Looking for a router? Let me help you find it!
Looking for a router? Let me help you find it!
I switched my ISP and now my router has to stay in the basement. Upstairs I’m seeing about 10-20mbps, while downstairs it’s 130-140mbps. Paying for 150mbps with a future upgrade plan of 300mbps seems reasonable. Since speeds vary, I was considering replacing it with a new router and using that network upstairs. I need advice on what to choose without overspending on something faster than I’ll ever need. I checked Amazon and found several options, but most have one recurring complaint that worries me. For instance, the TP-Link N300 or AC750 looks good on paper—they can handle my 150mbps connection and even the planned upgrade. However, the issue is their Ethernet ports are only 10/100Mbps, which is marketed as fast. After researching, it seems those ports actually limit me to 100Mbps, matching some reviews. That means I’ll never exceed that speed, no matter what. Is this misleading advertising or just a mismatch between claims and reality? I searched for cheaper routers under $50 and found similar issues. I also discovered a D-Link model for $50 with extra features I probably won’t use, but its 4 gigabit ports could support Wi-Fi over 100mbps. Any suggestions for a solid router that’s not too expensive? Your help would be greatly appreciated!
At those velocities any quirky router would suffice. If feasible, configure your ISP's router as a bridge to yours (if they restrict personal hardware use—then switch to Access Point mode). In reality, I’d opt for a used router from your neighborhood store. Just verify the model number to ensure it’s up-to-date so you receive security patches.
The TP-Link AC1750 could be a perfect match for your needs. It supports full gigabit speeds and is currently available on sale. While it might exceed your budget slightly, the added 2.4GHz capability could be beneficial if you need to connect from upstairs. Keep in mind, the Fast Ethernet speed is capped at 100Mbps, which is quite limited.