Consider your current network needs and performance to decide.
Consider your current network needs and performance to decide.
Hey there, I get it—this can be confusing. You already have a solid setup from your ISP, and you're thinking about whether upgrading is necessary. The speed and range are decent, but you're experiencing some issues with 5.0 GHz connections. You're considering two routers: the TP-Link Archer AX50 or the Archer C2300. Both are good options, but they’re different models with varying features. Upgrading could definitely help if you want better performance or newer security features. As for connecting, you’d likely plug the new router into your ONT and replace your existing gateway, not the other way around. Just make sure to check compatibility with your current setup before making a change. Let me know if you need more details!
Drop outs are common, though not universal. Apart from speed, upgrading your router is often necessary because of channel congestion. Besides that, choosing a WiFi 6e enabled device is key—this supports a wider frequency range, which helps avoid the crowded spectrum. In cities with heavy network use, tri-band routers are preferable to dual-band models. If you're not in a highly congested area, the main benefits usually lie in improved range or using a mesh setup. And consider pairing your mesh network with WiFi 6e for the high-frequency backhaul. Speed matters too when handling large files or multiple streams; standard WiFi 6 is suitable in such scenarios. Personally, I’ve seen many Wi-Fi devices become unreliable over time, and while older routers like the WRT54g worked well once, modern setups often face unexpected drops. I currently use an Asus mesh system and experience only occasional interruptions.
You don't have a gateway with a separate ONT. A gateway combines the ONT and router into one unit. But some ISPs like Verizon use coaxial connections on certain routers, which helps them communicate with cable boxes and share information. If your ISP provides a router connected via Ethernet, you can likely swap it out—just make sure your ISP doesn’t rely on PPPoE; otherwise, you’ll need to enter login details on the new device.
I reside in a neighborhood within a city of roughly 250,000 people, which means traffic is likely heavy. I also have numerous smart gadgets connected to my WiFi. It seems unless I switch to WiFi 6, it might not be worthwhile. One of the routers I considered was WiFi 6—I’m not sure if any of my devices support it right now.
The device clearly identifies itself as a gateway. It includes a coax port and a WAN Ethernet connection. It's common for ISPs to provide multiple internet options using a single piece of hardware. AT&T’s latest gateways support both DSL and fiber connections based on the service plan. With a standard ONT, you should be able to use a typical router as well. Of course, this varies by provider. In the US, cable companies must comply with FCC rules that allow customers to install their own modems, while fiber providers have more flexibility. Regulations differ worldwide. The unit on the shelf features a coax light and is made by Actiontec, notable for its role in Moca (coaxial multimedia). This standard allows coaxial cables to function like Ethernet cables. It seems you might be trying to set it up as a wireless access point. Ideally, you want a Wi-Fi router rather than another device handling NAT and security. An AP operates similarly to a Wi-Fi radio. Many routers can be repurposed for this role and may offer better value. 5GHz coverage is limited, which can reduce interference from other networks. Wi-Fi 6 offers an upgrade over Wi-Fi 5, potentially providing faster speeds. The key advancement is WiFi 6E, adding six gigahertz to the standard, though most devices aren’t equipped for it.
I think it's an actiontec V1000H. 2. Sasktel from Canada, especially Saskatchewan. The internet has infinite fibre. 3. The gateway's WiFi is turned off; likely it couldn't support faster speeds. That was probably the issue, replaced by the WiFi extender. All wired connections are connected to the gateway (some through a switch).
Both devices are outdated models from the early days of WiFi 4 and draft-N technology. Are these the equipment your ISP currently uses, or did you install them yourself? Which internet plan do you subscribe to? If it's a basic tier, upgrading the router probably won't help much. However, if you're on a higher-tier plan, I'd question whether your ISP staff are capable. In that scenario, a router supporting gigabit speeds and an AP that maintains them would be ideal.
The performance and coverage are generally satisfactory. Occasionally the 5GHz band drops and switches to 2.4GHz. We also support many Google Mini, display, and other smart gadgets. Previously we were on the Infinity 300 plan. I raised concerns about speed, which may explain why I installed the WiFi extender and why the gateway disabled the Wi-Fi. Right now we’re using the Infinity 150 plan.