Internet Cafe Router

[Zeee530]

I'm planning on opening an internet cafe soon and need help choosing a router that will serve as the backbone of the network. The cafe won't be that huge, it'll have around 5-7 PCs with a gigabit connection from an ISP. I would prefer a router that would allow me to install custom firmware on for easier flexibility (while you're at it please recommend a firmware).


Thanks.

 

[razel]

5-7 PCs is a cake walk for any decent modern AC router. It's all about support for custom firmware.

The ASUS RT-AC68 has been the gold standard, but it is long in the tooth now. It accepts all major custom firmwares (ASUS Merlin, DD-WRT, Advanced Tomato). I used to recommend the Netgear R7000, but Netgear can lick my butt now with the latest firmware. They now collect/want your information. I'm glad they're open about it and you can turn it off, but the fact that code exists gives that product the middle finger.

I'm really left to just recommend the Linksys WRT1900 series since are designed for DD-WRT. It has three revisions and the earliest one WRT1200 is on clearance at Walmart at $68-90 and is still more than enough for your needs.

 

[Zeee530]

5-7 PCs is a cake walk for any decent modern AC router. It's all about support for custom firmware.

The ASUS RT-AC68 has been the gold standard, but it is long in the tooth now. It accepts all major custom firmwares (ASUS Merlin, DD-WRT, Advanced Tomato). I used to recommend the Netgear R7000, but Netgear can lick my butt now with the latest firmware. They now collect/want your information. I'm glad they're open about it and you can turn it off, but the fact that code exists gives that product the middle finger.

I'm really left to just recommend the Linksys WRT1900 series since are designed for DD-WRT. It has three revisions and the earliest one WRT1200 is on clearance at Walmart at $68-90 and is still more than enough for your needs.

Thanks, i found a 1200 on Amazon for $75, i'll go for it
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UVN20T0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

EDIT: Does the router not support 802.11ac, amazon says it only does b/g/n, i thought the ac in the name meant it did 802.11ac. If thats the case, is this a good alternative:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IUDUJE0/ref=psdc_300189_t1_B00UVN20T0

 

[razel]

You lucky guy... The Linksys WRT1900 is available refurb from Linksys for $55 free shipping. Those are the only refurbs I'd buy are direct from manufacturer.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10176896-l...art-wi-fi-router-refurbished-55-free-shipping

 

[Zeee530]

You lucky guy... The Linksys WRT1900 is available refurb from Linksys for $55 free shipping. Those are the only refurbs I'd buy are direct from manufacturer.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10176896-l...art-wi-fi-router-refurbished-55-free-shipping

Holy cow, thanks!

 

[kevnich2]

Honestly you're best would likely be either a ubiquiti edgerouter or a pfsense router along with separate WAP's for wireless installed. I don't think a paying internet cafe should be going cheap with the home based wireless router's but that's just my opinion.

 

[XSoldier77X]

D‑Link Xtreme N DIR‑655 ‑ 2.4 GHz, Linksys WRT1900AC 1.3 Gbps ‑ 2.4/5 GHz or ASUS WL-520gu? But like Razel said, pretty much any modern day router will be able to pull it off. just stay economical if you don't wanna go upwards of 5-7 systems. you can always upgrade in the future.

 

[Zeee530]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, already ordered the 1900AC, i'll come back later on for suggestions on switches, APs, config, etc.

 

[Zeee530]

You lucky guy... The Linksys WRT1900 is available refurb from Linksys for $55 free shipping. Those are the only refurbs I'd buy are direct from manufacturer.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10176896-l...art-wi-fi-router-refurbished-55-free-shipping

Looks like I wasn't so lucky, I can't directly order stuff from here, I have to go through a 3rd party vendor, by the time they went to order the 1900 for me it was out of stock, so I'm now back to square 1. Should I just go for the 1200 now? Or is there a better deal?

 

[razel]

Well... it's not $55, but it's faster updated brother is $110 http://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-WRT1900ACS-RM/. I take it you are not in the U.S. If you were many Walmarts around my area have the WRT1900 on clearance between $46-$90. Check Brickseek for an idea of stock.

 

[XavierMace]

Honestly you're best would likely be either a ubiquiti edgerouter or a pfsense router along with separate WAP's for wireless installed. I don't think a paying internet cafe should be going cheap with the home based wireless router's but that's just my opinion.

THIS. Consumer products don't belong in businesses.