Having navigated through the dense market of routers, I chanced upon the ASUS SRT-AC1900 AC1900 OnHub Google WiFi Router, and to say it's been a breath of fresh air would be an understatement. From its sleek aesthetics to its superior performance, this router has become the focal point of my home's internet ecosystem.
Unboxing and Setup:
The unboxing experience was akin to unwrapping a meticulously designed gadget. The simplistic yet elegant packaging beckoned me into a realm of superior connectivity. The setup was a breeze. With just a few taps on the Google On app on my smartphone, I had the router up and running. The process was intuitive, requiring no technical prowess, making it a boon for individuals who find themselves at odds with technology.
Performance:
The router’s performance has been nothing short of stellar. Streaming videos and online gaming, which were once marred by incessant buffering and lag, are now smooth operations. The OnHub effortlessly caters to multiple devices, ensuring optimal bandwidth distribution. The real-time bandwidth usage per device is a feature that stands out, allowing for better management of my network. Even in a congested apartment block, the congestion-sensing antenna works tirelessly to ensure a robust connection.
Advanced Features:
The ASUS OnHub, though simple to use, doesn’t shy away from offering advanced features. The guest network setup, prioritizing devices with a single tap, and the seamless transition from my old network were features that resonated with me. However, it lacks some advanced configurations like VPN service, port-range triggering, and custom firmware support which might deter the tech-savvy.
Pros
+ User-friendly Setup: The Google On app simplifies the setup process, making it a hassle-free experience.
+ Stellar Performance: The router optimizes the bandwidth ensuring crystal clear streaming and online gaming without a hitch.
+ Guest Network Features: Setting up guest networks and sharing specific devices with guests is a thoughtful feature.
+ Real-time Bandwidth Monitoring: A commendable feature for bandwidth management.
+ Automatic Updates: The router stays updated with the latest security features, a significant plus for a peace of mind.
Cons:
- Lack of Advanced Configurations: Tech-savvy individuals might find the lack of certain advanced configurations limiting.
- Single LAN Port: With just one LAN port, a separate gigabit switch purchase is almost inevitable for wired connections.
- DNS Configuration Issue: Encountered intermittent stalls in requests, though it was resolved by using the ISP's DNS.
- Dependence on Smartphone App: The reliance on a smartphone app for setup and management may not appeal to everyone, and the need for a Google account might deter some.
Long-term Reliability:
As of my one-month tenure with the ASUS OnHub, the router has held its ground, offering consistent performance. However, there have been mentions of devices preferring 2.4 GHz band over the 5 GHz, and some issues with iOS devices connectivity over time. These are areas I’ll keep an eye on as I continue to use the OnHub.
Conclusion:
The ASUS SRT-AC1900 AC1900 OnHub Google WiFi Router is a remarkable piece of technology that bridges the gap between novice users and a strong, reliable internet connection. Its simplicity, coupled with its robust performance, makes it a worthy investment for a hassle-free internet experience. While it may not cater to the whims of a tech aficionado seeking advanced configurations, it more than serves its purpose for the average user seeking a reliable, strong, and easy-to-manage internet connection.
| RAM | 4096 MB |
|---|---|
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
