ASUS Wireless-AC2900 RT-AC86U Gaming Router Review

Interface: VPN, Firewall, and Administration

We’re almost through the interface, but there are a few more things worth showing. That includes the VPN options, firewall settings, and administration functions.

VPN Server and Client

Virtual Private Networks, or VPN for short, are very in these days. Privacy is a huge factor for a lot of people while others are bothered by GEO restrictions. Whichever person you are, you can set it up with the ASUS RT-AC86U router. It has features to act as PPTP, OpenVPN, or IPSec VPN server as well as a client. The client feature is important for devices which don’t have their own VPN function. That could be TVs, set-top boxes, and similar devices.

Firewall

A firewall is a great option any day. We get a few options with this router which include DoS protection and basic firewalling.

On top of that, we get an URL and Keyword filter. Black or Whitelist the sites you want users blocked from or limited to.

You can filter connections based on services too, and limit it to specific times. For example, you could block your kids from accessing online gaming servers when they should be doing their homework.

Administration

The basic operation mode for any router is, well, the router mode. However, you can also run it in Access Point, Repeater, or Media Bridge mode. Recently added is the AiMesh node option.

The system settings include the admin credentials, time, and location, as well as management access options.

The firmware upgrade page is one you should check regularly. It’s always recommended to run the latest version. It will be the one with the most features and best protection.

Once you made all your settings, you can export them for easy restoration at a later point. You can also reset it to factor default from this page.

ASUS even included a page which allows you to send feedback. A nice bonus and a welcomed feature. With it, there is no need to search the internet for a communication option when you want to tell them something about their product.

Logs

The router maintains a comprehensive log. There are various tabs available which will help you limit the output and thereby find what you’re looking for.

Network Tools

There are also a couple of network tools included in the OS. These include a Ping and Traceroute options, Netstat, and WOL.

Hidden on the very last tab of the very last page are the Smart Connect Rules. You can customise the, well, smart connection rules, on this page. Maybe you want your setup to switch earlier to prevent dropouts in certain areas.