ASUS has recently quite seriously updated lineup of wireless routers. However, the bulk of the new products is based on the standard IEEE 802.11 ac, operating in the 5 GHz band. But among devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band, was released only one standing novelty - Wireless Router ASUS RT-N18U
Router ASUS RT-N18U comes in a cardboard box of medium size. Stylistic design of the box is fully consistent design packages in this category of devices in the line of FAST (FAST EASY STABLE).
On the reverse side of the box lists the advantages of technology ASUS AiRadar, schematic representation of the functional ports, key features of the router and compare features ASUS RT-N18U (N600) with routers N900, N300 and N150.
The body of the router is made of black matte plastic. Body design, like most routers ASUS, very stylish. ASUS characterizes him as Black Diamond (Black Diamond), resembling the shape of the top cover engraved diamond. Overall dimensions of the housing are made up 207 x 150 x 37, and weight - 520 grams. Antennas are removable and if desired, can easily be replaced.
The back side of the housing contains a label indicating the firmware version, serial number of the router, MAC-address and PIN-code of WPS.
The bottom of the housing has a large number of ventilation holes in the form of slits. In the corners of the bottom are four rubber feet. Under the feet is the screws fastening the enclosure. To secure the router to the wall on its bottom provided fastening. The distance between the centers of the holes is 95 mm.
Both the lateral end of the body also have ventilation slots.
The rear side of the router contain all the basic connectors, ports and control buttons. Here are:
• three connectors for external antennas;
• the power supply connector;
• On / Off button;
• port USB 2.0;
• reset button;
• Gigabit WAN;
• Four Gigabit LAN;
• button WPS.
Installing the antenna does not obstruct free access to ports. Is that the use of dimensional device in USB 2.0 port can limit access to the on / off button and reset.
At the front end of the body is a single port USB 3.0. Location most speed USB port is on the front end is quite logical. If you connect a printer with more than enough ports USB 2.0, then to use the multimedia capabilities of the router is most reasonable to use a port USB 3.0, access to which is the least hindered from the front end.
To power the router using an external power supply with output parameters: a constant voltage of 12 V and a maximum current of 1, 5 A.
In retail router comes with a different power supply, without interchangeable plugs.
However, the appearance of appearance. And it was very interesting to look into the bowels of the building and get to the circuit board router.
Opening the proceeds as follows. After peeling the rubber feet must unscrew the four screws fastening the main body and top cover. After this you should carefully otschelknut eight plastic latches. Location latches I noted in the photo the red circle.
Inside lurks one circuit board revision 2.20, with textolite blue-blue. Board itself further not fixed.
Almost half the size of the board closes the aluminum radiator. Radiator is designed to cool the processor and the radio unit. All chips closed screen, which also performs the function of the heat-spreading lid.
I did not dismantle them, fearing damage to the crystals. Then help for more detailed study we come with pictures one of China's resources .
In statistics TomatoAnon present 55 Router RT-N18U. Of course, this can not be compared with the already popular models router ASUS RT-N16 - 3416 units, RT-N66U - 4010 units, RT-AC66U - 1300 devices.
Immediately this router is the third party statistics in Russia =)
In conclusion I would like to note that the ASUS, which released the RT-N18U, closed the segment performance of the router operating in the 2.4 GHz band. ASUS RT-N18U provides the user with access to all the modern technology available among single-band routers. And according to some characteristics (using ARM processor and the availability of USB 3.0 ports) and dual-band routers, surpassing the first generation.
With regards to the cost of the device, at the moment it is about 3500 rubles. Given that the same value in the market is a model RT-N16, it is expedient to purchase RT-N18U is much more important. Regarding the dual-band routers can offer about equal opportunities for connecting peripheral devices will be able to save more than 30% of the cost of the device.
Undoubtedly, this router can be a very popular model among users who do not want to work in the 5 GHz band.