They don’t understand networking well.
They don’t understand networking well.
Hey there! I understand this can be confusing, especially with different setups and experiences. I’m here to try and assist you. I’ve been looking into the information myself, but networking can be tricky. You mentioned your Linksys E1000 router is acting up—slow Wi-Fi and sudden drops. Since it’s connected directly to the modem, you’re right about needing a wired connection for better stability. The fact that the issue goes downstairs suggests the problem might be with the internet service or a shared network. You’re thinking about upgrading to something with dual-band capability, which makes sense given your sister’s experience with slow uploads. A Netgear R7000P seems like a solid pick, but I’d recommend checking local stores for availability. If you’re comfortable, visiting Best Buy could give you a better choice. Let me know what you think—I’m here to help!
It's tough to estimate the budget because I'm not sure what you require or which band would suit your needs best. My initial thought was around $100 to $160. Is that a reasonable range? Of course, I'd rather spend $100 instead of $60 more unless it makes sense.
At my nearby shop, the only options I see are mesh WiFi setups. I’m not sure how they differ from a router, but one of them costs around $100.
A mesh WiFi setup consists of multiple wireless access points linked together to share information about nearby devices seeking connection. This helps them identify the strongest signal for your device based on its position relative to the network nodes. It’s a simplified view, since mesh solutions come in many forms. A single router delivers WiFi from one point, so placing it centrally—ideally on the second floor of a multi-story home—is best. Avoid basements or areas with lots of dense materials like metal or thick ducting. Different router models vary in performance, software quality, setup ease, and hardware specs like antenna strength. Invest time researching options in the $100–$200 range, considering your home size, whether you can add a second router for expanded coverage, and the number of devices you use. ASUS routers provide strong features with built-in firmware, supporting mesh networking, and many come with parental controls and advanced settings.
Thanks for your feedback! It sounds like the newer routers seem outdated compared to what I’m seeing. I’m still deciding between a single router for one access point and considering options like Google WiFi Hubs. I’m not sure about the setup details—my router is on the second floor, and I want to keep things simple. I’m open to suggestions but prefer not to change firmware myself. Would Asus be a good choice? I think dual-band could help boost speeds since my current model isn’t fast enough. The Netgear model you mentioned is older, so should I check newer versions too? It’s tough to tell with all the different names and models.
I still use a Netgear R7000 with AdvancedTomato even after installing the new Comcast XB6 modem, mainly because the modem's firmware is really bad. But it seems a mesh network or a good router would help more. You can't know for sure what works until you try both and see how they perform in your home. If you choose a router, an ASUS RT-AC66U or better would be a solid pick.
It seems you're looking for a router that supports AC wireless technology. Affordable options exist, like the TPLink Archer C7 which my sister used before she got married. It covers around 1300 square feet and extends a bit beyond the property lines. I have a Synology RT2600AC for about $200, and its sibling model should fit your budget. I live in a two-story home with roughly 1300 square feet, and my current router handles the entire house and most of the yard. It’s positioned on the upper floor. My sister installed one because her home is rectangular, and they needed strong signals in the garage and connected it to the Nest security system. Speeds are solid, and coverage is excellent. While Wi-Fi plays a role, it’s not the only factor—many ISPs struggle with upload speeds. For example, Comcast Gigabit offers 940 Mbps down but only 35-45 Mbps up. The best I’ve seen on cable is 50 Mbps with WOW, and DSL isn’t much better. To achieve fast uploads, fiber is recommended. This setup might explain your slow internet issues if you’re using high upload speeds. Remember, back in the day we used BitTorrent, so I had to limit uploads to keep things stable.