ASUS RT-AC1200 Wireless AC1200 Dual-Band Router User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your ASUS RT-AC1200 Wireless AC1200 Dual-Band Router. Please read this guide carefully to ensure proper installation and optimal performance of your device.

2. Product Overview

The ASUS RT-AC1200 is a dual-band wireless router designed to provide reliable and fast internet connectivity. It supports the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, offering combined speeds of up to 1167 Mbps across its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Key features include:

• Super-fast concurrent dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi at up to 1167 Mbps.
• Improved coverage and multi-device performance with four external 5dBi antennas, two for each band.
• USB 2.0 port for AiPlayer music streaming and file sharing.
• Parental Control features to manage internet access for connected devices.

Figure 2.1: Front view of the ASUS RT-AC1200 Wireless AC1200 Dual-Band Router, showing its four external antennas and indicator lights.

Figure 2.2: Rear view of the ASUS RT-AC1200 Router, highlighting the power input, USB 2.0 port, WAN port (blue), and four LAN ports (yellow).

3. Setup

3.1 Package Contents

Before you begin, ensure all components are present:

• ASUS RT-AC1200 Wireless Router
• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Quick Start Guide (if included)

3.2 Hardware Installation

1. Positioning the Router: Place the router in a central location to maximize Wi-Fi coverage. Ensure the four external antennas are securely attached and oriented vertically for optimal signal.
2. Connect to Modem: Connect one end of the provided Ethernet cable to the WAN port (blue) on the back of the RT-AC1200 router. Connect the other end to your modem's Ethernet port.
3. Power On: Connect the power adapter to the router's DC-in port and then plug it into a power outlet. The power LED indicator on the router should illuminate.
4. Connect Devices: For wired connections, connect Ethernet cables from your computers or other network devices to the LAN ports (yellow) on the router. For wireless connections, you will connect after initial setup.

3.3 Initial Configuration

1. Modem Bridging (Important for ISP Modem/Router Combos): If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplied you with a combined modem and router unit, it is highly recommended to configure it in 'bridge mode'. This prevents potential network conflicts and optimizes performance. Contact your ISP for instructions on how to enable bridge mode on their equipment.
2. Power Cycle: After configuring your modem (if applicable), power off both your modem and the ASUS router. Power on the modem first and wait until its 'online' or 'internet' indicator light is stable. Then, power on your ASUS RT-AC1200 router.
3. Access Router Interface: Connect a computer to the router via Wi-Fi (using the default SSID and password found on the router's label) or an Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and navigate to http://router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1.
4. Follow Setup Wizard: The ASUS setup wizard will guide you through creating a new administrator password, setting up your Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs) and passwords for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

4. Operating the Router

4.1 Wi-Fi Bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

Your RT-AC1200 router operates on two distinct Wi-Fi frequency bands:

• 2.4 GHz Band: Offers wider coverage and better penetration through walls and obstacles. It is generally suitable for devices further away from the router or for general internet browsing.
• 5 GHz Band: Provides faster speeds but has a shorter range and is more susceptible to interference from obstacles. Ideal for devices closer to the router that require high bandwidth, such as for streaming high-definition video or online gaming.

You can configure separate network names (SSIDs) for each band during the initial setup or via the router's web interface.

4.2 Parental Controls

The router includes Parental Control features to help manage and restrict internet access for specific devices or users. Access these settings through the router's web interface to set schedules, block websites, or filter content.

4.3 USB 2.0 Port Functionality

The USB 2.0 port on your router supports:

• AiPlayer: For streaming music from a connected USB storage device.
• File Sharing: You can connect a USB storage device (e.g., a hard drive or flash drive) to create a network-attached storage (NAS) solution, allowing connected devices to access files. This often involves setting up a Samba server via the router's interface.

Note: The USB port on this specific model (RT-AC1200) does not support direct printer connections, despite some potentially misleading information in certain translated manuals.

4.4 Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS settings allow you to prioritize network traffic for specific applications or devices. While this can be useful for ensuring critical applications (like video calls or gaming) receive sufficient bandwidth, enabling QoS can sometimes impact overall speed test results. For most general home users, it is often recommended to leave QoS disabled unless you have specific prioritization needs. If enabled, consider using user-defined QoS rules for more precise control.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Firmware Updates

Regularly updating your router's firmware is crucial for security, stability, and performance. ASUS frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and new features. You can check for and install firmware updates through the router's web interface, typically found under the 'Administration' or 'Firmware Upgrade' section. Always download firmware directly from the official ASUS support website for your specific model.

5.2 Resetting to Default Settings

If you encounter persistent issues or wish to reconfigure your router from scratch, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all custom settings and restore the router to its original factory defaults. To do this, locate the 'Reset' button (often a small pinhole button) on the router, press and hold it for approximately 5-10 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The router will restart with default settings.

5.3 Antenna Positioning

Ensure the router's external antennas are properly connected and positioned. For optimal signal strength and coverage, it is generally recommended to orient them vertically. Experiment with different angles if you experience weak signal in certain areas of your home.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your ASUS RT-AC1200 router.

6.1 No Internet Connection

• Check Cables: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected to the correct ports (WAN to modem, LAN to devices).
• Modem Status: Verify your modem is working correctly and has an active internet connection. Power cycle your modem and router.
• Modem Bridging: If using an ISP-provided modem/router combo, confirm it is in bridge mode to avoid double NAT issues.
• Router LEDs: Check the WAN indicator light on the router. If it's off or red, there might be an issue with the connection to your modem or ISP.

6.2 Slow Wi-Fi Speeds or Poor Coverage

• Router Placement: Move the router to a more central location, away from obstructions and potential sources of interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).
• Antenna Orientation: Adjust the router's antennas for better signal.
• Band Selection: For devices closer to the router, connect to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band for faster speeds. For devices further away, the 2.4 GHz band may offer more stable connectivity.
• Channel Bandwidth: In crowded Wi-Fi environments, try setting the 2.4 GHz channel bandwidth to 20 MHz in the router's wireless settings to reduce interference.
• Firmware: Ensure your router's firmware is up to date.
• QoS Settings: If enabled, try disabling QoS to see if it improves overall speed.

6.3 Forgotten Wi-Fi Password or Router Login

If you forget your Wi-Fi password, you can retrieve or change it through the router's web interface. If you forget the router's administrator login password, you will need to perform a factory reset (see Section 5.2) and reconfigure the router.

6.4 Network Security

Always ensure your Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong, unique password. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or the default password. Regularly change your Wi-Fi and router administrator passwords.

6.5 Contacting Support

If you continue to experience issues after following these troubleshooting steps, please visit the official ASUS support website for your region or contact ASUS customer service for further assistance.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ASUS website. ASUS provides technical support and resources for their products. If you require assistance, please visit www.asus.com/support/ for FAQs, driver downloads, and contact information.