ASUS DSL-AC88U AC3100 Dual Band ADSL/VDSL Gigabit WiFi Modem Router
While not cheap, the Asus DSL-AC88U manages to deliver the key wireless, LAN and broadband connectivity in a highly effective one-size-fits-all package. It’s far superior to the typical router that Broadband suppliers provide, and ideal for any household that uses Wi-Fi extensively.
ASUS DSL-AC88U Feature:
Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi— ASUS DSL-AC88U features NitroQAMTM (1024-QAM) technology to deliver a combined speed of as high as 3167Mbps for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Future-proof DSL Compatibility— Supports ADSL, ADSL 2/2+, VDSL2, and the newest G.fast broadband connections.
Total Flexibility with DSL or Ethernet Internet Connections— ASUS DSL-AC88U has multiple ways to connect to the internet with a choice of DSL for an ADSL/VDSL connection or an Ethernet port for any fiber or cable-based modems, which makes it excellent for a future ISP upgrade.
Where To Buy ASUS DSL-AC88U:
ASUS DSL-AC88U Spec:
| Model Name | ASUS DSL-AC88U |
| Network Standard | IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g WiFi 4 (802.11n) WiFi 5 (802.11ac) IPv4 IPv6 |
| Product Segment | AC3100 ultimate AC performance : 1000+2167 Mbps |
| Data Rate | 802.11a : up to 54 Mbps 802.11b : up to 11 Mbps 802.11g : up to 54 Mbps WiFi 4 (802.11n) : up to 600 Mbps WiFi 4 (802.11n) TurboQAM : up to 800 Mbps WiFi 5 (802.11ac) : up to 1734 Mbps 1024QAM (2.4GHz) : up to 1000 Mbps 1024QAM (5GHz) : up to 2167 Mbps |
| xDSL Data Rate | VDSL2 Upstream: 150Mbps, Downstream: 200Mbps ADSL2+ Upstream: 3.3Mbps, Downstream: 24Mbps ADSL2 Upstream: 3.5Mbps, Downstream: 12Mbps |
| Antenna | Detachable antenna x 4 |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4GHz / 5GHz |
| Ports | 1 x RJ11 for xDSL 4 x RJ45 10/100/1000/Gigabits BaseT for LAN 1 x RJ45 10/100/1000/Gigabits BaseT for WAN |
| Package content | VDSL/ADSL DSL-AC88U Network cable (RJ-45) Power adapter Splitter DSL Cable Warranty card Quick Start Guide Support CD |
ASUS DSL-AC88U Performance
Reviewers of the RT-AC3100 complained about the placement of the USB ports, and the Asus didn’t address that flaw. They put one on the rear and the other hidden under a secret door at the front, but got them the wrong way around. The USB 3.0 specification port is on the front confusingly, rather than at the rear where you ‘d normally leave something permanently attached.
The performance of these USB ports also isn’t great. Even the USB 3.0 one delivers speeds we’ve seen exceeded under the best USB 2.0 conditions. Where this hardware genuinely excels is in respect of its broadband capabilities, this being a top tier Wi-Fi implementation.
The inclusion of G.Fast with potential speeds up to 900Mb/s, even if most broadband suppliers are only implementing 330Mb/s with their initial roll-outs. ASUS DSL-AC88U’s a cliché to describe this as ‘future-proofed’, but realistically G.Fast technology isn’t likely to be superseded for domestic Broadband users anytime soon.
The same true is also if the 802.11 ac class Wi-Fi on offer here, because Broadcom NitroQAM (1024-QAM) does boost connectivity, as high as 25 percent when multiple devices simultaneously make demands on the available bandwidth. Using 802.11 ac 5GHz connections the bandwidth available is 1734Mb/s, where using 1024QAM on 5GHz yields up to 2167Mb/s.
In testing at 5GHz connection speeds of more than 80Mb/s (640Mbps) for a file transfer were common at short range, approaching the limitations of the serving end of the solution, if not the practical limits of gigabit Ethernet. And, with the antenna arrangement and bandwidth pool, ASUS DSL-AC88U can handle multiple devices at these speed levels simultaneously.
It might seem a minor buff, but 1024QAM technology also reduces latency in a way that will please wirelessly connected gamers. With quad antenna MIMO connectivity, this design can work well with older ‘n’ class adapters and can exploit 802.111. ac technology for those that can use that.
Another plus point is the high quality of the modem. In testing on BT Infinity 2 service, using the ASUS DSL-AC88U as a replacement for the BT SmartHub yielded an extra 5Mb/s download speed, boosting from 35Mb/ss to 40Mb/s simply by plugging it in.
ASUS DSL-AC88U Advantage:
Seamless Experience with NitroQAM ™ Technology
No matter if you’re gaming online in a heated competition or streaming a live event in 4K Lag, buffering and uhd are simply not an option. NitroQAM ™ (1024-QAM) technology on the ASUS DSL-AC88U delivers a combined 3167 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, ensuring everyone on your network can enjoy smooth streaming and low-latency online gaming
Future-Proof DSL Technology for Smooth Streaming
Delivering a total speed of up to 900Mbps, ASUS DSL-AC88U features the current G.fast technology and ensures super-fast network speeds and ultra-smooth performance for all bandwidth-intensive tasks. This versatile, future-proof router offers complete compatibility with any DSL connections, being compatible with ADSL2/2+, ADSL, VDSL2 and Vplus 35b.
Total flexibility with 3G/4G, ethernet or dsl LTE Internet connections
ASUS DSL-AC88U has multiple ways to connect to the internet, with a choice of 3G/4G, dsl or ethernet LTE *. You can use ASUS DSL-AC88U as a DSL modem Wi-Fi router or a standalone Wi-Fi router according to your needs. And with the ability to switch instantly between connections if one fails (and switch back again when it’s fixed), it’s perfect for reliable, always-on internet connectivity.
Unbeatable Wi-Fi coverage
With a four-transmit, four-receive (4T4R) antenna design, both Wi-Fi range and signal stability improve dramatically. AiRadar beamforming further focuses Wi-Fi signal on your devices, making your Wi-Fi faster, clearer and stronger.
Your Sharing Center
With built-in USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, you can connect USB-enabled devices, for instance external storage drives, printers, or a 3G/4G dongle to ASUS DSL-AC88U and share them conveniently with other users through Wi-Fi. And with USB 3.0, you can enjoy up to 10X faster data transfer speeds.
AiProtection Pro
Commercial-Grade Security for Family
All your member of the family, young or old, are exposed to the dangers of internet every single moment they’re online. Disguised cyber threats can sneak in to steal your private data, or your kids may accidentally encounter inappropriate content during their ever-growing screen time. ASUS DSL-AC88U includes Advanced Parental Controls to give you total peace of mind, with AiProtection Pro – commercial grade security for your home network and comprehensive, easy control of the online experience for all family member and each device, all via the mobile app.
Parental Controls
When they explore the internet, keep your kids safe. The state-of-the-art parental controls in AiProtection integrate all the management functions you need in one place and the intuitive interface gets it super easy to view and apply security settings to all the devices owned by individual family members.
ASUSWRT– Easily Control Your Network
ASUS DSL-AC88U features the enhanced, intuitive ASUSWRT user interface, which gives you easy access to both the 3-step web-based installation process and a wealth of robust advanced options.
