Looking for a router? Here are some suggestions.
Looking for a router? Here are some suggestions.
Hi, your new gigabit internet is great, but your current router only handles 300MBps. You’ll need a better model for home use with one PC and two phones. The TP-link C6U and C80 are popular choices, though they differ in core speed—one has dual-core while the other has a single-core processor at 1.3GHz. This difference can impact performance, especially if you expect heavy usage or multiple devices streaming. Consider models with higher speeds and better multi-device support for smoother connectivity.
Ensure your wireless card in both your PC and mobile devices can handle the faster connections. For instance, if your PC’s card is limited to 2.4 GHz with a cap of 300 Mbps using 802.11n, upgrading to a 433+ Mbps 2.4 GHz router won’t boost performance. A C6U would be suitable. The C80 offers more options with three antennas, MIMO 3x3 support, and can reach up to 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz or 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The C6U supports MIMO 2x2, achieving a maximum of 867 Mbps on 5 GHz or 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Be mindful that phones and budget cards often work with MIMO 2x2, using only two antennas, which may limit speeds even if the router supports higher rates. Consider alternatives like the D-Link DIR-2150 or D-Link DIR-878, which offer MIMO 4x4 and similar speeds on both bands.
The device will connect via a LAN cable from the router, and the card is gigabit, which is fine. I’ll verify if my phone can handle those speeds. Should I pick the d link instead of these two? It’s a bit more expensive but still sensible.
I noticed the details you shared, but they seem more technical than relevant. The speeds mentioned are specific to certain configurations and modes, not general performance. Let me know if you need clarification!
The Apple page claims compatibility with MIMO 2x2 and 802.11ac, suggesting speeds up to 866 Mbps on 5GHz and around 300-433 Mbps on 2.4GHz. I noticed the D-Link DIR-2150 router appears similar to C6U but lacks reviews in local stores, making it hard to confirm its status or pricing. The alternative offers strong 4x4 MIMO support, possibly a better long-term choice without significantly higher cost. Brand preference isn’t important; both TP-Link and D-Link are reputable. I recommend checking multiple online sources and filtering out negative feedback for a clearer view.
Thanks for the feedback. Most TP links made from plastic tend to overheat, which can lead to more frequent restarts. Many users favor Asus products, but you might not need a high-end Asus for just one LAN device and two Wi-Fi connections. The C6U and C80 models are similar in price, so choosing the C80 could offer better performance without the extra cost.
No, you don't have to use Asus. Their routers are also constructed from plastic. The issue isn't the material itself, but rather the size of the heatsinks and whether the case includes ventilation openings. Some models lack these holes because they're designed for specific markets with high humidity or insect activity, making more openings a potential risk for moisture damage. Brands like Netgear, Ubiquiti, Mikrotik, and Xiaomi now offer wireless routers as well, giving you many options to consider.
The C80 stands out as the superior option, though both devices fall short of delivering a full 1Gbps WAN-to-LAN connection for any client, whether connected via cable or wireless. Keep in mind that having a GbE WAN port on a router doesn’t guarantee it can support 1Gbps speeds across the entire network when linked to a gigabit internet service. Before opting for +1Gbps packages, most people didn’t worry about this limitation, but it’s now important. A handful of reviews indicate the C80 achieves just over 800Mbps download over Ethernet and 500–600Mbps on 5GHz Wi-Fi under ideal settings when connected to a 1Gbps uplink. If you’re okay with that, it works. However, you won’t get the full benefit of your gigabit connection. While I couldn’t locate detailed reviews for the C6U, its specifications suggest it underperforms the C80 and is significantly cheaper, so you likely won’t see comparable results.
Is there a method to achieve true Gbps on your LAN? Currently I’m getting 800mbps straight from the ISP’s multimedia stream. Could you suggest a router that outperforms the C80 in the same budget? At this cost range, I believe it’s the top option available. It matches the price of the C6U as well. Thanks!