Router Recommendations

[Forehaven]

I'm setting up a whole new house network. I've been using my Time Capsule as the router. But I'm going to move that to an upstairs bedroom. Going to use this switch - Thanks to Jabbr - Cisco 8-Port L3 Managed Switch (SF302-08PP-K9-NA)

 

Anyway, I need a new router for the downstairs/main living area. Any recommendations as I know little about routers?

 

Thanks

Chris

[plissken]

Are you needing anything special like VPN end point? Cloud services? Printer Sharing/NAS capability?

[Forehaven]

I'll have a router to the switch with optical run to audio, and copper runs to Time Capsule, Synology NAS (which I use Amazon Cloud b/up), and one more copper runs to Airport Express.

[plissken]

If you don't need something with a ton of features:

 

TP-LINK Archer C20i AC750 Wireless Dual-Band Router - Walmart.com

[Forehaven]

If you don't need something with a ton of features:

 

TP-LINK Archer C20i AC750 Wireless Dual-Band Router - Walmart.com

 

Thanks, but we watch a lot of Netflix so need faster router.

[master]

The TP-LINK Archer C7 AC1750 is an excellent buy at $90.

 

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ/

 

I use the Netgear X6 myself, but this one is seriously good for range and speed, especially at that budget, and if you don't need a tri-band router.

[plissken]

Thanks, but we watch a lot of Netflix so need faster router.

 

You do realize I based my suggestion on the information that was asked of you to provide before the recommendation was made?

 

Good luck.

[Forehaven]

You do realize I based my suggestion on the information that was asked of you to provide before the recommendation was made?

 

Good luck.

 

Sorry man, didn't mean to insult you, I said at the beginning I didn't know much about routers. When I saw things I wanted to do listed in other routers, I realized I needed more. No biggie. Appreciate the help.

 

Master, that looks perfect! Thanks!

[cjf]

I can highly recommend this one for many reasons. Very powerful device that does streaming video without breaking a sweat. Bring your wallet though, it aint cheap but few things are that actually perform well

 

ASUS-RTN66u-tomato-router

 

https://www.flashrouters.com/routers/router-types/tomato/asus-rtn66u-tomato-router

[Forehaven]

I can highly recommend this one for many reasons. Very powerful device that does streaming video without breaking a sweat. Bring your wallet though, it aint cheap but few things are that actually perform well

 

ASUS-RTN66u-tomato-router

 

https://www.flashrouters.com/routers/router-types/tomato/asus-rtn66u-tomato-router

 

Wow, never heard of flashrouters or DD-WRT. And way funny, I was considering an Asus rtn88u today as I was perusing and learning the tech.

[cjf]

Wow, never heard of flashrouters or DD-WRT. And way funny, I was considering an Asus rtn88u today as I was perusing and learning the tech.

 

Yeah that’s a great site for such things. I bought the one I use from there (the one I linked above). The Tomato OS is extremely powerful if you ever find the need to "tweak" something that is not to your liking.

 

I really like that it allows you to use IP Tables to do pretty much anything that comes to mind with the hardware. Best router I've ever owned by far: Thumbs Up!

[silverarrows]

The Netgear R7000 has worked very well for me.

[Forehaven]

Yeah that’s a great site for such things. I bought the one I use from there (the one I linked above). The Tomato OS is extremely powerful if you ever find the need to "tweak" something that is not to your liking.

 

I really like that it allows you to use IP Tables to do pretty much anything that comes to mind with the hardware. Best router I've ever owned by far: Thumbs Up!

 

My only concern is, I don't know much about all that. I just want a router to work, well. And hopefully better household coverage than the Time Capsule, though I'm skeptical given I live in an old house with plaster walls.

 

And Thanks for the other rec's. I'll check it out.

[photonman]

Using a Netgear C7000 which includes a DOCSIS3 modem so I do not have to rent one from the cable provider. I stream TIDAL no problem.

 

What kind of internet service do you have?

[master]

I can highly recommend this one for many reasons. Very powerful device that does streaming video without breaking a sweat. Bring your wallet though, it aint cheap but few things are that actually perform well

 

ASUS-RTN66u-tomato-router

 

https://www.flashrouters.com/routers/router-types/tomato/asus-rtn66u-tomato-router

 

For that price you can pick routers with 802.11ac, and even tri-band network.

