COULD THIS BE THE BEST ROUTER EVER MADE?

The RT-AC88U is Asus' latest true dual-band router, not to mention the best router the company has had to offer so far. And possibly the best router that is offered on the market today.

It's the first home router with eight Gigabit LAN ports with additional support for Dual-WAN (one of the LAN ports can be converted into a WAN port) and port aggregation (two of the LAN ports can be combined into a single superfast connection.)

On top of that, it has a robust and fun-to-use Web interface, a slew of excellent network-monitoring features, a built-in VPN server, and the ability protect your home network from malware and intruders. What's more, the router supports MU-MIMO, and includes unique features for gamers. In all, I've never seen a router with more to offer than the RT-AC88U.

Performance-wise, the router excelled in tests, delivering top Wi-Fi data rates, long range and a stable wireless signal. If you're in the market for a top-notch home router with little compromise, you can't go wrong with the RT-AC88U. But at $280, it's not cheap. If you have the money, though, it's worth the investment -- especially for users with lofty needs. (Pricing for the UK and Australia have not been announced, but the US price works out to around £185 and AU$390 at current exchange rates.) It's also a better buy than other, more expensive routers such as the Netgear X8 Ac5300 or even the Asus' own AC5300 router, the RT-AC5300. Each of these has have a high price tag, but doesn't offer nearly as much.

If you just need a modest home network, maybe this is too much...

THE GOOD: The Asus RT-AC88U router has eight superfast Gigabit LAN ports, speedy Wi-Fi performance and lots of useful features. Its Web interface is smartly designed and easy to use.

THE BAD: The router's USB 3.0 port is awkwardly placed, and when coupled with an external hard drive, its NAS performance is just average.

THE FINAL OVERVIEW: You'll pay a lot for the Asus RT-AC88U, but it has everything you'd want in a router. If you have the money, this is the router to get.

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