F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Get a router to substitute your ISP device.

Get a router to substitute your ISP device.

Get a router to substitute your ISP device.

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OMGitzbrent
Member
155
10-20-2025, 03:42 PM
#1
I need to find a suitable router that fits my needs. My current one isn’t great for performance or WiFi, but I’m open to options that won’t limit my future plans. I require multiple LAN ports and prefer a mesh system for room layout. Strong WiFi from the main router would be ideal, though I’m okay as long as it supports my existing setup. I’ve been without a router for over ten years, so I’m looking for something affordable yet functional. Could you suggest some recommendations? Prices should reflect what I can realistically spend.
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OMGitzbrent
10-20-2025, 03:42 PM #1

I need to find a suitable router that fits my needs. My current one isn’t great for performance or WiFi, but I’m open to options that won’t limit my future plans. I require multiple LAN ports and prefer a mesh system for room layout. Strong WiFi from the main router would be ideal, though I’m okay as long as it supports my existing setup. I’ve been without a router for over ten years, so I’m looking for something affordable yet functional. Could you suggest some recommendations? Prices should reflect what I can realistically spend.

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xAPPLExPIEx
Senior Member
657
10-20-2025, 04:27 PM
#2
Typically, most mesh networks include at least one unit that functions as a router, while the remaining ones serve as satellite nodes. Shouldn’t you leverage your current mesh router as the central hub? Or are you mixing up gateway functionality with actual routing? Who is your internet service provider, and what device did they supply?
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xAPPLExPIEx
10-20-2025, 04:27 PM #2

Typically, most mesh networks include at least one unit that functions as a router, while the remaining ones serve as satellite nodes. Shouldn’t you leverage your current mesh router as the central hub? Or are you mixing up gateway functionality with actual routing? Who is your internet service provider, and what device did they supply?

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Atstek
Member
60
10-26-2025, 05:27 AM
#3
We must determine the kind of broadband available, the device it’s connected to, and whether it works with your existing router.
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Atstek
10-26-2025, 05:27 AM #3

We must determine the kind of broadband available, the device it’s connected to, and whether it works with your existing router.

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Freedom_Men
Member
211
11-08-2025, 07:05 AM
#4
I've been running the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 for a month now and it's performing excellently. I switched to it after upgrading to gigabit internet with my ISP, specifically choosing the 2.5G LAN port for my gaming rig. Previously, I used the Google Nest mesh Wi-Fi system, which didn't meet my expectations. Based on what I've noticed, the GT-AX6000 offers a stronger Wi-Fi coverage compared to the mesh setup I was using. This could be due to the metal roof on my house reducing signal quality. Either way, I've had consistently positive results so far.
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Freedom_Men
11-08-2025, 07:05 AM #4

I've been running the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 for a month now and it's performing excellently. I switched to it after upgrading to gigabit internet with my ISP, specifically choosing the 2.5G LAN port for my gaming rig. Previously, I used the Google Nest mesh Wi-Fi system, which didn't meet my expectations. Based on what I've noticed, the GT-AX6000 offers a stronger Wi-Fi coverage compared to the mesh setup I was using. This could be due to the metal roof on my house reducing signal quality. Either way, I've had consistently positive results so far.

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CheesyFellow
Junior Member
3
11-08-2025, 08:12 AM
#5
Sorry, yes of course, left out important info. I'm on Videotron in Canada with a Zyxel EMG2926 router. My mesh system is a tplink Deco M4 .
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CheesyFellow
11-08-2025, 08:12 AM #5

Sorry, yes of course, left out important info. I'm on Videotron in Canada with a Zyxel EMG2926 router. My mesh system is a tplink Deco M4 .

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quadlaser
Member
95
11-08-2025, 01:33 PM
#6
I really like the Linksys Velop series, especially their Wi-Fi 6 and 6E mesh routers. I own two MX4200 models, which offer many LAN connections and a USB 3.0 port for external drives. The companion app works well as well.
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quadlaser
11-08-2025, 01:33 PM #6

I really like the Linksys Velop series, especially their Wi-Fi 6 and 6E mesh routers. I own two MX4200 models, which offer many LAN connections and a USB 3.0 port for external drives. The companion app works well as well.

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Danicy_
Junior Member
3
11-26-2025, 03:54 PM
#7
Set the router to manage Ethernet traffic for that area, then turn off the Wi-Fi and rely on your mesh network.
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Danicy_
11-26-2025, 03:54 PM #7

Set the router to manage Ethernet traffic for that area, then turn off the Wi-Fi and rely on your mesh network.

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Glqbal
Member
173
12-04-2025, 12:52 AM
#8
First, check with Videotron to see if they accept your account linked via username and password. Confirm their system might already have your credentials. Next, ensure your Deco unit can use the WAN authentication method supported by your ISP’s router. If possible, swap it in for the Deco unit. Configure the main Deco device in router mode and assign the remaining units as satellite nodes. You can add more ports by connecting an unmanaged gigabit switch to the Ethernet ports on any Deco unit.
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Glqbal
12-04-2025, 12:52 AM #8

First, check with Videotron to see if they accept your account linked via username and password. Confirm their system might already have your credentials. Next, ensure your Deco unit can use the WAN authentication method supported by your ISP’s router. If possible, swap it in for the Deco unit. Configure the main Deco device in router mode and assign the remaining units as satellite nodes. You can add more ports by connecting an unmanaged gigabit switch to the Ethernet ports on any Deco unit.

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Secgh
Junior Member
3
12-09-2025, 09:49 PM
#9
They didn't care much about how you set up the router, and I wasn't even using their non-Helix internet plan. The issue is with the modem—they don’t allow you to swap it out. Before, I linked the first node to my old Bell combo router/modem, then placed the others around the house for strong coverage. I didn’t realize that connecting a mesh system wasn’t meant to replace the router. That was my error. I still need my switch for certain hardwired tasks near the desktop. The main question is: should I connect directly to the modem, then to the first mesh hub, or go through the mesh hub first and then the switch? Also, how would guest network features, port control, and QoS work with the TPLINK mesh? I’d probably handle everything via the TPLINK mesh.
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Secgh
12-09-2025, 09:49 PM #9

They didn't care much about how you set up the router, and I wasn't even using their non-Helix internet plan. The issue is with the modem—they don’t allow you to swap it out. Before, I linked the first node to my old Bell combo router/modem, then placed the others around the house for strong coverage. I didn’t realize that connecting a mesh system wasn’t meant to replace the router. That was my error. I still need my switch for certain hardwired tasks near the desktop. The main question is: should I connect directly to the modem, then to the first mesh hub, or go through the mesh hub first and then the switch? Also, how would guest network features, port control, and QoS work with the TPLINK mesh? I’d probably handle everything via the TPLINK mesh.

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LittleKitten02
Junior Member
13
12-11-2025, 11:09 PM
#10
You need to share your observations about the TP-Link admin interface or app. Please review and describe what you notice.
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LittleKitten02
12-11-2025, 11:09 PM #10

You need to share your observations about the TP-Link admin interface or app. Please review and describe what you notice.

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