 

I get the emphasis on the Tomato opensource firmware, but I've been using routers for a long time and from the likes of Asus, Belkin, Netgear, TP-Link, D-Link, and never had any issues with security or serious lag.

[BobSherman]

I can highly recommend this one for many reasons. Very powerful device that does streaming video without breaking a sweat. Bring your wallet though, it aint cheap but few things are that actually perform well

 

ASUS-RTN66u-tomato-router

 

https://www.flashrouters.com/routers/router-types/tomato/asus-rtn66u-tomato-router

The N66u has been out for several years and is a good router. Flashed with third party firmware makes it even better. It is approx $100, there is no reason to pay $250. Just buy one and flash it yourself.

[TubeLover]

After a LOT of research, talking to some network engineering guru's, etc. I went with the Linksys WRT1900 ACS. If you want speed for streaming, the best possible signal strength throughout your home, and rock solid performance, I can recommend without question. It cleared up an entire series of problems I had been experiencing with technology.

 

JC

[Forehaven]

After a LOT of research, talking to some network engineering guru's, etc. I went with the Linksys WRT1900 ACS. If you want speed for streaming, the best possible signal strength throughout your home, and rock solid performance, I can recommend without question. It cleared up an entire series of problems I had been experiencing with technology.

 

JC

 

Cool, looks like a few good ones that will work well. Thanks everyone!

[Forehaven]

Using a Netgear C7000 which includes a DOCSIS3 modem so I do not have to rent one from the cable provider. I stream TIDAL no problem.

 

What kind of internet service do you have?

 

Comcast for now, I need to combine Directv and ATT, so soon, it'll be ATT

[Forehaven]

I decided to buy an ASUS ac88u due to the excellent 70meter range...badly needed here. Thanks all!

[JMotzi]

For systems where a switch already exists (example: Cisco SG200) is there any advantage to the ASUS ac88u or Linksys WRT1900ACS for wireless compared to the Apple Airport Extreme?

 

Thanks,

 

JM

[master]

For systems where a switch already exists (example: Cisco SG200) is there any advantage to the ASUS ac88u or Linksys WRT1900ACS for wireless compared to the Apple Airport Extreme?

 

Thanks,

 

JM

 

Typically they all perform nearly the same. Unless you have coverage issues the Apple should be fine.

 

TP-Link is the budget champ. Good features, performance, at a budget.

 

Netgear and Asus are the best in terms of coverage and range. I've old N routers from Netgear that still cover 2000 sft with ease, something most other brands fail to do even with latest AC routers.

 

Linksys should also be fine. Haven't used Apple though so cannot compare in terms of range, speed, b/w, etc.

 

FWIW, Netgear followed by Asus is what I use and recommend.

[jabbr]

For systems where a switch already exists (example: Cisco SG200) is there any advantage to the ASUS ac88u or Linksys WRT1900ACS for wireless compared to the Apple Airport Extreme?

 

I have the Asus RT-AC68U because it has highly rated wireless speeds.

[jcbenten]

Typically they all perform nearly the same. Unless you have coverage issues the Apple should be fine.

 

TP-Link is the budget champ. Good features, performance, at a budget.

 

Netgear and Asus are the best in terms of coverage and range. I've old N routers from Netgear that still cover 2000 sft with ease, something most other brands fail to do even with latest AC routers.

 

Linksys should also be fine. Haven't used Apple though so cannot compare in terms of range, speed, b/w, etc.

 

FWIW, Netgear followed by Asus is what I use and recommend.

 

IME, Both ASUS and Netgear have much more coverage than the Apple Extreme. I use the Netgear R7000 which has been much more reliable/stable than the two ASUS units I had although it seems the ASUS both had slightly more range. I think I still have the AC1900 ASUS and may hook it up and update the firmware.

[DigDug]

If you seriously want to have a solid reliable network stay away from off the shelf $100 crappy boxes. Especially Apple extreme!

 

Your network is so important why fool around?

 

Look at Ubiquity or Pakedge. Not a lot more money, but these are enterprise grade with easily expandable wifi waps...