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Modem/Router
- Thread starter jquest68
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If you already own them. Sure keep using them until they aren't fast enough or don't provide the coverage you need.
If you are looking to buy a new router. No, they are discontinued and use outdated tech. My personal preference is TP-Link. They have a good set of options in the web interface for power users. I also do a lot of setups. I've found TP-Link to be the most reliable brand, by far. I haven't had to replace or reconfigure one yet after installation.
I don't know the particular need for your setup. The TP-Link AC1750 makes for a solid budget choice. It offers a decent coverage area and good speed.
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/
If you are looking to buy a new router. No, they are discontinued and use outdated tech. My personal preference is TP-Link. They have a good set of options in the web interface for power users. I also do a lot of setups. I've found TP-Link to be the most reliable brand, by far. I haven't had to replace or reconfigure one yet after installation.
I don't know the particular need for your setup. The TP-Link AC1750 makes for a solid budget choice. It offers a decent coverage area and good speed.
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/
Well, Apple no longer makes the Airport routers so you'd have to go for a used one. But recommending a router depends on a lot of factors. How large is your home? How many floors? What materials is it built with? Does your ISP provide a modem with built in wifi? Where would the router be situated in relation to the rest of the house? How many devices do you have? Will you be transferring a lot of files within your home or streaming HD video to multiple devices simultaneously?
I used my Airport (an older G model) for years but eventually retired it because the far corner of our house, my bedroom, had almost no signal, so I opted for the Eero mesh system. That works well for my setup (Gigabit fiber, two teenage kids with their own laptops and phones and different tastes in movies and TV shows). Yours will be different.
Try with a Wireless-AC router within your budget to see how it works with your situation. You can't go far wrong with the major brand names. What you'll find when doing your research is that there are always a lot of 1-star ratings for any particular router. Unless the 1-star ratings heavily outweigh the higher ratings, that just means it didn't work for those people for some complex reason related to the location. If it doesn't work for you, return it and try a different one.
I used my Airport (an older G model) for years but eventually retired it because the far corner of our house, my bedroom, had almost no signal, so I opted for the Eero mesh system. That works well for my setup (Gigabit fiber, two teenage kids with their own laptops and phones and different tastes in movies and TV shows). Yours will be different.
Try with a Wireless-AC router within your budget to see how it works with your situation. You can't go far wrong with the major brand names. What you'll find when doing your research is that there are always a lot of 1-star ratings for any particular router. Unless the 1-star ratings heavily outweigh the higher ratings, that just means it didn't work for those people for some complex reason related to the location. If it doesn't work for you, return it and try a different one.
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Thanks everyone for your advice. I’m in a small apartment right now and it’s defin not big at all. I’m trying to get a good one for the price. I just ordered xfinity WiFi service with 60mbps. I don’t need anything that fast, but I am looking for something that can work with that. I do download iTunes movies and maybe some articles for school.
In a small apartment what you have to do is find a channel that other's around in building is using!
The xFinity should include WiFi. So, you don't need more equipment. Else the TP-Link I suggested should be plenty.
Are you looking for a combo modem/router so you can avoid the monthly rental fee?
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Cable-Modem-Router/dp/B06Y64RC5Y
If you don't already have an Airport, DON'T buy one now.
They're old tech, will never be updated, and are "on their way out".
I recommend one of the newer "mesh" type systems, such as the Linksys Velop or Netgear Orbi.
I'd suggest you specifically look for a "3-band" system. These have an extra radio channel dedicated to "backhaul", so they can communicate from one node to another without impacting the "regular" channels on which the actual wifi signals are sent out.
There are now many options for mesh wifi.
Best to start "looking around" and investigating...
One other thing:
Since you're not in a large home, the built-in router that comes with Xfinity may actually be "all that you need". Give it a try first.
Xfinity also has their own "mesh" system. I haven't used it. But ... "it's there" to be considered if you're interested.
They're old tech, will never be updated, and are "on their way out".
I recommend one of the newer "mesh" type systems, such as the Linksys Velop or Netgear Orbi.
I'd suggest you specifically look for a "3-band" system. These have an extra radio channel dedicated to "backhaul", so they can communicate from one node to another without impacting the "regular" channels on which the actual wifi signals are sent out.
There are now many options for mesh wifi.
Best to start "looking around" and investigating...
One other thing:
Since you're not in a large home, the built-in router that comes with Xfinity may actually be "all that you need". Give it a try first.
Xfinity also has their own "mesh" system. I haven't used it. But ... "it's there" to be considered if you're interested.
I had one back in 2008 and loved it - I had really great coverage around the home. I later sold it and moved on.
As others have said, the product is now discontinued and is no longer supported by Apple - I would find an alternative for this very reason.
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Out of curiosity, how would you rate Linkys routers?
As others have said, the product is now discontinued and is no longer supported by Apple - I would find an alternative for this very reason.
—
Out of curiosity, how would you rate Linkys routers?
They're reliable.
I don't care for their dumbed down web interface with limited configuration options. Nor that they make it difficult to get to the configuration page without registering an account with them. I'd also add most of their routers use internal antennae. Making it impossible to install higher gain antennae.
They are probably easier to configure than TP-Link. TP-Link has more power user options.