OT: Wireless AC Router Purchase Help

[Kitaman]

I am tempted to upgrade my wireless N600 router (Amped Wireless) since I now have so many internet devices (2 TVs with netflixs and internet apps), DVD Players, Roku, Cable modem, cell phones, bluetooth/internet stereo radios, etc..). As usual I do too much research on tech where I become paralyzed in my purchase decision. So I come here for 'like mind' advice.

Anyone know if the 'new' AC routers will noticeably improve speed, range and connection reliability? My N600 wireless feels old and slow, but it could be in my head as I'm eyeing to replace it. Also it appears my connections are dropping intermittently. I brought a bridge to expand the range but I'm still not satisfied.

My setup is my computer gear (modem/router) is in my basement, and I need it to reach to my 2nd floor bedroom. So range is a priority, with reliability and hopefully speed. It would be great if setup, screen layout, ease of use, and maintenance were 'simple' or at least not too complicated.

2.4/5 gig duak band desirable with perhaps a minimum 1600 combined speed (or is that overkill?).

Any suggestions? I've got my eye on the Netgear models (e.g. R6300) however I've never had that brand. Belkin and Amped Wireless are my old routers. Lastly is AC the way to go?

I guess I'd like the purchase to be relevant for at least 3-5 years because it takes me a while to master all the features.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I am tempted to upgrade my wireless N600 router (Amped Wireless) since I now have so many internet devices (2 TVs with netflixs and internet apps), DVD Players, Roku, Cable modem, cell phones, bluetooth/internet stereo radios, etc..). As usual I do too much research on tech where I become paralyzed in my purchase decision. So I come here for 'like mind' advice.

Anyone know if the 'new' AC routers will noticeably improve speed, range and connection reliability? My N600 wireless feels old and slow, but it could be in my head as I'm eyeing to replace it. Also it appears my connections are dropping intermittently. I brought a bridge to expand the range but I'm still not satisfied.

My setup is my computer gear (modem/router) is in my basement, and I need it to reach to my 2nd floor bedroom. So range is a priority, with reliability and hopefully speed. It would be great if setup, screen layout, ease of use, and maintenance were 'simple' or at least not too complicated.

2.4/5 gig duak band desirable with perhaps a minimum 1600 combined speed (or is that overkill?).

Any suggestions? I've got my eye on the Netgear models (e.g. R6300) however I've never had that brand. Belkin and Amped Wireless are my old routers. Lastly is AC the way to go?

I guess I'd like the purchase to be relevant for at least 3-5 years because it takes me a while to master all the features.

My only advice is to check with your parents before you do any modifications. It may be your basement, but it's their house.

 

[Kitaman]

My only advice is to check with your parents before you do any modifications. It may be your basement, but it's their house.

LOL. I've got kids older than my parent, (me Mom's at an after life party).

The basement is my man cave; also known as wife avoidance and nag protection.

 

[dogpause]

The AC routers come in different speeds. I find that range is much improved, but faster speeds require AC on your other devices. Just tell your parents I recommended it, that should carry a lot of clout.

 

[Minicoop69]

I have the asus 1750, ac router. It's nice because it has 3 antennas that you can point anywhere. Very fast and for the most part it is future proof.

 

[SubbaBub]

I have this (TRENDnet TEW-812DRU) and am quite happy with it (about 8 months so far). You must realize that the router is only one section of the pipeline. Your incoming ISP, your device, and in some cases the cable running into your house, all need to have the same capacity or else your speed will be limited to the slowest part of the chain.

I had to upgrade my network card and modem to run the AC band along with the router.

 

[jleves]

I just got an ASUS RT-AC87U. It's the first with 4x4 MIMO (antenna beaming, etc). It does a great job of extending range for 2.4GHz but 5GHz isn't much better than my older router. It's pricey, but currently I don't think you can find a better long range and future proof wireless router. Your other stuff will benefit from better range and better speed, but you won't come close to the maximum rated speeds without equipment at the end that can take advantage of multiple streams and AC. Great router, but the stuff on the other end matters more. If you have stuff with actual external antenna it will be better. I put my AC laptop about 50 feet away through two walls and I got about 14Mb on 5GHz and 15Mb on 2.4GHz. I then put out a wireless bridge with two antenna and got 45Gb on 2.4GHz at the same range.

In the end, keeping what you have and using bridges may be a better choice.

 

[mauconnfan]

I know we have a wireless router - what's it look like and I'll tell you which one???

 

[defaultroute]

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

I love this forum and I do alot of research there.

I'm a big fan of ASUS routers.

 

[Scot-e]

I just got an Apple Airport Extreme and it is the fastest WR I have owned to date. I also like it because I can put airport stations (wifi boosters) throughout my house. I have an airport in my office next door to my house and use the same wifi network there- works great except the airports are an additional $100 each.

 

[defaultroute]

I just got an Apple Airport Extreme and it is the fastest WR I have owned to date. I also like it because I can put airport stations (wifi boosters) throughout my house. I have an airport in my office next door to my house and use the same wifi network there- works great except the airports are an additional $100 each.

I do use 2 Airport Express's to extend my network, but I also invested in some MoCA gear to use my existing coax. I'm in a situation where I cannot recable my home so MoCA has been great for me so far. It's no ethernet, but it gets the job done for what I need it for.

 

[sledog]

You need 20Mbps to move ONE HD TV signal thru the air. Add up the devices (# TVs, dig vid recorder chnls, phone, internet feed, etc) and you get the capacity you need.