Consider your needs and environment to choose the right router or access point.
Consider your needs and environment to choose the right router or access point.
Hello, I'm searching for a new router or access point. You currently have a 500k fiber connection with a basic modem that works fine as long as you plug something in. It has two LAN ports and Wi-Fi. You've used a Netgear WAX202 model before. The problem you're facing is intermittent connectivity—maybe due to too many devices or router issues. Your setup includes: (LAN) Home Assistant server, (LAN) 3D Printer, (LAN) Mini Computer, (WLAN) a Tasmota device, (WLAN) a tablet compatible with Wi-Fi, (WLAN) a gaming device, and (WLAN) a phone. You've also considered more expensive options like the ASUS RT-BE88U, BE7200, Wi-Fi 7 models, ROG Rapture GT-BE98, and others. You're thinking about sticking with one of those higher-end routers for now, unless you find a better solution.
What do you mean by 500mb? That’s a lot of data—like dial-up speed. 500,000 mb is completely unrealistic. This setup uses a modem and router together. You won’t need a router afterward. Just add more Ethernet ports with a switch, and APs if you want broader Wi-Fi reach.
It should be a good Wi-Fi adapter. Routers can also operate in AP mode.
Those routers you mentioned are certainly excessive for a 500Mbps connection, but they should suffice for your requirements. I tried the Wi-Fi 6 model of the first Asus you listed—the RT-AX88U—and it performed well, so I assume the newer version will too. A few notes: the modem/router package you have is likely rented from your ISP. Over time, these devices can fail, so if you’re renting, consider asking the ISP for a new unit instead. The main point is that even an older router should manage the number of connected devices. If you’re replacing the router, it might be worth contacting your ISP and requesting an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) rather than the router itself. An ONT integrates the fiber connection with a single Ethernet port, preventing issues like double NAT. Additionally, placing an Asus router in AP mode turns off several features such as AiProtection, which includes QoS and parental controls. Using an ONT could remove the rental charges entirely.
It seems you're facing similar problems with the new router as well. This suggests it might not be a router problem but rather an internet connection issue—devices with cell service may switch to cellular when Wi-Fi fails, or there could be excessive congestion in the area. The ISP's router should handle at least 20 devices without issues. A solid AP can support hundreds.
I believe I identified the problem but don’t know how to fix it. On my PC, I have several smart plugs I can control—audio amplifier, monitor, LED lights. When I unplugged them, everything worked smoothly with stable Wi-Fi and no lag. I think I need a router that distributes devices across multiple channels to avoid congestion on one channel. There’s an Ubiquiti AP Pro Max that displays congestion graphs nicely. Are there other brands offering similar solutions? Also, I plan to use it with a Starlink router for my camper setup. With the AirCube from Ubiquiti, I found the setup process frustrating and required an app.