Speed of the router
Speed of the router
Hello, would it be beneficial to get a router that supports over 2000 Mbps? Are there real-world advantages to having a device capable of 3000+ Mbps? I'm searching for a new router with various speeds and features. Higher-priced models often offer better performance, but I'm unsure if spending more than 100 euros is justified. Thanks!
Router advertising often sounds like a joke. They claim impressive speeds but rarely deliver much beyond a few megabits per second. In practice, you might get around 500mbps just by being close to the device. If you move further away, speeds drop significantly—often to 100Mbps or less. Choose a router known for dependable performance rather than one that boasts the highest theoretical numbers or gaming-focused claims.
Typically the advertised speed refers to the combined performance of each radio. For instance, a 2.4 Ghz frequency might cap at around 600 Mbps while a 5 Ghz channel can reach up to 1000 Mbps, giving a total of 1600 Mbps or 1.6Gbps. Some routers support several radios per band, which often leads to higher reported speeds. In practice, your device usually connects to just one radio at a time. Key factors to consider are the WiFi generation—WiFi 4, 5, 6, or 6E—and their relative speeds. WiFi 6 and 6E represent newer technologies that generally outperform older standards. Throughput is another important aspect, indicating how quickly the router can deliver data. Having Gigabit ports doesn’t guarantee a true Gigabit connection. Additionally, look at the router’s features; for example, Asus offers AI mesh support, enabling custom mesh networks for improved coverage using any compatible devices. My Synology RT2600AC lets me control bandwidth allocation per device as needed. Ultimately, if your connection is slower, most routers should manage it. Personally, I prefer WiFi 6, though WiFi 5 still provides sufficient performance for my current needs. TP Link offers more affordable options, and ASUS is regarded as a solid choice.
You're considering two options: the Asus RT-AX56U and the TP-Link Archer AX73/AX55. You're leaning toward Asus due to its stronger hardware and software, but the Wi-Fi speeds are quite different—1201 Mbps on the Asus versus 5378 Mbps on the TP-Link. This makes it hard to decide which one fits your needs better.
They mentioned my post, but that's not how the speed rating functions. The details are from my router's specs—it's rated for 2600Mbps. However, this is based on both radios combined. On 5GHz it rarely exceeds 1.73 Gbps, and even then it's unlikely to reach that in practice. Remember, your clients must also support the speed rating.
This video summarizes the main ideas others have discussed. It aims to clearly convey the key points.
He gave a lot of details, so I think I’ll go with the Asus router.