Looking for Airport Express alternative

[steve62388]

Anybody know of an alternative for the Airport Express? I have some particular requirements.

- I have a router at one end of my house and I use HomePlugs to get the network through to my bedroom. I then have an AE hanging off the HomePlug. The power socket is in an awkward location so I need a device that has a power cord or brick. I don't think a HomePlug with built in WiFi will work particularly well, it would be pushed right up against a steel bed frame.

- I want something with a gigabit ethernet port.

- It can't be ugly, it has to pass the wife test.

- Preferably at least 600Mb WiFi speeds, but not at the expense of ugly antennas and huge physical size (see above).

 

[Mufasa804]

http://www.target.com/p/linksys-max...or-4k-tv-ea8500-/-/A-17316279?lnk=fiatsCookie

 

[steve62388]

http://www.target.com/p/linksys-max...or-4k-tv-ea8500-/-/A-17316279?lnk=fiatsCookie

Thanks for that, but I'm afraid it won't pass the wife test.

 

[gwang73]

Personally, I would get rid of HomePlug and replace it with mesh networked routers for full 802.11ac/n bandwidth support. Plus, these new routers should pass the "wife test".

https://eero.com
https://madeby.google.com/wifi/
https://store.amplifi.com
https://getluma.com

 

[steve62388]

Personally, I would get rid of HomePlug and replace it with mesh networked routers for full 802.11ac/n bandwidth support. Plus, these new routers should pass the "wife test".

https://eero.com
https://madeby.google.com/wifi/
https://store.amplifi.com
https://getluma.com

That's definitely something that's on my wish list but it's a little bit out of my price range right now. I was hoping to find a little gem just to replace the AE and for the moment keep the rest of what I have. I tend to upgrade my network in bits so like to choose stuff that can be changed piecemeal.

 

[zhenya]

Can you just hide the router under the bed?

Google has a new line of routers that meet your requirements but I don't think you can get them yet.

 

[gwang73]

I think the AE is your best option that meets your requirements. Just put a extension cord on it and move it to a different location.

 

[robeddie]

I just got the Netgear Orbi and I ABSOUTELY love it. More than twice as fast as the airport exteme and the extender system is a generation ahead.

http://gizmodo.com/netgear-s-new-mesh-router-promises-blistering-speeds-1785570272

Unlike the Eero, it has a dedicated band to communicate with the satellite thereby creating a much stronger signal.

Here's a stellar youtube review from CNET >