Question about using 5Ghz AP

My lovely ISP has decided to swap out all the costumers old normal modems for these new modem/router hybrids...basically a modem with router capability. I got the TC7200 Technicolor model. I use the 5Ghz Wifi on it for my newer network devices ie: Ipad, etc etc, but the signal on this TC7200 is horrid, so I was thinking of upgrading my access point which is a D-Link Dir-655 (2.4 mode only ) to a newer dualband 5Ghz capable one. Now my question is, will the access point work with the 5Ghz just like it does with the 2.4 now? The way I have it set up is Coaxial->Hybrid TC7200 ( with 5ghz wifi turned on, 2.4ghz turned off) -> access point with 2.4ghz turned on. Sadly the old Dir-655 only does 2.4 and I want to boost my 5Ghz around the house (Yes I know, the 5Ghz isn't as good when it comes to reach as 2.4 for now, but that's another story. Anywho, would this work? Would the access point accept the 5ghz wifi range since my TC7200 Modem/Router hybrid does? The Tc7200 runs on its own SSID, different than the AP, and if I were to get a 5Ghz wifi AP, I would simply turn off the TC7200 Wifi due to poor signal quality. I have drawn a simple diagram of the wifi / wired setup as is now. I am willing to spend around 100-150 Euros on a good solid dualband router *AP*. I am also trying to get my ISP to switch out this damn Technicolor TC7200 for a Cisco epc3925 ..but that's another story for another thread. I know how just have to get lucky with a good rep from their company.

The deal is with 5Ghz it will not go through walls worth a damn, so it's not something you can cover an entire house with. A 5Ghz A/P will cover a very large room or outdoor space really well but just won't go through walls or floors. The reviews at Newegg reflect this in a most unpleasant manner.

I'm running the DIR-655 as my main router and DHCP server then I'm also running the Asus AC66U as an access point, it's mounted outside my house under the eve. I've tested both bands and routers extensively. The 2.4Ghz signal on the Asus is much stronger than the DIR-655 which is still a very good router, but the 5Ghz signal on the Asus seems only good for large rooms or large outdoor areas without obstacles which is where I'm using it.

Of course it does give me 1.1Gb wireless speeds 35 feet away on the 5Ghz band but this is only true because it's an open area outdoors with a straight shot to the antennas on my Asus AC66 PCI-e NIC which is installed on my garage machine.

Any more questions? :)

I like to show off this wireless speed from the Asus AC66U.

Thank you for the fast response Chev65. This AP will be used only to cover my computer room, so walls are not a problem otherwise I would not start such a thread and waste everyone's time :) So basically you're saying the AP will be able to use the 5ghz dualband feature correct? :) As for my roommates room, I was thinking of telling her to buy a simple repeater if she want's to use my fast network, since her older laptop does not support 5

crankypenguin said:

Thank you for the fast response Chev65. This AP will be used only to cover my computer room, so walls are not a problem otherwise I would not start such a thread and waste everyone's time :) So basically you're saying the AP will be able to use the 5ghz dualband feature correct? :) As for my roommates room, I was thinking of telling her to buy a simple repeater if she want's to use my fast network, since her older laptop does not support 5

Yes in a single large room you would be good to go, if were talking Asus AC66U. It broadcasts on both frequency's at the same time so can be set to auto switch between which ever signal is best. Can easily cover a large house with it on 2.4Ghz.

The 2.4Ghz radio on the Asus is super strong, much stronger than DIR-655 although more prone to problems with certain NICS, there are a few compatibility settings for this.

That is one NICE router, I have to hand it to you, you may just have convinced me to buy it. Thank you a million :)