Searching for fresh options for a Wi-Fi router. (Disappointed with the many poor recommendations I've seen online)
Searching for fresh options for a Wi-Fi router. (Disappointed with the many poor recommendations I've seen online)
This setup is going to be the problem. The antenna spreads the signal effectively on one level, but it doesn’t really direct it up or down well. For situations like yours, where wireless APs are connected to a central router, it’s better to use a mesh system. If that isn’t possible, an antenna does work, but a mesh network would be more reliable.
It’s a split-level design, meaning the floors aren’t stacked but are spaced out, so you could easily place items like a frisbee between rooms even with a few stairs in between. Previously, all floors had good access, but now more homes seem to have fewer entry points, which might weaken our signal. Luckily, we only need strong signals in a few rooms or floors, and they’re right next to each other. I could probably place my WRT54G in one area and connect it to a switch for that floor, keeping the main hub in another room. The main worry isn’t just the signal strength—it’s also about reliable performance, avoiding overheating, and having solid management options. Any recommendations for a strong device that doesn’t try to broadcast Wi-Fi everywhere but still works well? Or suggestions for a good managed switch that handles traffic between the modem and routers instead of placing a router in the middle? Thanks!
Consider the RT2600ac router option. It offers solid coverage and avoids the typical "gamer" clutter found in some Nighthawks models. Pairing it with a MR2200ac could work well for future mesh expansion plans. Since I haven’t personally tested the RT2600ac, I recommend researching its performance first. For those who favor mesh networks, the Google WiFi NLS-1304-25 and Linksys Velop WHW0303 are solid choices. My last router was a Nighthawk X6S, which faced stability problems after a firmware update aimed at adding many gamer features—even subtle ones like banner ads to push subscriptions. I’d lean toward an Ubiquiti US-8 if you don’t need managed switches for everyday use, unless you anticipate managing multiple VLANs.
I'll look into this. I really don't mind the "gamer gimmicks" in some routers. Features like QoS, traffic shaping, and prioritization would be helpful, along with some useful info (like tracking data sources). But phrases such as "only connect to game servers within your area!" aren't what I'm after.
Since we have many wireless devices scattered around the house—mostly in two rooms next to each other but technically on different floors—the coverage doesn’t need to span a huge space. My main goal for a managed switch is simple: fewer firewall functions and better traffic prioritization if possible.
I wonder if QoS and traffic prioritization really matter on a home network. Ten years ago, it seemed like a joke; while some open-source firmware added these features, they weren’t very reliable. Should I stop insisting that this device always gets priority or that outbound streaming takes precedence?
If I switch to a managed switch, I’d connect directly to the modem, then route other devices through it. WiFi routers would link to it or other switches elsewhere on the network. This setup aims to replace the router’s management role if I don’t place one right in front of the modem.
It feels frustrating that instead of solid routers today, we mostly have mixed-quality devices with lots of unfinished work. I miss when there were just a few good options and two of them didn’t quite cut it. Thanks for the advice—I’ll give it a try!
Most contemporary routers include a QoS feature, even for gaming needs. I don’t know consumer networking gear that truly implements QoS. SonicWALL provides decent QoS, but setting up separate VLANs with bandwidth caps is more effective. Using a SonicWALL in a home setting rarely justifies the cost and is often unnecessary. Purchasing new equipment can be expensive. Ubiquiti offers group-based bandwidth control via the US-8 option if you prefer that path.
I own a Synology RT2600 AC, it performs well with good bandwidth controls. At around $200 USD it fits the budget. TP-LINK is ideal for cost-conscious users, though it lacks advanced features. My connection uses 200/10 via Comcast residential, so I’d recommend any wireless AC router with Gigabit WAN compatibility.
Before joining this discussion, I discovered Synology. It appears to be an older model, yet they don’t offer updated versions and it seems to deliver strong performance without relying on flashy tricks. At $200, it feels like a solid investment compared to my previous router, which was around $100 and couldn’t be improved further. While the price is high, it looks like the best choice. I’m hoping the coverage reaches where I need it, so I’d rather avoid spending another $200 on a mesh system, but at least this option exists.
Remember Wireless AC has been out for quite a while. Most of the innovations that would happen during a standards life has pretty much come and gone. Wireless AX is the newest standard. But its very new and I for one feel that you're better off waiting on it to become better over time. AX routers would probably been $200+ anyway. Probably. The only other option I can think of would be a Edge Router + AP. Not sure what that costs but its more of a prosumer / Small business solution.
I'm using a Synology RT2600AC in a compact two-story concrete apartment, and it comfortably supports my wife and me even on the upper floor. The setup is nicely designed with many features I don't always use, which is reassuring knowing access to them. This isn't a permanent upgrade because of the pandemic, and both of us work in healthcare. I also set up a Ubiquiti network in my in-laws' two-story home, and it performs well. For a straightforward and dependable home network nowadays, relying solely on one router isn't enough unless your space is small and walls don't block signals. Back when I had a WRT54G, 2.4GHz at 54Mbps was the best you could achieve, but remember: 2.4GHz offers better coverage than 5GHz, handles obstacles better, and back then there were few neighbors using WiFi to cause issues. With faster internet speeds and more devices needing bandwidth, sticking to a simple one router setup isn't enough for larger or multi-level homes anymore. The modern approach is closer to enterprise setups—ISP → modem/gateway → router/firewall → switch → wireless AP + wired clients. Notably, the router lacks a wireless access point; it uses separate switches and dedicated APs. For a multi-level space, placing APs on each level can improve signal quality. A simple diagram of your home layout would be helpful if it isn't a typical stacked configuration. My plan here would involve a mix like this: modem → EdgeRouter-X → US-8-60W (1) → UAP-AC-Lite/LR/Pro, then another US-8-60W (2) → UAP-AC-Lite/LR/Pro, and finally the third US-8-60W (3) → UAP-AC-Lite/LR/Pro. At each switch you can connect your wired devices to the remaining Ethernet ports. These managed PoE switches support non-PoE connections, ensuring safety for your gear. The AP choice should match the number of simultaneous users. Models like Pro/Nano-HD/Pro-HD have more antennas for denser areas. Feel free to swap any APs for your preference; what matters is the setup.