ASUS RT-AC66U have been in the market for a really long time. The current version that ASUS sells is an updated RT-AC66U B1 version with improved specifications and AiMesh function added.
AiMesh is ASUS version of mesh WiFi developed to be compatible with their existing routers. But, instead of selling them as a pack, ASUS let you to mix and match AiMesh products according to your needs.
AiMesh Mesh WiFi
With that, you can form a mesh WiFi to improve WiFi coverage at your home by combining multiple different products with AiMesh support. They can work together as long as they are AiMesh supported by ASUS.
The best part is you can reuse your old routers as an AiMesh node if they support AiMesh as ASUS added AiMesh to some of their old routers. You also retain the full features that are already available on ASUS routers.
Hardware and Specifications
We will be reviewing the ASUS RT-AC66U B1 and the RP-AC55 AiMesh combination and evaluate how they perform in a real world testing. We tested the RP-AC55 on repeated mode previously.
| Wireless 2.4Ghz | Wireless N up to 450Mbps |
| Wireless 5Ghz | Wireless AC up to 1300bps |
| CPU | Broadcom Dual Core SoC up to 1Ghz |
| RAM | 256MB |
| Ports | Gigabit Ethernet WAN + 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN 2 USB ports (USB 2.0 + USB 3.0) |
The RT-AC66U B1 is a great entry level WiFi router to the ASUS AiMesh router ecosystem. It has decent specs with a good amount of RAM and a Dual Core 1Ghz CPU. While the WiFi is rated up to AC1750, we will see how well they perform later.
By adding the RP-AC55 as an AiMesh node, the RP-AC55 will be able to work together with RT-AC66U B1 to provide a stronger WiFi signal with better coverage. This will result in a better WiFi speed and reduce WiFi dead spots.
RT-AC66U B1 WiFi Performance
We will first be testing the WiFi performance of the RT-AC66U B1 with a Macbook Pro to see how good the router can actually perform.
ASUS RT-AC66U B1 will have no issue reaching over 500Mbps over WiFi connection. But, you will need a good cleint device preferably something with at least an AC1200 WiFi adapter to reach 500Mbps.
AiMesh WiFi Improvement
Now, we added the RP-AC55 as an AiMesh node and we will see how was the coverage in different points of my house. This time, I will be using my iPhone X to test the WiFi speed as it is easier to move around.
The results is very obvious when I am further from the WiFi router. The addition of the RP-AC55 as an AiMesh node improved the WiFi coverage and speed at longer distance. At point D, I can’t even connect to the main router but that is resolved when I added the RP-AC55.
The entire WiFi network will use the same WiFi name due to the nature of mesh WiFi. My phone can automatically select the best WiFi network without need to changing it manually.
RT-AC66U B1 and AiMesh Setup
Setup the the RT-AC66U B1 is just like any ASUS router. You can refer to a setup guide I did for ASUS router here. But, to setup the AiMesh system, you will need to go through a few extra steps:
- Ensure all devices are running the latest firmware with AiMesh function
- Perform a hard reset before setup of the AiMesh node (RP-AC55)
- Setup main router as a normal ASUS router
- Make sure AiMesh nodes are in reset state
- Search for AiMesh node while connected to the main router
The RP-AC55 will require a firmware update before it will support AiMesh mode. Make sure you can see the AiMesh node feature on the RP-AC55. You can refer to this ASUS video here. The RT-AC66U B1 already comes with AiMesh support out of the box and you will see the AiMesh icon.
Simply click the search button and select the RP-AC55 and wait for it to initialize the AiMesh connection. The whole process will take around 5 minutes. Once the RP-AC55 is added as an AiMesh node, it can only be managed directly using the main router.
Firmware and Features
ASUS routers are always more expensive for a good reason. The firmware that power ASUS routers come with a ton of feature. ASUS is also committed to keep the firmware updated for many years for users that purchased their router.
The RT-AC66U B1 also comes with AiProtection to protect you and your devices from online threats and virus. The Antivirus database is provided by TrendMicro.
