Gaming has become a pastime that many individuals around the world have come to enjoy. However, a smooth gaming experience requires a strong and stable internet connection. The router you use and how you configure it can significantly affect your gaming experience. A device like the ASUS RT-AX86U router can enhance your gaming experience when configured correctly. We will guide you on how to optimize this router to prioritize gaming traffic.
Understanding the ASUS RT-AX86U Router
Investing in a top-quality router such as the ASUS RT-AX86U is the first step in your journey to seamless gaming. This router has been built with gamers in mind, offering a host of features specifically designed to improve gaming experiences.
The ASUS RT-AX86U router is a dual-band WiFi 6 gaming router, with an impressive speed of up to 5700 Mbps. It’s capable of supporting several devices simultaneously without compromising the connection quality, thanks to its 160 MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM technology. It also comes with a dedicated gaming port, Mobile Game Mode, and other gamer-friendly features that ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience.
One of the key features that make this router a pro choice for gamers is the Quality of Service (QoS) system. The QoS feature allows users to prioritize specific types of traffic, such as gaming, over other types. This ensures that your gaming device always gets the best possible bandwidth, regardless of what other devices on the network are doing.
Configuring the ASUS RT-AX86U Router for Gaming
Configuring your router to prioritize gaming traffic may sound technical, but it’s relatively easy with the ASUS RT-AX86U. The router’s user-friendly interface allows even the most technically challenged individuals to make the necessary adjustments.
Start by logging into the router’s administrative interface. You can do this by typing in the router’s IP address into your browser’s address bar. Once you’ve logged in, navigate to the QoS settings. This is where you can start making changes to prioritize gaming traffic.
The next step is to enable QoS. Once enabled, you will see a list of categories such as Gaming, Streaming, Web Surfing, etc. Here, you want to prioritize the Gaming category. This will ensure that gaming traffic gets priority over other types of internet traffic.
You should also enable the Gear Accelerator feature. This feature allows you to select the devices that you want to prioritize for gaming. Simply click on the device, and the router will prioritize traffic to it.
Utilizing the Gaming Port and Mobile Game Mode
The ASUS RT-AX86U router comes with a dedicated gaming port. This port ensures that any device connected to it receives top priority. If you mostly game on a console or a PC, connect it to this port using an Ethernet cable for an even smoother gaming experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer mobile gaming, the ASUS RT-AX86U router has got you covered. The router’s Mobile Game Mode is designed to minimize lag and latency, improving your overall mobile gaming experience. To enable this mode, go to the router’s interface and select Mobile Game Mode. Then, select the mobile devices that you want to prioritize for gaming.
Keeping Your ASUS RT-AX86U Router Updated
To ensure optimal performance of your ASUS RT-AX86U router, it’s crucial to keep its firmware updated. ASUS frequently releases firmware updates that improve device performance, add new features, and rectify any existing issues.
To check for updates, log into your router’s administrative interface and navigate to the ‘System’ tab. Click on ‘Firmware Upgrade’ and the system will check for any available updates. If an update is available, proceed to download and install it. Remember that firmware updates may cause temporary disruption to your internet connection, so it’s best to perform updates when you’re not in the middle of an important online activity.
Conclusion
Remember, a high-quality router like the ASUS RT-AX86U can only do so much. The router’s performance can also be affected by your internet service provider (ISP), the speed of your internet package, the quality of your home’s wiring, and other environmental factors. For the best gaming experience, ensure that these factors are also addressed.
Exploring Additional Features: Parental Controls and Network Security
The ASUS RT-AX86U router comes with a robust suite of additional features that enhance its utility beyond just a high-performing gaming router. Two key features that deserve special mention are the parental controls and the advanced network security.
The parental controls on the ASUS RT-AX86U router empower you to manage the internet activities within your home, making it an ideal choice for households with young gamers. The router allows you to limit the amount of internet time for specific devices, block certain websites, and even schedule internet access during specific hours of the day. This can be particularly useful for maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and other daily activities for younger users.
The ASUS RT-AX86U router also puts a high premium on network security. The router comes with ASUS AiProtection Pro, a commercial-grade security service that protects all connected devices from potential internet threats. The service offers real-time network monitoring and immediate threat detection and prevention. This means you can enjoy your gaming sessions without having to worry about online threats and attacks.
To access these features, log into the router’s administrative interface. Go to the ‘Parental Controls’ tab to set up restrictions, and to the ‘AiProtection’ tab for network security settings.
Managing Your ASUS RT-AX86U Router via Mobile App
The ASUS RT-AX86U router also offers the convenience of a mobile app, through which you can manage your router settings on the go. The app, aptly named ASUS Router App, offers a range of features including setting up the router, managing network traffic, diagnosing connection issues, and more.
The mobile app can also be used to enable the ROG Rapture game mode feature. This feature optimizes network settings, enhances Wi-Fi signal strength, and prioritizes gaming packets for an unbeatable gaming experience.
To utilize the app, simply download and install it from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once installed, log in using your ASUS account details. You can now manage your router directly from your smartphone.
In Conclusion
The ASUS RT-AX86U router is much more than just a gaming router. With its dual-band Wi-Fi 6, adaptive QoS, dedicated gaming port, and mobile game mode, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience. But the router scores equally well in offering robust parental controls, advanced network security, and a user-friendly mobile app for easy management.
In addition, it’s important to remember to keep the router’s firmware updated for optimal performance. Regular updates not only enhance the router’s performance but also add new features and rectify existing issues.
However, the router’s performance is also dependent on factors like your ISP, the speed of your internet plan, and the quality of your home’s wiring. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure these factors are taken care of for an overall seamless gaming experience.
With the right setup and management, the ASUS RT-AX86U router can undoubtedly enhance your gaming experiences, while also catering to all your home’s internet needs. So, it’s time to game on!
