Router featuring WiFi 6E and dual 2.5Gb LAN ports ideal for home streaming
Router featuring WiFi 6E and dual 2.5Gb LAN ports ideal for home streaming
Hi there! I’m looking to set up a NAS/plex server with my ISP modem and Gbit internet via coax. I also want to stream at home using my Steam Deck OLED and other devices. My motherboard has a 2.5Gb port, so I plan to build a NAS that supports 2.5Gb too—probably using a router with at least one 2.5Gb slot. I’m thinking about getting WiFi 6E for better performance in the future, and my current setup already works for it. Since my house isn’t huge, range won’t be a big issue. I saw some options that could work well, but I’m still exploring and would really appreciate any suggestions! The ASUS RT-AXE7800 seemed promising so far. Thanks for your help! P.S. My English is not perfect, so sorry if I messed up anything.
Is this a real modem or a modem/router? I’m leaning toward the router side. If so, verify if it offers bridge mode to avoid double NAT issues. Also think about choosing a device with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port—since my ISP uses coaxial service (Comcast) and they’re rolling out higher speeds in some areas. A future upgrade might be necessary. Docsis 4.0 is coming up, and Cable Labs has begun certifying modems recently.
I suggest avoiding this option. 1Gbps is typically sufficient in about 99% of scenarios, while 2.5Gbps comes at a steep price for the benefits received. You often end up paying more than necessary for speeds you won’t use. My best movies reach around 10Mbps, allowing my NAS to handle roughly 100 films simultaneously on a 1Gbps link. In practice, I usually manage 2–3 films, though 100Mbps would be fine. The main downside would be the time needed to move files to the NAS, which should still be manageable. I think you’re likely facing a similar situation.
I understand your point, though 2.5 Gbit is fine but not essential. On the other hand, WiFi 6E makes sense because of my Steam Deck and possible wireless VR setup. In my area, the ASUS RT-AXE7800 is the only practical choice for 6E and it’s more affordable than anything else I’ve found, so that’s what I’ll go with now. Thanks for your feedback! The NAS and media server project is for another time, but I’m definitely thinking about 1 Gbit there!