I need a new WiFi Router

I know this site is intended for Windows 10 issues and support, but I find myself in need of a new WiFi Router for my home network and I assume more than a few here may have recommendations.

I'm currently using a TP-LINK Archer AX6000 which has been pretty much trouble free since I bought it in April of 2020. Unfortunately it looks like it's having problems (LAN ports failing or refusing to connect at full speed) and it's probably time for a new one. That same unit is still available, but if I'm going to buy a new one I'm thinking it's time to upgrade to something that capable of the latest WiFi Protocols and bandwidths.

Things I like about the AX6000
it has 8 LAN Ports so I don't need to dangle a switch off it to have wired connections
dual band
USB ports (I have a couple USB Drives hanging off it for extra storage and backup
until now it has been trouble free

Any positive suggestions appreciated.

-Update your firmware

-Set the application priority to standard (Advanced > QoS > Application Priority)

-Disable any device priority (Advanced > QoS > Device Priority)

-Set the QoS speed manually to 1000 Mbps for up and down (Advanced > QoS, top of menu)

-Disable HomeCare features (Advanded > Security > Antivirus)

-Disable LAN Aggregation (Advanced > Network > LAN)

- Save changes which requires restart

Honestly, do you need the latest tech? Is it going to help with your issues? Are all your computers and devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and whatnot?

If the answer is no then save yourself a heap of money and get a ~three year old Asus router. Then flash its firmware with Asus Merlin which is super easy to do. It's all point and click with a mouse. You download the Asus Merlin file, enter the Asus router web configuration interface in the router, go to the upload firmware option and point and click to the Asus Merlin firmware file. Make sure you read the simple instructions at Asus Merlin's website. I've read there it's actually hard to brick these routers. Remember, your modem needs to be placed into bridge mode if connected to a router otherwise you'll get (or eventually get) a double NAT which will tear up your network performance among other things...

This is the router I have. I bought it used on eBay for around $40 bucks and promptly flashed it to Asus Merlin. I actually own two of these routers. And also, a hardware firewall appliance using something called OPNsense as well but that's another story... LOL! I also use a TP-Link switch.

This Asus *68u router performs great with my 450Mbps Comcast Internet connection and all the crap here at home. At any given time there are around 18 devices on my network.

There are of course better Asus models out there and you may want to chime in at the smallnetbuilder forums...SmallNetBuilder - Home Network Guru



"RT-AC68U" in All Categories - PicClick (Filter by price lowest and scroll down. The URL didn't include the switch)... (Read all auction descriptions carefully).