Evaluate your current setup and consider the benefits of an upgrade before deciding.
Evaluate your current setup and consider the benefits of an upgrade before deciding.
Hello everyone, my current setup uses the standard ISP router with half gigabit download and 50 megabits upload. I have a 10-meter Cat 5e cable from the ISP to my work/gaming area, connected via a 5-port switch that supports up to 1 gigabit. My question is whether upgrading to something like the Asus router mentioned in the latest video would be effective.
Is the ISP router costing you? It’s usually more affordable when you’re paying $10 a month instead of replacing it. Are you receiving the speeds you’re paying for? If yes, it won’t make a difference, especially with wired connections where the router isn’t as crucial.
If your internet service provider modem/router isn’t working well, it’s usually time to invest in your own equipment. This was common until recently when ISPs began releasing better products. If you’re aiming to save money, be prepared that it may take a while before you see a return on your investment. Considering your current speeds, it seems you’re likely using a cable network, meaning a solid DOCSIS 3.1 modem would cost around $100 and a decent router starts at $150 (more if you opt for a mesh system), which means you could be looking at nearly two years to recoup those expenses. Also remember that your ISP might have limited support if you’re using your own gear, and they could easily point the finger at your equipment when problems arise. On the other hand, I personally run my own hardware. I value full control over my network and don’t mind the costs, but that’s my preference. If this isn’t your style, sticking with your current ISP might be the better choice.
Thank you everyone, I’m not after faster speeds right now—though upgrading to 1gb download with my ISP would be great since I live in a good area. What matters more is having better control over my work-from-home schedule and managing my PS5 and gaming PC. The WiFi from the ISP modem is really unreliable; during the holidays when everyone was home, it crashed completely and restarted multiple times. I attribute that to too many devices connecting at once, which hasn’t happened since then.
It seems you're looking for a customizable router setup. If you're open to exploring options, OpenWrt is a great choice. For a more affordable alternative, consider the ASUS router, which offers solid performance at around $400—complete with an x86 mini PC, eight ports, and two wireless access points. It provides better durability, adaptability, and responsiveness compared to standard wireless routers.
I really enjoyed using ASUS routers, even with their original firmware or Merlin's tweaks—they offer great flexibility. I believe they may have inflated the price for the "gamer" features beyond what makes sense. Some functions aren't necessary for gaming, and a router doesn't require heavy gaming power. It just needs to be strong enough for your traffic and users; gaming is actually a light task for a router, so don't be misled by the hype.
ISPs have improved at pairing good routers with their promised speeds. Occasionally they make mistakes and change your connection without updating your older equipment, but they usually fix it if needed. Built-in Wi-Fi isn’t great, but you can turn it off to use a separate access point. The main router works fine, so there’s no need to replace it.