Yes, the TP-Link Archer AX53 is a solid Wi-Fi 6 router. It offers reliable performance and good coverage for most homes.
Yes, the TP-Link Archer AX53 is a solid Wi-Fi 6 router. It offers reliable performance and good coverage for most homes.
I’m keen to follow Qualcomm closely, and most budget-friendly routers seem to use MediaTek. Qualcomm devices are quite pricey, so this one you found might not be what you expected. Also, my previous router was an ASUS AC58U, which did have Qualcomm chips.
WiFi 6 essentially means quicker Wi-Fi 5 performance, especially within your local network. You might think a 100mb/s connection works with a basic router that only supports 133mb/s wireless speeds, but you won’t feel any difference. WiFi 6 merges the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into one seamless experience. Earlier versions split them apart, which limited flexibility. Now everything flows through a single entry point, choosing between 2.4GHz or 5GHz based on what works best. This setup means you can’t easily set up separate networks for 2.4GHz and 5GHz unless your router allows it. With WiFi 6, there’s only one channel available, so the router decides instantly which frequency to use instead of comparing options.
This change also removes the option to have two distinct networks on 2.4GHz and 5GHz unless your device supports it. WiFi 6 improves efficiency by using multiple antennas to better target devices. The main downside is that it doesn’t reduce congestion much in everyday use, since most devices still operate on the same bands.
The technology really shines with devices that support it, such as those using QAM1024 modulation. Look for higher numbers, but be aware they can cause interference if signals overlap. Processors matter too—WiFi routers are usually limited by their chipset lifespan. Many use Mediatek or Qualcomm, while others rely on Qualcomm’s chips. Using custom chips from companies like Ubiquiti gives more control and flexibility. These solutions often require less processing power, making them ideal for routers that need to stay affordable.
the security aspects alone might be enough to consider upgrading. your concerns about the router being outdated are valid, especially since it's using Wi-Fi 5 while newer devices support Wi-Fi 6. the old ASUS model does have MIMO, which helps with performance.
Network safety can be improved with a firewall or similar tools. WAP2 and WAP3 in practical use are equally secure. It’s not necessary to upgrade for Wi-Fi 5 if you need Wi-Fi 6, which is just a minimum requirement. Many older devices had all the features needed for Wi-Fi 6, making it a clear upgrade path through software updates.
You could keep using that ASUS model for a while, but I’m not sure if it’s the right move. It might feel like you’re chasing an upgrade just because you’re a bit obsessed...
@Mahbub with all due respect. OCD can be a strong asset yet also a burden; if your current router lacks essential features you already recognize as necessary or could greatly enhance its performance (such as reduced backup session times), even with its producer’s updates and security fixes, it may still meet your needs for range and capabilities. Upgrading the device could be expensive without delivering clear benefits—far less valuable than being OCD-compliant. And if this adjustment improves your daily experience... take your time and choose a product that makes you feel more secure than before. Only trust vulnerabilities will occur. WPA2 remains widely used, yet it still has unresolved issues, and WPA3 isn’t yet a solid standard. Even tomorrow, WPA3 may have limitations, as new technologies could introduce unforeseen problems (like speculative execution affecting all CPU architectures).
My internet speed is only 100mbps, that's it. I have some mental health challenges and OCD affects me. The Wi-Fi 6 logo looks cool, but the AC58 I use has a microchip and a Qualcomm chipset. These are essential for me. I'm thinking about switching to WAP 3 or 160MHz—what do you think it would be?
I also enjoy Qualcomm devices, so I won't purchase any Android phones without a Qualcomm SoC right now. But for network gear, I'm more flexible. With only 100mbps and a router just for internet, switching things up might not be worth it—especially if you can't really silence your personal issue. If you're in Europe, consider AVM products; they're pricier but offer solid networking performance and long-term support.
I’d love to be in Europe, but I’m currently in India. My phone is an S23 with SD Gen 2. I used to be flexible on router processors until I got an ASUS Ax53U for a taste of Wi-Fi 6—it was Mediagate and the performance wasn’t great compared to the Qualcomm Ond AC58U, which I haven’t returned to. Now I’m really selective about routers too; whenever there’s Mediagate, Unisoc, or Exynos, I just don’t want it.
Are you sure about the network specs? It seems like you're focusing on precise bands and technologies. What's the goal here?