As the latest additions to ASUS’ quickly expanding 802.11AC family, the RT-AC56 and USB-AC56 are meant to redefine the budget-friendly wireless networking device segment. While one is a router and the other a USB add-on, they’re essentially two pieces of the same puzzle and are looking to offer up a more affordable Wireless AC high bandwidth solution to folks who can’t afford the top of the line RT-AC68U / PCE-AC68 solution or slightly lower priced RT-AC66U.

With a marketplace already filled with high quality, great performing mainstream routers and easy to use USB wireless adapters, manufactures are searching for ways to make their new models stand out. Unlike buyers interested in halo or ‘flagship’ models, mainstream consumer base their purchasing decisions on one major theme: value. Value in performance vs. price, value in the extra features that are included and even how much of their valuable time can be saved with an easy installation procedure.