Device for connecting to multiple overlapping Wi-Fi signals
Device for connecting to multiple overlapping Wi-Fi signals
You're seeking a reliable wireless router that can handle heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic without dropping packets or losing uptime. You need stable performance across different connections—2.4 GHz for one device, LAN for another—and a maximum speed of around 200 KB/s. After testing Linksys WRT54GL it failed under stress, while Cisco Meraki MX64W performed well. Your budget is ~$200, and you're considering Asus, Linksys, Netgear, and others. I recommend evaluating the Cisco Meraki MX64W as a solid alternative, since it consistently delivers uptime and stability in crowded environments. If you want something similar at a lower cost, the Asus RT-AC68U or Netgear AC1900 (R7000) could also work well.
It’s important to check your Wi-Fi and see which other networks are using nearby channels. They probably overlap on channels 1, 6, 7, and 8. In my area, no one uses channel 11 or 3, so I switched to those without any problems. You might want to do the same. I used Inssider to find the optimal channel. If that’s not an option, Ubiquiti could be a good fit for you.
Instead of just enhancing your client's features, why not improve the device itself to support 5GHz? If the wireless unit stays fixed, a powerline adapter could bridge the gap from router to desired spot, after which a wired link would work smoothly.
Used Meraki-APs are available for around $200-300 on eBay. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Consider exploring 802.11ax along with the previous suggestions.
Ax offers some potential, but routers needing it won’t launch until mid-year. Devices that would use it likely won’t be common for another few years.