Is there really a difference between more expensive routers?

[poohbear]

Hey all, looking at upgrading our home router as we have 9 devices that use the home network for the family. 3 TVs (Netflix and Satellite use WiFi), a PS4, 1 Desktop, and 4 smartphones use the Wi-Fi network & our ISPs router isn't cutting it. However, there are soooo router options out there for Asus alone (9 routers), and these range in price from $80 to $400. Is there really that much of a difference in performance between them?

Does Dual Band or Tri-Band matter for our setup? Is MU-MIMO worth the extra coin?(none of our devices receiving wi-fi support it, but i guess for future proofing?) What would you guys recommend for this home setup? I see 5ghz bands advertised as supporting 2167Mbps, whereas other's advertise 1733Mbps, but isn't the limit 1300Mbps for the 5ghz band? What's that all about?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[AnonymouseUser]

It is confusing and the market is oversaturated, and yet most people will never fully utilize the bandwidth on most of these newer routers because they don't have the wireless adapters required that themselves cost upwards of $100 each. The speeds listed are combined 2.4GHz and 5GHz theoretical speeds, but don't ever expect to see those speeds in real life.

If your only concern is improving wireless, and you have a satisfactory Gigabit router (any router should work), then my suggestion is to get a Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC. This is strictly an access point that plugs into your existing router, and provides greater wireless coverage and increased speeds.

Depending on your needs and budget, I recommend choosing between the AC Lite (2.4GHz 300Mbps + 5GHz 867Mbps) or AC LR (2.4GHz 450Mbps + 5GHz 867Mbps), though they also have the AC Pro if you desire more 5GHz speed (2.4GHz 450Mbps + 5GHz 1300Mbps). You can easily add additional APs for increased coverage if needed, and they have a "Zero Handoff" feature that is nice for seamless switching between APs as you roam your home.

 

[Tweak155]

I just bought the TP Link Archer C8 refurbished for $70 and it has been awesome... It's basically the C7 but with minor changes, none of which I would normally pay for. But I found a good deal on the C8 so bought it.

The C7 is only $90 brand new here:

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Arche...UTF8&qid=1461593045&sr=8-3&keywords=archer+c8

I prefer this over the recommendation above mainly because it has 4 Ethernet ports (I try to hardwire the rooms I can) and it has actual physical antennas. I get excellent range and I regularly get 90mbps+ of my 115mbps internet connection over wifi.

 

[Tweak155]

Also to give you an explanation for your questions... one single band of 5ghz has a theoretical cap of 433mbps... 2.4ghz is around 150mbps I think... basically if the AC (dual band - meaning 1 band for 5ghz and 1 band for 2.4ghz) router has 3 antennas let's say, then it can cap out at 3 * 433mbps + 3 * 150mbps which is how you get the AC1750 that I just posted. So it only operates at 1750mbps if you have several devices connected to it and all pushing traffic, that's how much it can handle.

The thing is, the speed you'll get on your device depends on how many antennas it has and at what frequency they operate. If the communicating device can only connect to 1 channel at 1 frequency (downlink) then you'll cap out at either 433mbps or 150mbps depending if it is 5ghz or 2.4ghz. And that's if you're right next to the router and there is no other interference in the room. This will be your typical device at home.

In general, I'd say don't go any lower than AC1200 if you don't want to upgrade for a few years. Look at the speed rating and just assume the router can handle more devices more efficiently, NOT that you will get any more speed. Your description sounds like you don't have a lot of devices (not to mention they most likely won't be operating all at once), so I wouldn't go too crazy. Get something dual band in the 1200-1750 range.

 

[smitbret]

Also to give you an explanation for your questions... one single band of 5ghz has a theoretical cap of 433mbps... 2.4ghz is around 150mbps I think... basically if the AC (dual band - meaning 1 band for 5ghz and 1 band for 2.4ghz) router has 3 antennas let's say, then it can cap out at 3 * 433mbps + 3 * 150mbps which is how you get the AC1750 that I just posted. So it only operates at 1750mbps if you have several devices connected to it and all pushing traffic, that's how much it can handle.

The thing is, the speed you'll get on your device depends on how many antennas it has and at what frequency they operate. If the communicating device can only connect to 1 channel at 1 frequency (downlink) then you'll cap out at either 433mbps or 150mbps depending if it is 5ghz or 2.4ghz. And that's if you're right next to the router and there is no other interference in the room. This will be your typical device at home.

In general, I'd say don't go any lower than AC1200 if you don't want to upgrade for a few years. Look at the speed rating and just assume the router can handle more devices more efficiently, NOT that you will get any more speed. Your description sounds like you don't have a lot of devices (not to mention they most likely won't be operating all at once), so I wouldn't go too crazy. Get something dual band in the 1200-1750 range.

I agree with Tweak155, unless you have or foresee a specific need that it doesn't fill already, the Archer C7 is tough to beat for the average household. Used one for over 3 years and it was always a rock.

 

[JackMDS]

The ~~$100 like the -

http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-...=1461611140&sr=8-7&keywords=asus+wifi+routers

Or and the - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUSDVBQ/ref=psdc_300189_t2_B006QB1RPY

Are better than the less Expensive Routers.

The ~~ $200 category are waste on Money. The manufacturers are trying to impress the "Ignorant consumers" with the number of Antennae (taking basically their strategy from the pr0n industry) but it has very little to nothing to do with real Wireless capacity.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I bought an Engenius ESR1200 AC1200 AP/router, and matched it up with PremierTek AC1200 USB3.0 adapters. They worked pretty well, but I got fed up with wireless (even AC), and went wired.

 

[poohbear]

Thanks guys, the routers u recommend are good for 9 devices in a 2 story house? I don't need tri band or anything?

 

[Tweak155]

Thanks guys, the routers u recommend are good for 9 devices in a 2 story house? I don't need tri band or anything?

I don't think you do.

 

[smitbret]

Thanks guys, the routers u recommend are good for 9 devices in a 2 story house? I don't need tri band or anything?

Any of them should be fine. All of them are dual-band so you have 2 SSIDs to mix and match. Set your most distant devices to run on the 2.4GHz band and the closer ones at 5GHz and you should be fine. I have 2 smartphones, Kodi HTPC, Laptop, 3 tablets, wireless printer and an Ooma Telo all running off of the C7 and I have never had an issue.

 

[boomhower]

For $100 you can't be the performance of a Ubuqiti AC AP. Just resuse your current router for the routing side of it.

 

[thesmokingman]

Any of them should be fine. All of them are dual-band so you have 2 SSIDs to mix and match. Set your most distant devices to run on the 2.4GHz band and the closer ones at 5GHz and you should be fine. I have 2 smartphones, Kodi HTPC, Laptop, 3 tablets, wireless printer and an Ooma Telo all running off of the C7 and I have never had an issue.

You can also let the device and router control it. I have a triple band (2.4/5/5) router and my devices will switch to the strongest band available.