possible area of its application is the office of an organization in which the data transfer process is continuous and critical uninterrupted operation of the equipment.
On the one hand, setting up the ASUS RT – AC 1200 is a fairly simple operation. There are no significant differences from the configuration of a conventional router in it. But there are a number of features that need to be considered. They will also be given special attention in this material.
Delivery list
The RT-AC 1200 package includes these basic elements:
- A router with four antennas installed. Moreover, they are all removable.
- Power supply with an output cord and a plug for connecting to a router.
- CD. It contains proprietary software of the manufacturer. If necessary, you can also find equipment documentation on this digital medium.
- Patch cord for initial configuration of the router. It is crimped from two ends and its length does not exceed 1 meter.
- Warranty card. Its validity is limited to one year from the date of purchase of the access point.
- Quick start guide in paper format. It also sets out in an accessible format the configuration of ASUS model RT-AC 1200 and its main technical parameters are indicated.
The factory equipment of this device is quite enough to not only set up such an access point to the Internet, but also to start using it in full mode. And this is not surprising. In fact, this router belongs to the line of mid-range routers. And in this case, the equipment should be appropriate.
Specifications
The main characteristics of the ASUS router of this modification have the following parameters:
- Support for all major 802.11 wireless standards. And in this case, there is support not only for b / g / n (they use frequencies at 2.4 GHz), but also for the most advanced technology to date ac. When using the 802.11n mode, data is transmitted at speeds up to 300 Mbps. That is, even such a speed in most cases will be quite enough to receive information from the Internet. If the device goes into 802.11ac mode and the 5 GHz frequencies begin to be used, then the frequencies are combined and the bandwidth of the network device increases by 867 Mb / s. That is, in total, the user can already count on 1.167 Gbit / s.
- The main way to connect to the Internet is the familiar RJ-45 port. But only in this case, its maximum supported speed is 1 Gbit / s and it meets the Gigabit Ethernet specifications.
- The backup way to connect to the global web is via the USB port. You can install the corresponding modem in it, and, when you turn off the main method of receiving data, it is automatically activated. Another possible use of this port is to create network storage. That is, you can connect a flash drive or hard drive to this connector, and store important information on such a drive. In addition to this, you can connect an MFP to such a port and use it to output or receive data.
- To connect wired and create a cable computer network, the router has four RJ-45 connectors. Again, the data transfer rate of the device connected to each of them can reach 1 Gbit / s.
Selection of the installation site. General recommendations
Another important point is the owner’s instruction of the ASUS router. The manufacturer’s specialists give recommendations regarding the most appropriate way to select the installation location for an Internet access point. The first important condition in this case is that the location of the router should be as close as possible to the center of the room that you plan to cover with a wireless signal. Due to this decision, it will be possible to obtain data in almost any part of it. Again, it is also necessary to take into account the moment that the radius of the Wi-Fi signal is limited to 10-12 meters. If the room is large, then it is necessary to use the so-called repeaters.
Various metal objects are not allowed near any network device. They can distort the signal or reduce its level. In addition, the cable from the provider should come to the installation site of the router. Well, another important condition in this case is the presence of an AC outlet with a nearby router. With its help, the network device will be powered.
Communications supply
The mood of the ASUS router of this model in the next step is reduced to the supply of communication wires. At the first stage, twisted pair cable is laid, which comes from the network equipment of the provider company. At the same time, it is recommended to use, for example, protective plastic trays or any other means that will allow you to neatly lay the wire and provide an appropriate level of protection from damage in the future. Also, the wire from the power supply must be neatly laid and securely fixed.
If you plan to create a wired section of a computer network based on twisted pair, then such cables must be laid in the cable channel and brought to the devices that are planned to be connected to a common network.
