Asus RT-AC86U User manual

User Guide
RT-AC86U
Wireless-AC 2900 Dual Band Gigabit Router

2
Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described
in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except
documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired,
modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized
in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or
missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL“AS IS”WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS
AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR
PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE
FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A
COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL,
INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be
registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identification or explanation and to the owners’benefit, without intent
to infringe.
E14026
Revised Edition v2
February 2018

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Table of contents
1 Getting to know your wireless router 7
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................................7
1.2 Package contents.........................................................................7
1.3 Your wireless router.....................................................................8
1.4 Positioning your router........................................................... 10
1.5 Setup Requirements ................................................................ 11
1.6 Router Setup............................................................................... 12
1.6.1 Wired connection..................................................................12
1.6.2 Wireless connection.............................................................13
2 Getting started 15
2.1 Logging into the Web GUI ..................................................... 15
2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-detection ........... 16
2.3 Connecting to your wireless network................................ 19
3 Configuring the General settings 20
3.1 Using the Network Map ......................................................... 20
3.1.1 Setting up the wireless security settings......................21
3.1.2 Managing your network clients.......................................23
3.1.3 Monitoring your USB device.............................................24
3.2 Creating a Guest Network...................................................... 27
3.3 AiProtection ................................................................................ 29
3.3.1 Network Protection..............................................................30
3.3.2 Setting up Parental Controls.............................................34
3.4 Adaptive QoS.............................................................................. 38
3.4.1 Bandwidth Monitor..............................................................38
3.4.2 QoS.............................................................................................39
3.4.3 Web History.............................................................................40

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Table of contents
3.5 Traffic Analyzer........................................................................... 41
3.6 Using the USB Application..................................................... 42
3.6.1 Using AiDisk...............................................................................42
3.6.2 Using Servers Center............................................................44
3.6.3 3G/4G ........................................................................................49
3.7 Using AiCloud 2.0...................................................................... 50
3.7.1 Cloud Disk................................................................................51
3.7.2 Smart Access...........................................................................53
3.7.3 Smart Sync...............................................................................54
4 Configuring the Advanced Settings 55
4.1 Wireless......................................................................................... 55
4.1.1 General......................................................................................55
4.1.2 WPS ............................................................................................57
4.1.3 Bridge........................................................................................59
4.1.4 Wireless MAC Filter ...............................................................61
4.1.5 RADIUS Setting ......................................................................62
4.1.6 Professional.............................................................................63
4.2 LAN................................................................................................. 66
4.2.1 LAN IP........................................................................................66
4.2.2 DHCP Server............................................................................67
4.2.3 Route .........................................................................................69
4.2.4 IPTV ............................................................................................70
4.3 WAN ............................................................................................... 71
4.3.1 Internet Connection.............................................................71
4.3.2 Dual WAN.................................................................................74
4.3.3 Port Trigger..............................................................................75
4.3.4 Virtual Server/Port Forwarding........................................77

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Table of contents
4.3.5 DMZ............................................................................................80
4.3.6 DDNS .........................................................................................81
4.3.7 NAT Passthrough...................................................................82
4.4 IPv6................................................................................................. 83
4.5 VPN Server................................................................................... 84
4.6 Firewall.......................................................................................... 85
4.6.1 General......................................................................................85
4.6.2 URL Filter ..................................................................................85
4.6.3 Keyword filter .........................................................................86
4.6.4 Network Services Filter .......................................................87
4.6.5 IPv6 Firewall ............................................................................88
4.7 Administration ........................................................................... 89
4.7.1 Operation Mode....................................................................89
4.7.2 System.......................................................................................90
4.7.3 Firmware Upgrade................................................................91
4.7.4 Restore/Save/Upload Setting ...........................................92
4.8 System Log .................................................................................. 93
5 Utilities 94
5.1 Device Discovery....................................................................... 94
5.2 Firmware Restoration .............................................................. 95
5.3 Setting up your printer server.............................................. 96
5.3.1 ASUS EZ Printer Sharing .....................................................96
5.3.2 Using LPR to Share Printer.............................................. 100
5.4 Download Master....................................................................105
5.4.1 Configuring Bit Torrent download settings.............. 106
5.4.2 NZB settings......................................................................... 107

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6 Troubleshooting 108
6.1 Basic Troubleshooting...........................................................108
6.2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ................................110
Appendices 119
Notices .....................................................................................................119
ASUS Contact information..................................................................137
Networks Global Hotline Information.............................................138
Table of contents