ASUS Adaptive QoS is my personal favorite will show you all the connected devices and their current network speed. It lets you to see which device consume the most bandwidth. You can also use the QoS feature to select which device to have a high priority.
You can also use the USB port of the RT-AC66U B1 to share files or printer. It is also able to support using a USB 4G modem if you use Maxis One Prime with the 4G backup feature.
AiMesh Configuration
ASUS lets you to tweak a lot of settings for their AiMesh system. You can view which node your devices are connected and event prevent them from being roamed automatically.
There is also an option to use Ethernet backhaul by default on AiMesh mode. Using Ethernet backhaul will further improve the mesh WiFi performance.
All the firmwares for all your devices are managed from the parent router. It is possible to update the firmware for all AiMesh devices with the click of a button.
Closing Thougts
The RT-AC66U B1 is the most affordable wireless router with AiMesh support if you wish to join the ASUS ecosystem. While the specs are not top notch, it does perform decently in our testing and would be sufficient for those using a 500Mbps Internet connection.
While there is a learning curve to setup AiMesh, it does result in a stronger WiFi coverage with a seamless WiFi connection.
ASUS RT-AC66U B1
8.5
Tubi Rating
Good Stuff
- All Gigabit Ethernet ports
- AiMesh support
- A lot of features
Bad Stuff
- No MU-MIMO and Beamforming
Great review. As I have the RT-AC66U B1 and would like to create an AI Mesh, do I need to have the access point you use or can I buy a second RT-AC66U B1 for equal performance?
I wouldn’t recommend buying the RT-AC66U B1 at this point. It’s an aging product where newer WiFi 6 routers are able to mesh with the RT-AC66U B1 just as well and provide a much better performance. Cheers!
I have been trying for some time to set up AI mesh with an RT-Ac66u b1 as a node but my main WAP/airmesh router cannot find the node. My set-up is follows: The primary Router connected to the modem is an Asus RT-Ac87U located in basement – this is connected by ethernet to my RT-Ac88U on the ground floor. The ground floor RT-AC88U is set up as an Access point/ Airmesh Router The ground floor RT-AC66U B1 is currently working as a repeater connected to the 88U but will not connect using AIMesh The AC88U and AC66U both have the… Read more »
That’s because your main router is the RT-AC87U and it doesn’t support AiMesh.
Hi, I have the non “B1” version, was thinking or replacing in the not too distant future and having seen I can’t use it for AiMesh made me wonder…
I currently have 2 access points around the house connected to the router via a switch / ethernet cabling, same SSID, I can roam between them all as I walk around. How does this differ to “Mesh”? What is the difference between “Mesh” and having a few APs connected?
Thanks,
Jon
AiMesh now offers 802.11k/v roaming which should make roaming more seamless than before. You also get centralized control and monitoring from a single point.
Own this model, but different design with 2x usb port at the back
Some how the router having weird issue. No wifi at all even the wifi led doesn’t show up. Already hard reset, change firmware old and new also same. Tried 3rd party firmware like merlin and it says wifi disabled although in the settings the radio is turn on for both band
Is it dead? And oh btw the cpu usage spike to 100% and never went down
TIme to change a new router. I guess the router is faulty.
Then i guess like you said need to change it. Been using it for 5 years
Hello!When i used aimesh system with lyra i can choose roaming assistence – 70 db or no because when we use aimesh maybe be work not correct
It doesn’t matter, the roaming assistant is just super unreliable.
If I have an AC-66U (before the B1 release) can I use the new firmware upgrade? Linksys doesn’t seem to have any info about the pre B1 router!
Thanks!
No, they are not the same.
Hi Alvyn,
Any suggestion for router with similar specs to AC-66U B1 but with MU-MIMO and Beamforming? Need to use on my UniFi 500mbps.
TP-Link Archer C80
Hi Alvyn!. Thanks for all of your router review.
I got one question, which one is better, ASUS RT-AC66U B1 or TP-LINK ARCHER C80? Thanks
Archer C80 is a better product.
Hi,
Can we configure VLAN interface for TM Unifi IPTV ?
Yes, ASUS RT-AC66U is able to support TM Unifi IPTV