Yes, it is an upgrade.
Yes, it is an upgrade.
Consider whether you should retain your current setup or upgrade. Your router is the EA6350 with stock firmware, paired via a Cat6 cable. You have a 400Mbps download connection and are using the right equipment. The main drawback is the absence of QoS support, though prioritizing traffic isn't critical for just you and your wife. Upgrading to a newer model would add better QoS features. You mentioned wanting to install ddwrt but note it's not compatible with your current firmware version.
I really enjoy ddwrt, used to own an old blue-and-black Linksys router that everyone used for running it. I haven’t heard of a PFSense box before. I’d like more advanced features for power users to manage my network better. Speedtest shows I’m not getting the full 400mbps speed. I’m unsure what else I can do to push my performance to its limit. I stopped using TCP optimizer, and the default settings are working fine except for Cloudflare DNS for both main and backup connections. Some tweaks to network adapters have improved my ping and packet handling, especially by giving more RAM to the NIC and disabling offload. Right now everything seems set to default and I haven’t faced any problems, so I haven’t changed anything much.
Check your router by disconnecting it and linking the PC straight to the modem/ONT. It’s unclear what broadband type you have. If you need QoS support, expect higher costs since it demands significant CPU power. Few reviews mention NAT speeds or detailed QoS performance.
Question your router's performance unless there are many connected devices. A 400mb/s connection over a cable is easily matched by affordable equipment. Missing around 400 smb/s likely stems from typical, "up to..." advertising.
Sure, right. Even the connections I receive are fine compared to what I’m paying for. Better than 50mbps DSL I experienced in Iowa since Century Link was my only option.
Yes, some, there a plenty out there that WILL struggle with 400Mbit. Which is why its always good to test with the PC connected directly to the modem/ONT to be sure. Typically you'll always get slightly slower through a router, but it shouldn't be by much unless its struggling.