750Mbps wireless router paired with just 100Mbps Ethernet connections; replacing the old one.
750Mbps wireless router paired with just 100Mbps Ethernet connections; replacing the old one.
So why are there only 100Mbps ports on a router that can handle 750Mbps wireless speeds? For instance, this Asus model seems limited to just cable connections. Is it designed for mesh networking and simply retransmits the signal it receives from the air? I’m skeptical about this design. I’m searching for a better option now. I need a new Wi-Fi router for my home, replacing the built-in one in my parents’ house. I’ve compared other Asus models since I already use the RT-AC52U. I’m leaning toward the RT-AC66U because it’s more expensive but better suited for multiple users and larger spaces with extended coverage. It also includes a Wi-Fi range extender on the opposite side of the house.
The 750 is just a marketing tactic. You receive 300 Mbps using 2.4 GHz with all antennas set to 1 meter, and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz under ideal settings. Wi-Fi operates in half-duplex mode, so in perfect conditions it would be around 150 Mbps out of 216 Mbps. When more than one person connects, plus any interference, you won’t exceed the full duplex 100 Mbps LAN connection. Even though it’s an older device, 100 Mb connections still make sense.
Yes, you're aware that advertised speeds often increase with newer technology. The dual channel setup can boost performance, though the half-duplex mode was unfamiliar to me, which limited speeds to around 100Mbps. Back in 2020, I wouldn't have found such a device, as more advanced options with better wireless and wired capabilities were already available from brands like ASUS.
They're okay enough since it's not strictly half-way in either direction. You won't usually be handling massive uploads and downloads at once, and most broadband isn't perfectly symmetrical, so you don't need identical speeds in both directions simultaneously. Still, those budget routers are really poor quality. As a general guideline, if it doesn't mention 2x2 MIMO or better, it's likely not worth much.
It's easier to understand. The half-duplex design means devices send data then pause, so both sides can't transmit at the same time. This results in about half the speed because much time is used waiting. Bandwidth isn't split during switching between receiving and transmitting.
It's puzzling how the "roughly half" rule doesn't always hold. For instance, I can reach 700Mbit from an 866Mbit connection on my phone, but I need a 1300Mbit link to get the same performance on my laptops. I hope someone can clarify why this seems so illogical.