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ASUS DSL N12U Review | 77 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)Wi-Fi speed:300 MbpsLAN port speeds:100 MbpsMesh Wi-Fi:no

ASUS DSL N12U Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS DSL N12U
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

90%

6.4

Technical score

10%

6.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 75% of routers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 75%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

26%

4.7

Wireless

20%

5.7

Ports

18%

8.5

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

4.8

Hardware

10%

6.4

Management

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.2

User score

User score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

4.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 96%
  • asus-dsl-n12u
asus-dsl-n12u
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Technical Specifications of router ASUS DSL N12U

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

26%

4.7

Wireless

20%

5.7

Ports

18%

8.5

Networking

14%

9.2

Security

12%

4.8

Hardware

10%

6.4

Management

6.4
User score
User score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

4.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.2
Popularity
Popularity
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Popularity:
ASUS DSL N12U has a popularity score of 4 points, which is lower than that of 65.2% of products in this category.
4.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Brand name
Asus
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is less advanced than 60.8% of routers and equal to 37.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are less versatile than 75.4% of routers and equal to 22.4% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
300 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 73.7% of routers and equal to 16.8% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 59.3% of routers and the same as 35.1% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X Wi-Fi security protocols, which are less advanced than 60.6% of routers and equal to 1.5% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 11.5% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
This router does not support dynamic routing. 52.5% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
no
This router does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
no
This router does not support VLAN tagging. 62% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
100 Mbps
This router offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 73.2% of routers and on par with 26.4% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.5% of routers and the same as 39.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI
This router uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 72.2% of routers and equal to 27.3% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI
This router supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 69.5% of routers and equal to 29.7% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 18.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
0.384 GHz
This router runs at 0.384 GHz, which is slower than 88.8% of routers and on par with 0.9% of routers.
RAM capacity
32 MB
Market range: <0 MB – >1k MB
This router has 32 MB of RAM, which is less than 83.5% of routers and the same as 12% of routers.
Internal storage
0.007812 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >0.5 GB
This router has 0.007812 GB of internal storage, which is less than 72.7% of routers and the same as 20.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 31.4% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
2
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 2 external antennas, which is more than 45.1% of routers and the same as 13.1% of routers.
Show more

ASUS DSL N12U vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.9% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • More advanced integrated modem
    This router uses a ADSL2+ integrated modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required).
    ADSL2+ vs none (external modem required)
  • Removable antennas
    This router has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS, 802.1X vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 24.9% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • More advanced integrated modem
    This router uses a ADSL2+ integrated modem, while the average router uses none (external modem required).
    ADSL2+ vs none (external modem required)
  • Removable antennas
    This router has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No dynamic routing
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • 79.7% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (300 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1475 Mbps.
    300 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps
  • 87.5% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (32 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    32 MB vs 256 MB
  • 28.2% lower user score
    User score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ASUS DSL N12U
    the average router
    ASUS DSL N12U has a lower user score than the average router (6.24 vs 8.000).
    6.24 vs 8
  • 4.8% worse value for money
    ASUS DSL N12U has worse value for money than the average router (7.46 vs 7.8).
    7.46 vs 7.82
  • 63.5% less popular
    ASUS DSL N12U is less popular than the average router (4 vs 6.5).
    4 vs 6.54
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • 79.7% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (300 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1475 Mbps.
    300 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps
  • Narrower channel widths
    This router has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • 1 fewer spatial streams
    This router has fewer spatial streams than the average router (2 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
    2 vs 3
  • No band steering
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    This router does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • No VLAN tagging
    This router does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No dynamic routing
    This router does not support dynamic routing, while the average router does. 52.3% of routers support dynamic routing.
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Limited firmware updates
    This router supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • Less capable NAS services
    This router includes SMB, FTP NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
    Requires attached USB storage.
    SMB, FTP vs SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access
  • 87.5% less RAM
    This router has less RAM than the average router (32 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
    32 MB vs 256 MB
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    This router has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.4 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
    0.384 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz
  • 9.9 W higher power consumption
    This router uses more power than the average router (18 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    18 W vs 8.1 W
  • 93.8% less internal storage
    This router has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.1 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    0.007812 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 3 older release date
    This router is an older model than the average router (2012 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
    May 2012
    2012 vs 2015

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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about ASUS DSL N12U

  • Versatility: Functions as a wireless router, ADSL modem, and supports 3G/4G sharing via USB dongle.
  • Easy Setup: Features a user-friendly 'Quick Installation' web interface that is highly intuitive for beginners.
  • Hardware Design: Equipped with two 5dBi high-gain external antennas that are detachable for upgrades.
  • Stable Wi-Fi: Users report reliable wireless connections with minimal reboots compared to competitors.
  • Advanced Interface: Includes professional modes for granular tweaks and supports multiple SSIDs (up to four).
  • Value: Often cited as a cost-effective budget option for small to medium-sized apartments.

What we don't like about ASUS DSL N12U

  • Limited Speed: Only supports Wi-Fi 4 (N300) on the 2.4GHz band, which may bottleneck high-speed internet plans.
  • Range Issues: While good for standard flats, the signal may drop significantly in larger homes or through multiple thick walls.
  • Single Band: Lacks the 5GHz band, leading to potential interference in congested areas with many wireless networks.
  • Technical Support: Some users report difficulty getting timely or helpful responses from manufacturer support.
  • Legacy Ports: Uses 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports rather than Gigabit, limiting wired transfer speeds.
  • Software Bugs: Occasional reports of 'Download Master' or Samba connection stability issues.

Verdict

The ASUS DSL-N12U is a versatile N300 Wireless ADSL modem router designed for reliable home networking, featuring 2.4GHz Wi-Fi speeds of up to 300Mbps and support for ADSL2/2+ standards. Its primary characteristics include two high-gain 5dBi detachable antennas for extended coverage, a multi-functional USB 2.0 port for printer sharing or 3G/4G dongle backup, and four 10/100 Ethernet LAN ports. Main pros include a user-friendly ASUSWRT graphical interface for 30-second setup, support for up to four guest SSIDs, and an integrated VPN server. However, some cons are the lack of 5GHz dual-band support and the absence of gigabit Ethernet ports, which may limit high-speed wired data transfers.

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