The RT-N66U is a dual-band router from ASUS, which has been ranked among the eight best wireless routers from CNET. This gigabit router has a very simple installation method that everyone can follow and do themselves.

Since it is a user favorite and has received great tech reviews as well, there is no shortage of people opting for it. 

So to help you out, here is everything you need to know to use and set up the RT-N66U router.

How to Login to an RT-N66U Router

By logging in to the RT-N66U router, you can access all its settings and change them according to your preferences. You can update the SSID, password, and security settings, such as the firewall, encryption, etc. 

The steps for logging in are simple, just follow these.

1. Browser

First, you will need to open your device and your browser. Any internet browser that you prefer will do.

2. IP Address

The IP address, in this case, is like the address you use to access a website. This will take you to the router login page. Most of the Internet Service Providers use the same common default IPs: 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.2.1. Others might have different addresses. The information will probably be given with the router. For the RT-N66U, it is 192.168.1.1.

If you have a router already installed and need to check its IP address, it’s very simple. Go to your settings panel, then Network & Internet, then the Network & Sharing Centre. Choose your current connected Wi-Fi, go to its details, and there you can see the IPv4 address.

Now, if you have your IP address, type it in the browser’s address bar and enter. It will automatically direct you to the login page. 

3. Username/Password

To login to your ASUS router, you need the username and password. If you have your own password and username, you will type that in, but since you are probably a new user, you will need the default information.

Different routers have different default settings. For the RT-N66U, the username is “admin,” and the password is also “admin.” Enter these in, and you will be taken to the router’s settings page.

4. Making Changes

Now that you are in, it is recommended to make changes so that unwanted users don’t access your network. You can change the username and password. Make sure to use a strong password. You might already know the recommended password settings, i.e., at least eight characters and a mixture of uppercase, lowercase, numerals, and special characters.

You can also change your network’s SSID, which is the name that shows on devices. You can be creative and choose any name as your favorite character. You can also add parental controls from here or hide your network. This way, only the devices you want will be able to see the name or SSID.

How to Reset ASUS RT-N66U Router

You might need to reset your router to factory settings for multiple reasons. You might have forgotten the password you set, or you might have made some unwanted changes while messing with the security settings, and now you don’t know what to do. Similarly, for some reason, the router might not be working properly. There are two ways you can reset the settings.

1. Hard Reset

 This will be done through the router’s reset button.

• Look for the reset button at the back of the router
• Press that button for about five seconds or until you see the flashing LED light
• It is recommended to use a paper clip or a sharp object for this
• If it doesn’t work, hold the button for about 30 seconds
• While you are still pressing the button, turn off the power
• Hold it for 30 seconds more
• Now turn the power back on and hold for 30 more seconds

This should do the job.

2. Through the Settings Page 

This option is if you remember your password and username.

• Login to the router settings page through the steps mentioned above
• Go to “Advanced Settings” and select administration
• This will take you to a page with the “Restore/Save/upload” option
• Go to that panel
• You will see a Restore button next to the Factory Default option
• Select that and click OK

After you have completed either of the two options, you can check if the changes were made successfully by logging in again using the default username and password, i.e., admin and admin respectively.

How to Configure RT-N66U Router

Properly setting up your router is important and also probably the step that most non-techies have problems with. But once you get the hang of it, it is not difficult at all. Here’s what you need to do:  

1. Antennas

This router has three antennas for stronger and more stable signals. Before anything, you will need to screw those into their right places.

2. Cables

Before connecting the cables, find a good spot for the router that is elevated, free of all obstacles (metallic or otherwise), preferably in the middle of the house, and away from any electric devices that might interfere with the signal. And of course, you will need a place with an electric connection.

• Plug the power cable in the wall power outlet and the router
• Plug in the ethernet cable to the ethernet port on the router
• Put the other end of the cable in the modem 

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Open your device and go to the Wireless Connection panel. Here, you will see your new router by some name like ASUS. Connect to this signal. Once done, go to your browser and enter the default IP (192.168.1.1). 

4. Setting Up the Account

On the home page, you will be asked to set up an internet connection by giving a username and password. Make sure to make it a strong password that you will remember. After the router is done detecting the connection, you will be asked to give the connection a name. You can use any name you like and use it for both bands, i.e., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, or use different names for them.

Once all the changes are made, the internet will disconnect automatically.

5. Reconnect

You need to reconnect to the connection. Now you should see the Wi-Fi name differently. It will be the same as the one you gave before. Connect to it with the password and go to the router homepage again. Login with your new credentials. 

6. Firmware Upgrade

Once there, go to the Administration page and select Firmware Upgrade. Check if there are any updates that you need to install. If there is an upgrade, the router will ask you if you want to install it after checking. Click OK, after which the firmware will be downloaded and installed.

7. Reboot

Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to reboot the router. To do that, press the power off button, and after a few minutes, press it back on and reconnect through the same steps as detailed above.

8. Confirmation

Go back to the router home page and to the Firmware Upgrade option. To make sure that the upgrade was successful, check for new updates again. This time, it should tell you that you are up to date, and there are no new versions you need to install.

Now you are good to go and can use your internet.

RT-N66U Specs

As we mentioned before, the RT-N66U is a user-friendly router that critics also love. Once you read its specs, you will realize why. 

• Max Transfer Rate: 450 Mbps with 802.11n 
• Connectivity: AiRadar for optimum data throughput 
• Band: dual-band connection, i.e., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for basic browsing and HD streaming respectively
• RAM: 256 MB DDR2
• USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports
• WAN: 1 Gigabit
• LAN: 4 Gigabit
• Encryption: 64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise
• Processor: Broadcom 470 @ 600 MHz
• Flash: 32 MB

Conclusion

You no longer need to call tech support to set up your Wi-Fi connection. It is simple enough to do it yourself. These things are made simpler and simpler with every update. Just remember to note down your password and not share it with anyone. The password should also be strong and secure. If you still run into trouble, you can visit the ASUS help support as well. 

People Also Ask

The ASUS RT-N66U is not just a simple router; it has a cloud connection and USB ports. How to use them all might not be known to everyone. If you need help getting around these issues, you can read our frequently asked questions.

How to Open Ports on ASUS RT-N66U

• First, create a static IP address on the device you will be forwarding the port to. 
• Login to your router’s homepage with the steps we gave before
• In the settings page under Advanced, go to WAN
• From there, go to Virtual Server/Port Forwarding
• Enable port forwarding to Yes
• Give the service a name 
• It will also ask other details that will differ for different scenarios
• Once you have entered all the details, click add and apply

How to Change WiFi Channel on ASUS RT-N66U

Go to your browser and log in to the router homepage. Under the Advanced section, go to Wireless. Here, under the General tab, you will be given the option to change the band to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. You can also change the channel from here.