Question about routers
Question about routers
Hey! I understand your situation. You're dealing with a common issue when working from home, especially after the pandemic. Your current router is struggling, and you're looking for a more reliable solution without breaking the bank.
Given your setup—73 square meters, fiber connection, and a mix of smart devices—you're right to consider something that covers your space well. Since you don’t need Wi-Fi 6 yet and prefer a budget-friendly option, the Asus RT-AC58U v2 or RT-AC59U seems like a solid choice.
If you're open to exploring other options, Ubiquiti AC Lite is another good alternative, though it might require a separate router. For now, sticking with one router should suffice if you manage your network well. Just make sure to check coverage in different areas of your apartment.
Your budget of around $100 is reasonable, and these models should fit nicely within that range. Let me know if you want help comparing specific features!
What speed package does your ISP provide? For such a setup, I’d consider an Ubiquiti airCube-AC under $80 (look on eBay), connect it to the modem, and position it centrally in your home. It’s a compact yet powerful WiFi router you can switch between bridge and router modes, manage via a mobile app or webUI. Once the WAN port is used, you’ll have three gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be expanded with a basic unmanaged switch. If I had to pick from your options, the Archer A9 would be best. 1. Compared to the C7, it clearly supports MU-MIMO. 2. Asus often includes too many extra features in their firmware. 3. The A9 offers greater potential speed than the MikroTik, though the latter is moving toward a pro-grade line.
I installed one of these, probably an older model I’d have to consider. It performed well given the router was at one end of a rectangular house and you received solid speeds on the other side. The firmware wasn’t impressive, but it was a decent budget choice.
You have a 100Mbps connection and can reach up to 500Mbps with this provider. You haven’t purchased the full plan yet because you sold your gaming equipment, leaving you with streaming services and basic browsing. The airCube-AC appears to be a router, which is fine for your needs, but it’s unclear whether it can function as a standalone device or just needs a router to connect. The gigabit LAN ports suggest it might support PoE, though this isn’t obvious.