ASUS is a Taiwan-based, multinational computer hardware and consumer electronics company that was established in 1989. Within their line of products, ASUS offers routers designed for home-based residential use, but some models come with features applicable to the mobile market and mobile internet users.
In particular - ASUS is one of the few mainstream router manufacturers that has put any effort into supporting USB tethering to connect to cellular devices.
When looking for an 'all-around' functional mobile router, we consider the ability to tether via USB a key feature. Furthermore, support for 12V DC power, and WiFi-as-WAN capabilities can be important as well.
Not all ASUS routers support these features - and if they do - the router may only support some of these capabilities. Your mileage for ASUS devices will vary based on your specific needs.
Product Variations
A few ASUS routers that support USB hotspot tethering:
- ASUS AC3200 Router - $179.99
- No Wi-Fi-as-WAN support
- No native 12v power option
- ASUS AC5300 Router - $279.99
- No Wi-Fi-as-WAN support
- No native 12v power option
- ASUS AC1900 Router - $129.99
- Wi-Fi-as-WAN supported
- No native 12v power option
- ASUS RT-AC66U Router - $99.99 (Tested)
- No Wi-Fi-as-WAN support
- No native 12v power option
News, Videos & Status
We tested an RT-AC66U router in August 2019 to determine if it can adequately serve as a mobile router - focusing in particular on its USB tethering features, and comparing it to other popular mobile routers from Pepwave and WiFiRanger.
The full details and conclusions are in the member section below.
Related News:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Member Exclusive Content Below:
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Hands on Testing Notes
- Deep Dive
- WiFi as WAN
- USB Tethering
- Power
- Router Features
- Conclusion
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
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Amazon (affiliate links): RT-AC66U | AC1900 | AC5300
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of