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1 Getting to know your wireless
router
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing an ASUS RT-AC86U Wireless Router!
The stylish RT-AC86U features 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual bands for
an unmatched concurrent wireless HD streaming; SMB server,
UPnP AV server, and FTP server for 24/7 file sharing; a capability
to handle 300,000 sessions; and the ASUS Green Network
Technology, which provides up to 70% power-saving solution.
1.2 Package contents
NOTES:
• Ifanyoftheitemsisdamagedormissing,contactASUSfortechnical
inquiries and support, Refer to the ASUS Support Hotline list at the
back of this user manual.
• Keeptheoriginalpackagingmaterialincaseyouwouldneedfuture
warranty services such as repair or replacement.
RT-AC86U Wireless Router AC adapter
Network cable (RJ-45) Quick Start Guide

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1.3 Your wireless router
LAN 1~4 LED
Off: No power or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a local area network (LAN).
WAN (Internet) LED
Red: No IP or no physical connection.
On: Has physical connection to a wide area network (WAN).
2.4GHz LED
Off: No 2.4GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
5GHz LED
Off: No 5GHz signal.
On:Wireless system is ready.
Flashing:Transmitting or receiving data via wireless connection.
Power LED
Off: No power.
On: Device is ready.
Flashing slow: Rescue mode
Power button
Press this button to power on or off the system.
Power (DC-IN) port
Insert the bundled AC adapter into this port and connect your router to a power source.
USB 2.0 port
Insert USB 2.0 devices such as USB hard disks or USB flash drives into this port.

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NOTES:
• Useonlytheadapterthatcamewithyourpackage.Usingother
adapters may damage the device.
• Specifications:
DC Power adapter DC Output: +19V with max 1.75A current
Operating
Temperature 0~40oCStorage 0~70oC
Operating Humidity 50~90% Storage 20~90%
USB 3.0 port
Insert USB 3.0 devices such as USB hard disks or USB flash drives into this port.
WAN (Internet) port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish WAN connection.
LAN 1 ~ 4 ports
Connect network cables into these ports to establish LAN connection.

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1.4 Positioning your router
For the best wireless signal transmission between the wireless
router and the network devices connected to it, ensure that you:
• Placethewirelessrouterinacentralizedareaforamaximum
wireless coverage for the network devices.
• Keepthedeviceawayfrommetalobstructionsandawayfrom
direct sunlight.
• Keepthedeviceawayfrom802.11gor20MHzonlyWi-Fi
devices, 2.4GHz computer peripherals, Bluetooth devices,
cordlessphones,transformers,heavy-dutymotors,fluorescent
lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other industrial
equipment to prevent signal interference or loss.
• Alwaysupdatetothelatestfirmware.VisittheASUSwebsiteat
http://www.asus.com to get the latest firmware updates.
• Toensurethebestwirelesssignal,orientthefourdetachable
antennas as shown in the drawing below.
45° 90° 45°

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1.5 Setup Requirements
To set up your wireless network, you need a computer that meets
the following system requirements:
• EthernetRJ-45(LAN)port(10Base-T/100Base-TX/
1000BaseTX)
• IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/acwirelesscapability
• AninstalledTCP/IPservice
• WebbrowsersuchasInternetExplorer,Firefox,Safari,or
Google Chrome
NOTES:
• Ifyourcomputerdoesnothavebuilt-inwirelesscapabilities,youmay
install an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapter to your computer to
connect to the network.
• Withitsdualbandtechnology,yourwirelessroutersupports2.4GHz
and 5GHz wireless signals simultaneously. This allows you to do
Internet-related activities such as Internet surfing or reading/writing
e-mail messages using the 2.4GHz band while simultaneously
streaming high-definition audio/video files such as movies or music
using the 5GHz band.
• SomeIEEE802.11ndevicesthatyouwanttoconnecttoyournetwork
may or may not support 5GHz band. Refer to the device's manual for
specifications.
• TheEthernetRJ-45cablesthatwillbeusedtoconnectthenetwork
devices should not exceed 100 meters.

