Asus RT-N56U Stylish Concurrent Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router

I bought this router after going through endless reviews through multiple tech sites. The claims about high performance are all correct. I get a very high throughput on local network while transferring content through my NAS and attached portable HDD.

But the critical part that was not mentioned in any review was about the significant issue in connecting to the internet. This router regularly drops WAN IP (internet connection) in either of PPPoE or Automatic IP mode.

If you google the error,
"You've set the wrong dynamic or static IP address for RT-N56U"
, you would get tons and tons of comments/issues from users with barely any concrete resolutions.

I've tried custom firmware and am using the latest firmware from Asus (1.0.1.8j) but nothing has helped. Now the only option is going to Asus service center in the city which operates Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. I'll have to now take an off from office to take care of this stupid router. (Btw, Asus only have pickup service for their motherboards for servicing)

If this router works for you, then this router is perfect, but if you are getting the same error, then you can only enjoy devices on your local network and forget about using the internet!

Update:
One reviewer suggested that I was using an old firmware which was not the case. As of date (10-Sep-2012) of writing the old review (which is copy pasted above as I was not able to find option of updating an old reivew), 1.0.1.8j was the latest version at that point of time. I've tried the latest firmware 3.0.0.4.318 which came out on 18th Dec 2012 and I have the same issues. Lots of drops. Had 4 connections drops today.

I am going with the same verdict. If this works for you, then it is still one of the best one around. If it does not, then try custom firmwares. I've got better lesser drops with the custom ones, but the issue is not completely eradicated.

Firstly, its beautiful. Secondly, its beautiful.
now PERFORMANCE :- 1) range is good if you make it stand ( as shown in pics) but suffers as soon as you put it horizontally. (also, you may find it prone to topple e.g. strong wind etc. if it is made to stand.)
2.) throughput is good i.e. you will be able to surf net if your device shows single bar of wi-fi signal but heavy sites may take time to load. However, 2 or more bars of signal strength and bob's your uncle. Also, I found this router to be very fast.
3) gives you option of wireless printing (not all printer models) unlike linksys e3200 (this not confirmed but I have read somewhere)
4) 5 GHz band is useless unless you are in same room as the router.
5) have a good look at Linksys E3200.

Works like a charm, as a matter of fact i am streaming music right now while writing this review ! The best part is my printer wasnt even listed on asus's website but it still works ! Hp f 300 ! And i just read the review from the person who said he has installed the latest firmare, i would like to tell you thats not the latest infact its among the oldest, i would recommend you to upgrade your firmware... No dropped connections till now for me... And i havent even hooked it up to the ups ! i stay in gurgaon and still havent got any dropped connections ! The only issue that i have to somehow fix is to print files from my ipad! Ipad is not recognizing the printer! But you must keep in mind that my printer does not have air print in it...

This transmits two simultaneous wifi SSID one on 2.4Ghz and one on 5Ghz. Hooked up my PS3 using an Ethernet cable. Streamed wirelessly blue ray movie rip (25GB mkv file) without any problems and simultaneously continued using the Internet with no loss of speed.
Tried USB with 1.5TB HDD formatted to NTFS. Worked fine. Was able to FTP, windows share and also stream media from this HDD.
Four stars because my photon+ did not work, even with custom ROMS.

Fantastic router with good range and great features. However it's available on the street for 7800. Dual band works fine and so does the USB support....
Configuration is really simple. I got this up and running in about 2-3 minutes which the fastest that I have seen.
The only other contender was the Netgear 3700 but that always has mixed reviews.