ASUS Dual-Band AC1750 Gigabit Router (RT-AC66U) User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your ASUS RT-AC66U Dual-Band AC1750 Gigabit Router. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper use and optimal performance of your device.

The ASUS RT-AC66U Gigabit wireless dual-band router features Broadcom’s 5th generation Wi-Fi (5G WiFi) technology. It operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, delivering data rates up to 1.75Gbps, which is three times faster than 802.11n speeds. Equipped with ASUS AiRadar technology, it amplifies transmissions for optimized signals, enhancing network coverage. The router supports ASUSWRT setup, Quality of Service (QoS) standards, multiple SSIDs, and includes two USB ports for file, DLNA, and printer server capabilities. It also features three detachable R-SMA type antennas for wider coverage and supports VPN Server functionality and IPv6.

2. Product Overview

The ASUS RT-AC66U router is designed to provide high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity for your home or office network. Below are key features and a visual representation of the device.

Key Features:

• Dual-Band AC1750 WiFi: Utilizes 5th generation 802.11ac chipset for concurrent 2.4GHz/5GHz operation, offering speeds up to 1.75Gbps.
• ASUS AiCloud Service: Enables access, streaming, sharing, and syncing of files on the go with unlimited storage expansion.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Provides fast and reliable wired internet performance.
• AiRadar Technology: Optimizes wireless coverage through high-powered amplification and beam-forming with detachable antennas.
• ASUSWRT Dashboard UI: Offers a user-friendly interface for 3-step easy setup, signal monitoring, and network application control.
• Download Master: Facilitates wireless data storage and access to USB storage devices connected to the router.
• Multi-functional USB Ports: Two built-in USB ports support file sharing, printer sharing, and 3G sharing.
• VPN Server: Integrated VPN server functionality for secure remote access.
• IPv6 Support: Ready for the next generation of internet protocol.

Product Views:

Figure 1: Front view of the ASUS RT-AC66U router, showcasing its design and external antennas.

Figure 2: Top-front perspective of the ASUS RT-AC66U router, highlighting the ventilation and LED indicators.

Figure 3: Rear view of the ASUS RT-AC66U router, showing the WAN, LAN, USB ports, and power input.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your ASUS RT-AC66U router and establish an internet connection.

3.1 Hardware Connection

1. Position the Router: Place the router in a central location for optimal Wi-Fi coverage. Ensure antennas are oriented vertically for best signal.
2. Connect the Modem: Power off your modem. If it has a backup battery, remove it.
3. Connect WAN Port: Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your modem's LAN port and the other end to the blue WAN port on the ASUS RT-AC66U router.
4. Connect Power: Plug the power adapter into the router's power input and then into a power outlet.
5. Power On: Turn on your modem, then turn on the ASUS RT-AC66U router. Wait for the LED indicators to stabilize.

3.2 Initial Configuration (ASUSWRT)

1. Connect to Router: Connect your computer to the router either wirelessly (using the default Wi-Fi name and password found on the router's label) or via an Ethernet cable to one of the yellow LAN ports.
2. Access Setup Page: Open a web browser and enter router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.
3. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The ASUSWRT dashboard UI will guide you through a 3-step setup process to configure your internet connection, Wi-Fi network name (SSID), and password.
4. Confirm Internet Status: After completing the setup, check the "Network Map" section to ensure the Internet status shows "Connected".

4. Operating the Router

Once your router is set up, you can manage its various functions through the ASUSWRT interface or the ASUS Router app.

4.1 Wireless Network Management

• Dual-Band Operation: The RT-AC66U operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. You can configure separate SSIDs for each band or use Smart Connect to allow devices to automatically choose the best band.
• Guest Network: Create up to three separate guest networks for visitors, providing internet access while isolating your main network for security.
• AiRadar Beamforming: This technology automatically detects the location of Wi-Fi devices and directs stronger signals towards them, improving range and stability.

4.2 USB Applications

The two USB 2.0 ports on the router offer versatile functionalities:

• AiDisk (File Sharing): Connect a USB storage device to create a personal cloud server for file sharing and streaming.
• Printer Server: Connect a USB printer to share it across your network.
• 3G/4G Sharing: Connect a compatible 3G/4G USB dongle to use as a primary or backup internet connection.

4.3 Network Security and Control

• AiProtection: Provides network security features, including malicious site blocking, vulnerability protection, and infected device prevention and blocking.
• Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes network traffic for specific applications (e.g., gaming, streaming) to ensure smooth performance.
• Parental Controls: Manage and schedule internet access for connected devices.
• VPN Server: Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server to securely access your home network from anywhere.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your router operates efficiently and securely.

5.1 Firmware Update

Keeping your router's firmware up to date is crucial for performance, security, and new features. You can update the firmware via the ASUSWRT interface.

1. Access ASUSWRT: Log in to the router's web interface (router.asus.com).
2. Navigate to Firmware Upgrade: Go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade.
3. Check for Updates: Click "Check" to see if a new firmware version is available.
4. Perform Update: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. The router will reboot automatically after the update.

5.2 Regular Reboot

Periodically rebooting your router (e.g., once a month) can help clear its memory, resolve minor network issues, and improve overall performance.

• Soft Reboot: Log in to ASUSWRT and click the "Reboot" button at the top of the page.
• Hard Reboot: Unplug the power adapter from the router, wait 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ASUS RT-AC66U router, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps.

6.1 No Internet Connection

1. Check LED Indicators: Ensure the Power, Wi-Fi, and Internet LEDs are solid blue. If the Internet LED is off or orange, there might be an issue with your modem or ISP connection.
2. Verify Cable Connections: Ensure all Ethernet cables (WAN, LAN) are securely connected to the correct ports on the router and modem.
3. Power Cycle Devices: Power off your modem and router. Wait 30 seconds, then power on the modem first. Once the modem is fully online (all its indicator lights are stable), power on the router.
4. Check WAN Settings: Log in to ASUSWRT and navigate to WAN > Internet Connection. Verify that your WAN connection type (e.g., PPPoE, Static IP, Automatic IP) and account settings are correct as provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
5. ISP Contact: If the issue persists, contact your ISP to confirm your account status and connection details.

6.2 Poor Wi-Fi Signal or Coverage

1. Router Placement: Move the router to a central location, away from obstructions (thick walls, metal objects) and interference sources (microwaves, cordless phones).
2. Antenna Orientation: Adjust the router's external antennas for optimal signal reception.
3. Interference: Change the Wi-Fi channel in ASUSWRT (Wireless > General) to avoid interference from neighboring networks. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find less congested channels.
4. Firmware Update: Ensure your router's firmware is up to date (refer to Section 5.1).

6.3 Restoring to Factory Default Settings

If you experience persistent issues or forget your router's login credentials, you can restore it to its factory default settings. This will erase all custom configurations.

• Via ASUSWRT: Go to Administration > Restore/Save/Upload Setting and click "Restore".
• Hardware Reset: With the router powered on, press and hold the "Reset" button (usually a small pinhole button on the back) for about 5-10 seconds until the Power LED starts blinking. Release the button and wait for the router to reboot.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please visit the official ASUS support website or contact their customer service.

• ASUS Support Website: www.asus.com/support/
• Product Page: Visit the ASUS Store on Amazon