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1.6 Router Setup
IMPORTANT!
• Useawiredconnectionwhensettingupyourwirelessrouterto
avoid possible setup problems.
• BeforesettingupyourASUSwirelessrouter,dothefollowing:
 • Ifyouarereplacinganexistingrouter,disconnectitfromyour
network.
 • Disconnectthecables/wiresfromyourexistingmodemsetup.If
your modem has a backup battery, remove it as well.
 • Rebootyourcablemodemandcomputer(recommended).
1.6.1 Wired connection
NOTE: You can use either a straight-through cable or a crossover cable
for wired connection.
To set up your wireless router via wired connection:
1. Insert your wireless router’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and
plug it to a power outlet.
RT-AC86U
1
Internet
Modem
4
3
WAN
2
LAN
Laptop

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2. Using the bundled network cable, connect your computer to
your wireless router’s LAN port.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that the LAN LED is blinking.
3 Using another network cable, connect your modem to your
wireless router’s WAN port.
4. Insert your modem’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and plug it
to a power outlet.
1.6.2 Wireless connection
To set up your wireless router via wireless connection:
1. Insert your wireless router’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and
plug it to a power outlet.
2 Using the bundled network cable, connect your modem to
your wireless router’s WAN port.
RT-AC86U
Laptop
Tablet
Smart phone
1
Internet
Modem
3
2
WAN

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3. Insert your modem’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and plug it
to a power outlet.
4. Install an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN adapter on your
computer.
NOTES:
• Fordetailsonconnectingtoawirelessnetwork,refertotheWLAN
adapter’s user manual.
• Tosetupthesecuritysettingsforyournetwork,refertothesection
Setting up the wireless security settings in Chapter 3 of this user
manual.

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2 Getting started
2.1 Logging into the Web GUI
Your ASUS wireless router comes with an intuitive web graphical
user interface (GUI) that allows you to easily configure its various
features through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Safari, or Google Chrome.
NOTE: The features may vary with different firmware versions.
To log into the web GUI:
1. On your web browser, manually key in the wireless router’s
default IP address: http://router.asus.com.
2. Set up a password for your router to prevent unauthorized
access.
NOTE: If you are logging into the Web GUI for the first time, you will be
directed to the Quick Internet Setup (QIS) page automatically.
Navigation
panel
QIS - Smart
Connect
Wizard
Top command buttons
Information
banner
Middle
column
Right column
3. You can now use the Web GUI to configure various settings of
your ASUS Wireless Router.

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2.2 Quick Internet Setup (QIS) with Auto-
detection
The Quick Internet Setup (QIS) function guides you in quickly
setting up your Internet connection.
NOTE: When setting the Internet connection for the first time, press
the Reset button on your wireless router to reset it to its factory default
settings.
To use QIS with auto-detection:
1. Log into the Web GUI. The QIS page launches automatically.
NOTE: The wireless router's login username and password is different
from the 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security key. The
wireless router's login username and password allows you to log into
your wireless router's Web GUI to configure your wireless router's
settings. The 2.4GHz/5GHz network name (SSID) and security key allows
Wi-Fi devices to log in and connect to your 2.4GHz/5GHz network.

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2. The wireless router automatically detects if your ISP
connection type is Dynamic IP, PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP. Key
in the necessary information for your ISP connection type.
IMPORTANT! Obtain the necessary information from your ISP about the
Internet connection type.
for Automatic IP (DHCP)
for PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP

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NOTES:
• Theauto-detectionofyourISPconnectiontypetakesplacewhen
you configure the wireless router for the first time or when your
wireless router is reset to its default settings.
• IfQISfailedtodetectyourInternetconnectiontype,clickSkip to
manual setting and manually configure your connection settings.
3. Assign the wireless network name (SSID) and security key
for your 2.4GHz and 5 GHz wireless connection. Click Apply
when done.
4. Your Internet and wireless settings are displayed. Click Next to
continue.
5. Read the wireless network connection tutorial. When done,
click Finish.

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2.3 Connecting to your wireless network
After setting up your wireless router via QIS, you can connect your
computer or other smart devices to your wireless network.
To connect to your network:
1. On your computer, click the network icon in the
notification area to display the available wireless networks.
2. Select the wireless network that you want to connect to, then
click Connect.
3. You may need to key in the network security key for a secured
wireless network, then click OK.
4. Wait while your computer establishes connection to the
wireless network successfully. The connection status is
displayed and the network icon displays the connected
status.
NOTES:
• Refertothenextchaptersformoredetailsonconfiguringyour
wireless network's settings.
• Refertoyourdevice'susermanualformoredetailsonconnectingit
to your wireless network.

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3 Configuring the General
settings
3.1 Using the Network Map
Network Map allows you to configure your network’s security
settings, manage your network clients, and monitor your USB
device.