Asus RT-N16 Wireless Router Review

1. Introduction2. The Router3. Software and Configuration4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Asus supply the RT-N16 in a reasonably sized cardboard box that is covered in a blue and white livery.  The thick cardboard construction and inner packaging should provide ample protection for the router and its accessories in transit.

The bundled accessories are exactly what we would expect with a router.  Alongside the AC adapter and three antennas which are essential for the router's function, Asus provide a Cat 5 ethernet cable, quick start guide and software CD.

In terms of size, the RT-N16 is reasonably large compared to most routers and doesn't have a sleek form to disguise this like many routers.  Instead, Asus have opted for a less elegant shape which resembles a brick.

Despite the exclusive use of plastic in the construction of the RT-N16, it feels very well made except from a little flex here and there.  The plastic is finished in matte-white paint on top with a silver band spanning the periphery of the router.  This band is home to the indicator LEDs on the front and all the connections on the rear.

Once the three wireless aerials have been screwed into the back of the router, they can be pointed in any direction.  We feel the other connections are a little close together for convenience as they are crammed in between these three aerials.

After connecting the router to your modem via the blue ethernet jack, it's possible to hard wire up to four further devices to your network using the yellow jacks.  The AC jack is also located on the rear alongside two USB2.0 ports, a reset button and a WPS button.

Unlike some less expensive routers, the RT-N16 supports gigabit ethernet.  This helps to speed up file transfers across the network providing the correct cabling is used.  It supports 802.11B, G and Draft N wireless with speeds of up to 11Mbps, 54Mbps and 300Mbps respectively.

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