Details
The result is a powerful and feature-rich router, which fits thanks to its unique appearance to any modern home decor and therefore does not have to be shyly hidden in a corner. The highlight, however, is the integrated IFTTT functionality that enables interaction with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa.
The features of ASUS 'BlueCave AC2600 dual-band wireless router at a glance:
Compact, stylish case and ultra-lightweight design
WLAN 802.11ac and MIMO with up to 2.600 Mbit / s
High Wi-Fi coverage of up to 160 m²
High-performance 1.6 GHz dual-core CPU and 512 MB RAM
Can be used as a router, access point or WLAN bridge
Four 1 G / bit LAN ports
Up to 25 wireless devices
A USB 3.0 port for external media
Supports IFTTT for interacting with smart home devices
Integrated network protection and extensive parental control
Eye-catching design and strong performance
Just 16 x 16 x 8 centimeters measures the small white router with its eye-catching, blue-painted hole in the middle, reminiscent of a blue cave. The chic design hides the true function of the BlueCave. As a real eye-catcher, the BlueCave fits any modern interior and can be set up completely open. That in turn increases the already enormous power of this stylish powerhouse. With its two powerful internal antennas, the BlueCave emits up to 160 m² despite its compact size. Also responsible for the high performance are the 1.6 GHz dual-core processor and the 512 MB RAM.
Together, they provide a maximum transfer rate of 1,733 Mbps in the 5 GHz frequency band thanks to the integrated MIMO technology, which bundles signals. In the weaker 2.4 GHz frenquency band, the BlueCave still manages 800 Mbit / s with MIMO. If a connected device can even combine both frequency bands, a whopping transfer rate of 2,600 MBit / s can be achieved.
Versatile use
The BlueCave can be used as a router, which fetches data from the Internet via the modem of the provider and otherwise takes care of the management of connected devices. Alternatively, the BlueCave can also be operated as an access point, which only forwarded data to devices. Used as a media bridge, data can be exchanged between two BlueCaves and passed on to devices.
At the back of the BlueCave, in addition to the plug for the connection to the WAN via the router of the provider are four more GBit LAN ports. There is also a USB 3.0 port to connect an external drive, for example. With the integrated software, the BlueCave can also be operated as a media server. For security-conscious users, the router offers a VPN client thanks to PPTP support and can also be used as a VPN server. In addition, ASUS has integrated protection software from the security experts Trend Micro, which inter alia averts attacks from the Internet. In addition, the software offers a comprehensive parental control.
ASUS has given the BlueCave yet another feature that allows integration with existing smart home devices: The wireless router supports the service IFTTT (If This Then That). With so-called recipes of the BlueCave can be controlled, such as Amazon's voice control device Alexa. For example, via Alexa the BlueCave can be instructed by voice control to switch the guest WLAN on and off.
Technical details:
Dimensions: 160 x 160 x 80 mm (W x H x D)
Weight: 800 g
Color: white, blue
Switch: Power, Reset, WPS
CPU: Dual Core 1.6 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
Flash memory: 128 MB
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS:
Standard: 802.11ac
Cover: 160 m² interior
Speed 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps
5 GHz speed: 1,733 Mbps
Transmission technology: 4x4 MIMO (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz each)
LAN ports: 4
WAN port: 1
USB: 1x 3.0
features:
Encryption: 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, WPS, RADIUS
Management: UPnP, DHCP, NTP Client, Telnet, DDNS, Port Trigger, Universal Repeater
VPN servers: IPSec pass-through, PPTP pass-through, L2TP pass-through, PPTP server, OpenVPN server
VPN client: L2TP client, PPTP client, OpenVPN client
File Management: Samba, FTP, Media Server
Security: DoS protection, port filters, URL filters, network service filters, access controls
Package contents:
1x BlueCave router
1x RJ-45 cable
power adapter
Manufacturer's warranty: 3 years