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Best reliable router to purchase to replace Apple AirPort ExtremeAC?
- Thread starter Benz63amg
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I replaced an AirPort Extreme a while back with an Eero mesh system. I am happy with it.
There are a lot of choices these days.
There are a lot of choices these days.
I, too, suggest that you reconsider a "mesh style" system, particularly if your home is multi-level or has large square footage.
I'd recommend a "three band" mesh system, which has the "third" radio band to handle "backhaul" independently of the 2.4 and 5ghz "regular" bands.
I have the Linksys Velop (3 band), and it works well.
Another is the Netgear Orbi.
There are many other choices.
I suggest you spend some time investigating these, reading reviews, etc.
I'd recommend a "three band" mesh system, which has the "third" radio band to handle "backhaul" independently of the 2.4 and 5ghz "regular" bands.
I have the Linksys Velop (3 band), and it works well.
Another is the Netgear Orbi.
There are many other choices.
I suggest you spend some time investigating these, reading reviews, etc.
I recently replaced my router and ended up buying a Synology RT2600ac. Works well and has been very stable.
www.synology.com
RT2600ac | Synology Inc.
Blazing-fast Wi-Fi with up to 2.53Gbps combined wireless bandwidth to supercharge your Internet experience. RT2600ac is a powerful wireless router for homes and small offices seeking to understand, control, and secure their network. Now coming with mesh Wi-Fi technology, its coverage becomes...
www.synology.com
Timely thread.
Which is best for covering a multilevel home that is about 5,000 sqft.? Would be connecting the Mesh router to the AT&T Uverse Gateway router.
Which is best for covering a multilevel home that is about 5,000 sqft.? Would be connecting the Mesh router to the AT&T Uverse Gateway router.
I purchased the Google WiFi few years ago to replace my own AirPort routers, when mesh systems were much newer and it seemed to be a good choice.
Today, my recommendation would be to first read these two Wirecutter articles:
www.nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com
The Wirecutter articles don't mention HomeKit compatibility, however.
Next, I'd take a hard look at those routers which are compatible with Apple HomeKit. At the present time only the eero Mesh and Pro Mesh, and the Linksys Velop Whole Home Mesh, are sold by Apple and listed as HomeKit compatible.
The HomeKit compatibility gives some security advantages and if I was purchasing a new router today, I would almost certainly get one of those models. I would take a close look at WiFi 6 capability, although I do not believe that there are currently any WiFi 6 routers (or mesh networking systems) that are HomeKit compatible.
Today, my recommendation would be to first read these two Wirecutter articles:
The Best Wi-Fi Routers
We’ve tested the latest Wi-Fi routers and found the best options—from budget models to top-of-the-line—to make your wireless network faster and more responsive.
www.nytimes.com
The Best Wi-Fi Mesh-Networking Systems
If a normal router can’t provide reliable wireless access to every corner of your home, mesh systems should help you work from home and stream games and movies without a hitch.
www.nytimes.com
The Wirecutter articles don't mention HomeKit compatibility, however.
Next, I'd take a hard look at those routers which are compatible with Apple HomeKit. At the present time only the eero Mesh and Pro Mesh, and the Linksys Velop Whole Home Mesh, are sold by Apple and listed as HomeKit compatible.
The HomeKit compatibility gives some security advantages and if I was purchasing a new router today, I would almost certainly get one of those models. I would take a close look at WiFi 6 capability, although I do not believe that there are currently any WiFi 6 routers (or mesh networking systems) that are HomeKit compatible.
I went with the Orbi RBK852 Wi-Fi 6 to replace my old Orbi RBK50 and it’s a beast! Super high wireless speeds with my 1gb service and coverage everywhere in my house.
Tried a bunch of mesh systems. So far the new eero WiFi 6 Tri band setup has worked the best. Rock solid.
Whatever you get I’d highly recommend a tri band setup if you have more then 10 devices. It significantly reduces congestion.
Whatever you get I’d highly recommend a tri band setup if you have more then 10 devices. It significantly reduces congestion.
Friends,
I wanted to upgrade from my Airport Extreme but every unit i looked at had some bad reviews most that seemed plausible, overheating, dropping devices etc. And at least 2 or 3 on each one said they went back to their apple unit and was working better???!!! The Amplifi Alien looked cool but I want something that is wifi 6 and uses WPA3. I still want to switch and will monitor this thread as I trust the forum here, and maybe will see some new suggestions or updates. I have a small house less than 1000 sf, and only a few devices, but I want the WPA3 security and if I am going to replace something I have never had a problem with I want to find something that works as good as what I have! Thanks to all
I wanted to upgrade from my Airport Extreme but every unit i looked at had some bad reviews most that seemed plausible, overheating, dropping devices etc. And at least 2 or 3 on each one said they went back to their apple unit and was working better???!!! The Amplifi Alien looked cool but I want something that is wifi 6 and uses WPA3. I still want to switch and will monitor this thread as I trust the forum here, and maybe will see some new suggestions or updates. I have a small house less than 1000 sf, and only a few devices, but I want the WPA3 security and if I am going to replace something I have never had a problem with I want to find something that works as good as what I have! Thanks to all
As others have mentioned, it's worth paying a little more for a TRI-band mesh system.
This has "a 3rd radio band" in addition to the 2.4ghz and 5ghz channels.
The 3rd band handles the "backhaul" exclusively.
This has "a 3rd radio band" in addition to the 2.4ghz and 5ghz channels.
The 3rd band handles the "backhaul" exclusively.
Which router in specific? My brother bought a mesh system I think it was eero and the range was atrocious in his small apartment! so he returned it and bought a netgear router instead
Mesh router: Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is Wi-Fi 6, tri-band, WPA3. Expensive. The Wirecutter report was updated on 5/28:
www.nytimes.com
The Best Wi-Fi Mesh-Networking Systems
If a normal router can’t provide reliable wireless access to every corner of your home, mesh systems should help you work from home and stream games and movies without a hitch.
www.nytimes.com
have used the Alien for about 6 months never had to reboot except for updates.
I would buy that Alien unit if it had the new WPA3. I don't take bad reviews too seriously except the ones that repeat issues by seemingly credible reviewers. I'm not rich but would pay $300 for a reliable good somewhat future proof unit. That said my apple airport extreme has been bulletproof for years the only reason I wanted to upgrade was for the newer security protocol.
Synology announced a AX model just last week selling in early Spring! So expect to see it when CES 2022!
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