Synology, RT1900ac, Networking Router

Synology, RT1900ac, Networking Router

SPECIFICATION

The RT1900ac is equipped with a 1GHz dual-core CPU and uses three removable/adjustable antennas for 3×3 data streaming. It’s a dual-band router capable of maximum data rates of 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The router measures 2.5 by 8.1 by 6.2 inches (HWD) and uses a matte-black cabinet with two legs that raise the rear of the device up by around 1.5 inches. You can remove the legs to have the router sit flush or hang it on a wall using the two mounting holes on the bottom.

There are eight LED indicators on the front edge for power, as well as the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands, WAN (Internet), and wired Ethernet connectivity (one for each port). The rear of the router has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, a Power jack, and a Power switch. An SD card slot and a USB 3.0 port are located on the right side, and the left side holds a WPS button and a Wi-Fi On/Off switch.

The RT1900ac is managed using a Web-based console dubbed SRM (Synology Router Manager). It has a Windows desktop look and feel, and consists of a Network Center, a Package Center, and an SRM Help Center. The Network Center is where you go to manage the router’s numerous settings. They include a Status screen that displays basic Internet and Wi-Fi settings, upload and download averages by device, and CPU usage. In the Wireless page, you can assign a security level for each band (WPA Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WPA2 Enterprise, and WPA/WPA2 Enterprise), rename the SSID, configure guest networks, and set up MAC filters. The Internet page lets you choose a connection type and configure DNS and VPN settings, as well as ISP settings for VoIP and IPTV applications. This page also offers Port Forwarding, Port Triggering, DMZ, and IPv6 Tunneling settings.

Local Network settings allow you to view and configure DHCP server settings, view client information, and set up DHCP reservations, while the Parental Control setting lets you create access schedules and set up Web filters. The Traffic Control screen is where you go to set up QoS bandwidth priorities and view upload and download charts, and the Security screen offers Denial of Service (DoS) protection, VPN Passthrough and Firewall settings, and IP address blocking. Other settings let you choose a mode (router, access point, or bridge) and configure email, SMS, and push notifications to help you deal with network issues.

The Synology DS Router mobile app for iOS and Android lets you manage the RT1900ac using your smartphone, but it’s limited to Parental Control, Security, and Traffic Control settings.