RT-AC88U

This page is for “Ac88u”

Commentary

The ASUS RT-AC88U is a high-performance router that supports custom firmware like ASUSWRT-Merlin, which provides additional features and enhanced functionality beyond the stock firmware. This router is particularly useful for advanced networking setups including dual WAN configurations for redundancy and load balancing.

Technical Specs

• CPU: Dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9
• RAM: 512MB DDR3
• Storage: 128MB flash memory
• WiFi: 802.11ac (AC3100) - 2.4GHz + 5GHz
• Ethernet: 8x Gigabit LAN + 1x Gigabit WAN
• USB: 2x USB 3.0 ports
• Operating System: ASUSWRT (Linux-based)
• Power: 19V DC adapter

Useful Applications

Network Management

• ASUS Router App - Mobile device management
• Web Interface - Browser-based configuration
• AiMesh - Mesh networking system
• QoS - Quality of Service management

Security

• AiProtection - Network security suite
• VPN Server - Built-in VPN functionality
• Firewall - Network protection
• Parental Controls - Content filtering

Storage & Media

• USB Storage - Network-attached storage
• Media Server - DLNA/UPnP support
• Download Master - Torrent downloading
• Cloud Sync - Cloud storage integration

Custom Firmware

• ASUSWRT-Merlin - Enhanced firmware with additional features
  • Advanced QoS controls
  • Enhanced VPN capabilities
  • Improved security features
  • Better logging and monitoring
  • Custom scripts support
  • Enhanced dual WAN functionality

Dual WAN Setup

Configuration Options

Load Balancing

• Failover Mode: Primary connection with automatic failover to secondary
• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across multiple WAN connections
• Weighted Load Balancing: Assign different weights to connections based on speed/capacity

Connection Types

• Ethernet WAN: Primary connection via WAN port
• USB Modem: Secondary connection via USB 3G/4G modem
• WiFi WAN: Secondary connection via WiFi client mode
• LAN Port: Use LAN port as secondary WAN (requires specific configuration)

Setup Requirements

• ASUSWRT-Merlin Firmware: Recommended for advanced dual WAN features
• Multiple Internet Connections: Two different ISP connections or backup connection
• Proper Cabling: Ensure correct physical connections
• ISP Compatibility: Verify both connections work independently

Configuration Steps

1. Access Router Interface: Navigate to WAN settings
2. Enable Dual WAN: Select dual WAN mode (Failover or Load Balance)
3. Configure Primary WAN: Set up main internet connection
4. Configure Secondary WAN: Set up backup/secondary connection
5. Set Failover Rules: Configure automatic switching conditions
6. Test Configuration: Verify both connections and failover functionality

Benefits

• Redundancy: Automatic failover if primary connection fails
• Increased Bandwidth: Load balancing across multiple connections
• Business Continuity: Maintain internet access during outages
• Traffic Distribution: Optimize network performance

Tips and Tricks

• Use ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware for advanced features
• Set up AiMesh for whole-home coverage
• Enable AiProtection for network security
• Use USB ports for network storage
• Configure QoS for optimal performance
• Set up VPN server for remote access
• Use parental controls for family management
• Configure dual WAN for redundancy and load balancing
• Monitor WAN connection status regularly
• Test failover scenarios periodically

Reference material