Just set up my new Asus EA-AC87 media bridge/access point in the bedroom. I am using it as an access point. It uses the faster 5GHz band (no 2.4GHz support though), and has 802.11AC wifi with a built-in 5-port gigabit switch.
With most of my devices on 802.11AC (iPad Air 2, iPhone 6 Plus and 12-inch MacBook), it was time to replace my older EA-N66 access point, and I could also retire the Linksys 5-port switch I was using at the same spot. I always like one device taking the place of two.
Setup was a fairly easy (though I already know my way around the Asus network products as I have the RT-N68AC router). I plugged it into one of the LAN ports of my router, logged into the my router's admin page, looked at the IP assigned and then accessed the EA-AC87's admin page with that IP). It isn't how the manual tells you to do it but I find my way easier.
Then I changed all the wifi SSID/password settings and admin login/password settings on the EA-AC87 and then unplugged it from my router, and placed it in my bedroom which already had a wired LAN cable there. Boom, high-speed wifi now available in the bedroom.
Note: You must remember to flick that little physical switch at the back of the EA-AC87 from "Media Bridge" to "Access Point" if you want to use it as an access point or else you will go bananas wondering why you can't access the admin page. It ships in Media Bridge mode by default.
Media Bridge mode is useful if you have some old device (like a Smart TV or media player) that only has wired LAN port but no wifi support. Or it has an older and slower wifi feature. With the EA-AC87 plugged into that device, you can stream 4K video over wifi at close to wired speeds. Not bad.
If you own an older router that only has 2.4GHz band wifi, you can pair the EA-AC87U with the router in Access Point mode to give you the less crowded (for now) and faster 5GHz band.
If you already have a router that supports 5GHz, adding this EA-AC87 access point somewhere else in the house which already has a LAN point will give you better 5GHz wifi coverage (because in general, the crowded 2.4GHz band has longer range but lower speeds and the 5GHz band has better speeds but shorter range).
This EA-AC87 is an access point on steroids and is a little pricey. But you must have wall to wall 802.11AC 5GHz wifi in your home, it is a good companion to your existing router.
