Wifi router suggestions
Wifi router suggestions
Running the Asus GS-AX3000 dual-band WiFi 6 router alongside a Netgear M5 Nighthawk Mobile broadband device. The Asus keeps disconnecting, so I often have to restart both routers to get the connection back. The Nighthawk only provides one Ethernet port, which is why I’m considering swapping it out. It’s been causing me frustration with software problems lately. I’m evaluating Cisco routers but not sure where to begin. I need a model that supports WiFi 6 and can get internet from my mobile broadband router. My local area has slower regular internet, so I’m using an O2 5G unlimited data plan. I’m open to other options besides Cisco, just looking for reliable performance and quality. Budget is roughly £200 to £300.
Are all devices operating in their standard settings? If yes, you might have duplicate NAT or IP issues. Many people overlook that the second router appears as another client to the main router. Consequently, when the primary router renews DHCP addresses, the secondary router gets cut off until you manually restart it. You should turn on IP passthrough and turn off WiFi on the M5. This setup will shift control of your device and AP features to the GS-AX3000, reducing potential conflicts.
I set the gateway IP manually, and the Asus server handles DHCP for all connected devices. I want to keep the Netgear M5 Wi-Fi active instead. I understand this might seem a bit confusing, especially regarding possible conflicts. Have you checked the configuration to see if it fully avoids any IP clashes?
The issue is clear. You're using a router behind another router on separate subnets. The M5 seems to be constantly changing the Asus's LAN IP when the lease ends, which leads to temporary disconnections for connected clients. The easiest fix is to switch the Asus to AP mode, effectively handing over DHCP control to the M5. Still, you can set the Asus's LAN address statically outside the M5's pool (e.g., 192.168.5.10 with subnet 255.255.255.0 and gateway 192.168.5.1), configure your WiFi settings as desired, and that should resolve it.
Thanks for your guidance. I’ll check the IP pass and see how it looks. Are subnets distinct because they fall into different IP ranges? Would changing the router mode to AP affect the Ethernet ports? For the ASUS router, what Cisco model do you recommend for my needs?
Choose either M5 in IP pass-through (which turns off M5 WiFi) or Asus in AP mode. Yes. No. The goal is to address a specific networking issue using Cisco products. Generally, Cisco offers separate routers, access points, and switches, often needing yearly licenses unless you opt for free alternatives. If you're not comfortable with networking, stick with the devices you already own.
Considered options from Cisco or Ubiquiti. Seeking a dependable device that lasts a long time. "Cisco usually doesn’t offer complete router/AP/switch solutions." Wasn’t aware this when exploring their products—it felt like searching for something hidden behind a wall with no clear guidance or resources available.
Follow @Falcon1986's advice to adjust your network setup. If you're looking for updated routers, the Linksys Velop AX4200 is a great option https://www.linksys.com/tri-band-ax4200-...X4200.html
You've likely identified the cause of your connection issues. If the suggested solutions don't resolve the problem, consider replacing the device. Keep in mind these recommendations are specific to the Linksys brand and don't apply to home users directly.
Completed partially. Switched away from ASUS and started using the Ubiquiti router. So far, network adjustments are minimal, just to monitor progress. Activated ip passthrough on the Netgear now. The main issue is it switches between 5G cellular and 4G constantly; only restarting brings it back to 5G, which works most of the time. My location isn’t rated for 5G even though it connects. Right now I can’t add an antenna to boost the cellular signal, so I’m confident it will work until then. Thanks for your assistance. P.S. Feel free to share any ideas for fixing the 5G drop. P.S.s. Have a great weekend and good luck with your next projects.