Need a new router

[XTheLancerX]

What would you guys recommend for a router? I would like something that can broadcast farther than a Netgear WNDR3400, that's what we have now, but it's dying. The signal gets through the whole house fine but we need signal to be a bit stronger just outside the house. We have a very awkward property layout, and have an area outside where we stream movies, have bonfires, etc. Due to the awkwardness of our area here, we kinda are forced to wirelessly extend the network out there. It works well enough but I'd like for it to be a little faster. A better signal to the wireless extender would be nice, so we need a bit stronger of a router if that's possible.

We don't need something that can achieve RIDICULOUS speeds because we only get 15/1 internet but perhaps future proofing might be a good idea. Not sure though. I would like a nice router though.

 

[thats all folks]

you might want to look at this,
https://eero.com/
I have no experience with it, but this reviewer likes it,
https://www.engadget.com/2016/02/23/eero-is-the-home-wifi-solution-ive-been-waiting-for/

I know this is a good product
https://www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-pro/
but is a more complicated install and management. how are your networking skills?

 

[Deetyasoft]

I always use D link router its good for business purpose.

 

[Partron22]

Anyone with new insight, now that Apple is getting out of the router business, and my old (2009?) Airport is staring to show its age?

 

[T5BRICK]

you might want to look at this,
https://eero.com/
I have no experience with it, but this reviewer likes it,
https://www.engadget.com/2016/02/23/eero-is-the-home-wifi-solution-ive-been-waiting-for/

I know this is a pretty old post but I'm also looking at routers similar to this.

Google makes one.
https://madeby.google.com/wifi/

And heres another:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DV1BPG/

I don't know which one I'll end up with. I've had good luck with google products lately, maybe it'll go on sale soon.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Another new router/mesh network option to consider:

https://www.amplifi.com

This is a consumer friendly division of Ubiquiti, so although I have no experience with it, I do have high hopes.

 

[Nick11Mac]

I'm still using a first generation Airport express for our home. It's been going strong for years. However i've recently been thinking about replacing it. I'll look at the links above. Another thread mentioned Asus though I haven't checked them out yet.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Another I am watching, and expect good things from (Not a mesh or easily extended WAP system, but should be great for a stand alone traditional install):

https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/RT1900ac#overview

 

[Nick11Mac]

This is a link to a review of the Asus model i'm looking into: http://www.techspot.com/products/routers/asus-rt-ac68u-ac1900-80211ac-router.94935/

 

[phrehdd]

Another new router/mesh network option to consider:

https://www.amplifi.com

This is a consumer friendly division of Ubiquiti, so although I have no experience with it, I do have high hopes.

Why bother with this when Netgear put out a product that gives results like mesh but seems to do far better in homes?

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/33028-netgear-orbi-reviewed

As for routers - those attached to their Apple products might just buy the latest knowing it will last them a couple of years without real support after that and then* make a choice to see where non-Apple technology takes them. As for me, I just got a nice cyber Monday deal gift for a best pal of mine (Netgear r7000 ac1900) for about 120 dollars and tax. Now I just have to see if I have patience for the Christmas holiday or spring it early.

 

[kiwipeso1]

Anyone with new insight, now that Apple is getting out of the router business, and my old (2009?) Airport is staring to show its age?

Asus AC routers are good. Try the RT-AC68U if you want decent coverage, speed, time machine on router, and antivirus built in. I have had mine for a couple of years and it's rock solid with reliable coverage on a large suburban section.
[doublepost=1480502549][/doublepost]

This is a link to a review of the Asus model i'm looking into: http://www.techspot.com/products/routers/asus-rt-ac68u-ac1900-80211ac-router.94935/

That's actually a pretty pathetic review. They imply it only does a, b & g (the oldest standards); when it also does n & ac (to a maximum speed of 1900mbps) as opposed to the 54mbps of g.
It has a built in VPN server and client service, it has a built in firewall and parental controls, along with QOS and blacklisting, it has a download service for attached drives, it has the ability to use a 3G or 4G modem stick if your broadband is down, it has 6 guest networks.

As for the so-called "downsides" of not being able to be wall-mounted, if the reporter knew anything about networking, then they would know that you don't stick directional antennas hard against a wall if you want decent wifi coverage.

 

[Nick11Mac]

Asus AC routers are good. Try the RT-AC68U if you want decent coverage, speed, time machine on router, and antivirus built in. I have had mine for a couple of years and it's rock solid with reliable coverage on a large suburban section.
[doublepost=1480502549][/doublepost]

That's actually a pretty pathetic review. They imply it only does a, b & g (the oldest standards); when it also does n & ac (to a maximum speed of 1900mbps) as opposed to the 54mbps of g.
It has a built in VPN server and client service, it has a built in firewall and parental controls, along with QOS and blacklisting, it has a download service for attached drives, it has the ability to use a 3G or 4G modem stick if your broadband is down, it has 6 guest networks.

As for the so-called "downsides" of not being able to be wall-mounted, if the reporter knew anything about networking, then they would know that you don't stick directional antennas hard against a wall if you want decent wifi coverage.

Yeah, it rated it highly but did not mention the details you did. Thanks for adding that information and your experience with it.

 

[LiveM]

The results are in:

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/30/apple-airport-routers-top-customer-satisfaction/

 

[daankets]

The results are in:

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/30/apple-airport-routers-top-customer-satisfaction/

I have really good experiences with the Synology 1900AC. It's really powerful, and the management software is superb.

