Save a buck on a new router by getting a good NAS?

[BadOmen]

Howdy. The following features nowadays can be implemented via usb routers or NASs.
- file sharing
- vpn server
- ftp server
- http server
- BT client
- DLNA server
- printer server

I need a new router, but by googling around I realized that file sharing through a router's USB port wouldn't be as good as what a NAS can do.

What about the other services? Would they be the same in both? My googling didn't show many comparisons about those.

The plan was: a Synology ds212j and an Asus rt-ac66u.
But maybe I can save an awesome buck by, say, taking the Asus N53 instead?

Any thoughts are highly appreciated

 

[JackMDS]

I would not get the ac66u because the AC is Not yet standard.

In general I would Not make a decision about a Wireless Router hanging on the "Toyish" add-Ons.

The N-53 is Not a Giga capable Router, if you need Giga you are better off getting the RT-N56U.

If you have other extensive Routing and Wireless needs, then get the N-66U

 

[BadOmen]

So, those add-ons would really be best handled by a NAS?

My current router is a glorious WRT54G, and my main need nowadays is a HD-streaming-capable wireless signal from basement to 1st floor.

 

[Emulex]

those ac66u and RT-66U are big turds. they do not implement protocols - take a look at the code if you don't believe me. It's a serious hack job

 

[smitbret]

If you wanna wirelessly stream HD content through a floor, have patience and wait until the ac standard is finalized. You CAN stream HD video with N, but it's difficult to do it well.

 

[BadOmen]

I really thank you all for your input, but still couldn't conclude if it's safe to have all add-ons handled by a NAS. Are there any services among the aforementioned that would really be better performed by a router?

those ac66u and RT-66U are big turds. they do not implement protocols - take a look at the code if you don't believe me. It's a serious hack job

That sounds interesting. Could you point me to some reading about it?

If you wanna wirelessly stream HD content through a floor, have patience and wait until the ac standard is finalized. You CAN stream HD video with N, but it's difficult to do it well.

That may take a while. And tbh my main concern are internet streams, like my Slingbox, with which I have struggled recently. I guess I can put up with some sneakernet for heavier stuff like HD for a while longer.