Wire connection
The next important step in configuring the ASUS WiFi router of this modification is the connection of cables. The plug from the power supply is installed in the socket of the router, and its plug - in the AC outlet. Also, if necessary, all connectors of the cable computer network are connected to the corresponding ports of the end user equipment and access point. Finally, the plug from the provider's twisted pair cable is installed in the WAN slot of the router. The switching is completed on this, and you can proceed to the software configuration of the computer network. To do this, turn on the computer and the router, wait for the download to complete.
Setting up connection to the provider
Next, you need to configure the access point software shell to connect to the Internet. When using a connection through a cable coming from the equipment of the Internet provider, there is no need to perform any additional actions. But to set up a wireless connection, you need to open the list of networks, select the one that is called: “RT – AC 1200”. Next, you need to enter the password from the ASUS router of this model, which can be found on the sticker from the device.
Then we launch the browser on the computer. In the search bar, type “192.168.1.1”. Go to this address. In the authentication window, you must enter a username and password. Both in the first field and in the second you need to type the word “admin”.
Next, you need to switch the interface language in the upper right corner of the interface. After that, go to the “Home” tab. We indicate the parameters of connection to the equipment of the provider on it. This type of connection (PPPoE, L2TP or PPTP), login and password for identification, and the method of assigning the address. In the latter case, the most commonly used dynamic. To select it, just select the corresponding check box. If the static method of assigning addresses is used, then it must be set explicitly. At the end, we confirm that we save the changes made by clicking the corresponding button in the program interface of the network device.
All the previously listed information can be found in the contract that is concluded with the provider company to provide access to the Internet. If necessary, you can call the customer support center and clarify the information you are interested in or get advice in case of problems.
Wireless configuration
The next step is to configure ASUS to create a Wi-Fi network. To do this, select “Wireless Networks” in the menu. We set the combined operation mode in it. That is, 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies are used simultaneously. We also change the name of the network and set a new password to identify devices at our discretion. In addition to this, you can manually select the frequency channels on which the signal will be transmitted wirelessly. We save the entered parameters and exit the router settings interface.
Performance check in all cases
Next, you need to check the Wi-Fi router ASUS for performance. Moreover, it is recommended to perform this operation, both on a mobile device and on a computer. In the first case, turn on the wireless transmitter, search for available connections and select the name of the network that was set in the previous step. Then enter the password to connect. We launch the browser and open any site. If everything is done correctly, the specified page will open.
On a personal computer, the verification procedure is slightly different. First of all, you need to consider the connection method. If twisted pair is used, then you can simply launch the browser and open any site.
If you use a Wi-Fi wireless transmitter, you must start a search for available connections. To do this, open the search window in the lower right corner and view the list of names of active connections. Then we select the SSID of our network and enter the password specified through the admin panel on the router. After that, we launch the browser again and open any Internet resource.
If you are not connected to the Internet, check your router settings. If necessary, you can call the technical support service of your Internet provider by phone and clarify the possible reasons for the lack of communication.
Cost
In terms of price, the ASUS router from the review given in the article deserves the attention of the user with any budget. The average cost for the presented model on the market was established in the range of 50-55 dollars (3300-3600 rubles). Given the previously stated technical capabilities of this router model, such a price offer looks quite reasonable. Of course, you can find more affordable devices, but they have significantly less functionality. But the hero of this review is only slightly inferior in speed to the more expensive router models.
Reviews Owners opinion
Among Internet users, reviews about ASUS routers are mostly positive. The device considered in this review is no exception. It has excellent reliability, simple use and low cost. Also, the device is equipped with four antennas and has a USB port. The only drawback of this router is the low speed of information transfer, which is successfully offset by its technical capabilities.
Conclusion
As part of this material, the ASUS RT – AC 1200 step-by-step setup was described. This is an excellent mid-range router, which is suitable for use in cases where you need to create a high-speed Internet connection, but the budget for acquiring a network device is minimal. Again, the difference in the supported speed between routers of a higher class and this model is minimal, which makes it even more attractive against the background of a difference in price. Therefore, this modification of the router is very popular among users who need to organize access to the Internet both at home, in the office or in a small production.