 

[phrehdd]

The results are in:

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/30/apple-airport-routers-top-customer-satisfaction/

I am unsure how such a "ratings" could be done given that Apple only has three offerings - a router, a router with hard drive (TC) and the castrated little express. Others may have a dozen offerings and depending on what you get, you may have concerns as well as the sum total of routers sold is far larger than Apple.

Here is the so called listings for points "Wi-Fi range; reliability; speed of upload/download; restore connection easily; security capabilities; price; ease of use; variety of features; intuitive user interface; and customer service."

Base on the above, either the Asus or Netgear AC1900 would win in real world scenarios.

 

[LiveM]

Anyone with new insight, now that Apple is getting out of the router business, and my old (2009?) Airport is staring to show its age?

I would get the current one or wait and see if their patented smart speaker that looks like an AirPort comes through. After all, it's usually about now that a new AirPort would be released and the team at Apple has been working on something up until they were recently reassigned.

 

[satcomer]

I urge you to checkout the Netgear Orbi!

Here is a great review:

 

[nebo1ss]

I am unsure how such a "ratings" could be done given that Apple only has three offerings - a router, a router with hard drive (TC) and the castrated little express. Others may have a dozen offerings and depending on what you get, you may have concerns as well as the sum total of routers sold is far larger than Apple.

Here is the so called listings for points "Wi-Fi range; reliability; speed of upload/download; restore connection easily; security capabilities; price; ease of use; variety of features; intuitive user interface; and customer service."

Base on the above, either the Asus or Netgear AC1900 would win in real world scenarios.

Totally agree. The only advantage that the Apple router has is that it is easy for non-techies to set up.
It has limited WIFi range and speed and almost zero configuration capability if you want to do any serious routing
or security changes and port management.

 

[Weaselboy]

Totally agree. The only advantage that the Apple router has is that it is easy for non-techies to set up.

I think even that advantage is largely diminished or gone altogether. A few months back I switched to a new Asus RT-AC68P and the setup was easier than setting up a new Apple router with Airport Utility. Also accessing and configuring options is much easier on the Asus.

 

[kiwipeso1]

I think even that advantage is largely diminished or gone altogether. A few months back I switched to a new Asus RT-AC68P and the setup was easier than setting up a new Apple router with Airport Utility. Also accessing and configuring options is much easier on the Asus.

Plus the ASUS gets frequent firmware updates and has a lot more options than Airport.
I get decent coverage from the footpath in front of the berm to the shed at the back in the largest residential section in my street. Definitely enjoy that it is faster than my cable will be with gigabit before the Christmas BBQ.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Why bother with this when Netgear put out a product that gives results like mesh but seems to do far better in homes?

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/33028-netgear-orbi-reviewed

Lots of reasons. Price, company, ease of setup, size of WAPs, etc. And you will notice I suggested it was a product to consider as a new player product on the scene.

In my specific case, I have seen a few Netgear products that were lemons (only a few switches and enterprise routers...and it was many years ago to be fair), so I have my own bias.

The Orbi does look to have superior design and performance compared to all other traditional mesh networks.

If this design (dedicated radio for satellites) is as good as the review shows IRL, I suspect we will see many of the current mesh systems evolved to this type of design.

 

[phrehdd]

Lots of reasons. Price, company, ease of setup, size of WAPs, etc. And you will notice I suggested it was a product to consider as a new player product on the scene.

In my specific case, I have seen a few Netgear products that were lemons (only a few switches and enterprise routers...and it was many years ago to be fair), so I have my own bias.

The Orbi does look to have superior design and performance compared to all other traditional mesh networks.

If this design (dedicated radio for satellites) is as good as the review shows IRL, I suspect we will see many of the current mesh systems evolved to this type of design.

Thanks for a thorough response and appreciate your thoughts given your own experience (with Netgear). I have dealt with all sorts of "beyond the original router" scenarios and often it was figuring out the challenges of the actual location before making decision as to which option was best. I think the concept of the Netgear Orbi is intriguing and the logic is sound. Let's see if they can get the price down further to a more typical household budget friendly number.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Agreed

I think the concept of the Netgear Orbi is intriguing and the logic is sound. Let's see if they can get the price down further to a more typical household budget friendly number.

Agreed. My hunch is that a separate radio for the mesh means that we are paying for (and getting) nearly twice the gear in each WAP. If this is the case, this design will likely always be more than the tradition mesh WAPs....and it may explain part of the size difference as well.

 

[belvdr]

I purchased a Linksys EA8500 and RE7000 extender about 6 months ago, migrating from two AEBS 4th gen routers. The new router looks horrible (comparatively) with 4 external antennas, but those antennas have only helped my wireless signal by being able to move them around.

With this combo, I was also able to disable the 2.4Ghz band altogether, so it's only 5Ghz now. It's been a great system thus far.

It also has an auto-update system for the firmware, so you don't have to stay on top of that. It's just one less thing to worry about.

 

[phrehdd]

Agreed


Agreed. My hunch is that a separate radio for the mesh means that we are paying for (and getting) nearly twice the gear in each WAP. If this is the case, this design will likely always be more than the tradition mesh WAPs....and it may explain part of the size difference as well.

I really like the notion of the Orbi. There are times I have set up systems with a "primary" router and have it talk to another router so that between them is the fastest WiFi and then the 2nd router's ports were Ethernet attached to some devices. This proved to work extremely well where the 2nd router was handling a multi-media center for TV, streamer, TiVo etc. In short the 2nd router did the heavy hitting for those devices.