Help me pick a new WiFi Router (AP)!


  1. muzicman82
    Posts : 45
    Windows 10 TP / Windows 8.1
       New #1

    Help me pick a new WiFi Router (AP)!


    Hi all,

    I'd say I'm "very experienced" or expert when it comes to networking, but my experience with wireless AC is limited. I currently have an Asus RT-N66U that I absolutely love. I do pro-AV and have installed dozens of those and never had an issue and they have incredible range and speed for the price.

    I am ready to upgrade to AC but am kind of surprised the "top end" routers are all over $300. I know there's tri-band and dual-band, but does anyone have experience with the top end ones?

    I don't necessarily need crazy speed from AC since if I need crazy speed, I'm going to go gigabit Ethernet.

    I'm eyeing the RT-AC68U or RT-AC87U right now. Anyone have experience?

    I'm open to other manufacturers but so far I think Asus does a nice job with their web interface and feature set.

    BTW - I don't need this to do routing, but I'd prefer a router to an AP in case this changes. I know Asus has AP mode.
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  3. NavyLCDR
    Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       New #2

    I have a Nighthawk R7000 by Netgear that has been outstanding. I would say you wouldn't have to worry about going wrong with either the Asus or the Netgear Nighthawk series. I would look for the highest speed available on sale in the price range you want to pay for either of those. Of course, the router or AP is only half the equation - you need the AC network adapters on the client side too. I'm upgrading my laptops to Intel 7260HMW AC Dual Band adapters.

    My WiFi network at home is the R7000 router in the basement. There are 3 wired gigabit Ethernet hubs connected to that for my wired clients in different locations in the house. On the second floor is a Linksys RE6500 WiFi extender that connects on both WiFi bands to the R7000 and extends the WiFi range upstairs as well as provides wired Ethernet via WiFi bridge to two clients upstairs. I have had absolute success with this arrangement.

    If you have the need to add a WiFi extender make sure to get one with cross-band capability. When I connect to the 2.4 ghz band on the WiFi extender, it sends that traffic over the 5 ghz band to the main router - this maintains full speed on the WiFi channels instead of cutting it in half to use the same band.
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  4. bro67
    Posts : 9,789
    Mac OS Catalina
       New #3

    Go to smallnetbulider.com and compare the information on those two units. I use a stand alone A/P with my network. Wired Gateway downstairs that will outlast anything that I connect as a Access Point. You need to be looking at WAN to LAN and connections, along with CPU and RAM on the unit.
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  6. woodyard
    Posts : 43
    Windows 10
       New #4

    I recommend UniFi AP-AC-PRO

    Ubiquiti Networks - UniFi(R) AP AC PRO
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  7. bro67
    Posts : 9,789
    Mac OS Catalina
       New #5

    woodyard said:
    I recommend UniFi AP-AC-PRO

    Ubiquiti Networks - UniFi(R) AP AC PRO
    My wife would freak if I spent that much on a better quality A/P than the Engenius I have. I would have to run a new Ethernet up into a wall where our old Doorbell chime is, if I went that route.

    I can go over 100' away from my house and still get decent speeds.
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