Solid Router Recomendation

[msalton1]

I haven't bought a router in a year or two. I have several WRT54GL's in use as subnet routers and a few cheap TPLinks I'm using to extend a few subnets. My "gateway" is an RT-N66U that I've been happy with.

However, my neighbor needs to replace his old wrt router in which the DHCP server is malfunctioning. While we're at it, I'll be adding a router to extend his signal(we'll be connecting the two via cat6 rather than wireless).

So, I'm perusing amazon ratings now, but thought it wisdom to find out what routers some of y'all have used & recommend as far as:

Stability & quality
Use of bandwidth
Cost, accounting for above factors.

He doesn't game or download huge files, so it doesn't need to be some super powerful fast router. It doesn't even have to be dual band. He's buying 2, so the cost/quality ratio should be reasonable.

Thanks for any recommendations.

 

[Eric3742]

Hi

Just comment.

For router brand & model, it is best to check as each ISP preference.
That is to say, do understand what are the requirements needed for broadband connection.
ISP may test on certain (few) brand on routers.
This is to avoid any interruption as ISP are not liable for intermittent connection and wireless issue due to router.
As they are not liable for router issue, which you may have to deal with it yourself. (Or seek help)
Router do able to used for 3 years or more, without any problem, ex mine router.

Before you commit to sign up to an ISP, do research by yourself, as each user has it own devices.
Likewise, each user will give you a different answer to your question points.
So it is better to check on those already sign up to ISP(s) do compare and most important is reliable & stable connection.

My "gateway" is an RT-N66U that I've been happy with.

You can continue to use first, before commit yourself to a new router which may work or not.


Eric.

 

[Eric3742]

However, my neighbor needs to replace his old wrt router in which the DHCP server is malfunctioning. While we're at it, I'll be adding a router to extend his signal(we'll be connecting the two via cat6 rather than wireless).

Stability & quality
Use of bandwidth
Cost, accounting for above factors.

He doesn't game or download huge files, so it doesn't need to be some super powerful fast router. It doesn't even have to be dual band. He's buying 2, so the cost/quality ratio should be reasonable.

Thanks for any recommendations.

For sharing of broadband network, it is not wise to do.
A bit of understand on this matter.
If you are on 50 Mbps plan.
If either of you are download of huge file, more bandwidth will be allocated for download of huge file.
In other word, the total of all the active connection (wired & wireless) is up to 50 Mbps for both upload & download.
For streaming it is no issue as it rely on a very low bandwidth.
So both of you have to be clear on this, in case of future problems.


For routers, i would suggest you to go for Dual Band Routers, namely; 2.4GHz and 5GHz band.
To have 2 routers, it is best to have the exact same model.
As you can use 1 router as repeater, that to extend your wireless & wired connection.
As 2.4GHz is most common use by other electronic devices, such as; cordless phone, microwave oven, etc.
Most new router do have dual band and also new mobile handsets are mostly dual band.
In this way, using 5GHz will be much better as there are no conflict, as it may have better speed.


Eric.

 

[cooltouch]

My ISP supplies a router, which I've found adequate for my needs. If one needs additional ones, though, I would do as Eric recommends, and get identical routers. Fewer setup headaches to deal with. I don't have any experience with TP Link, but I do have quite a bit of experience with Netgear and Linksys, both of which provided me with years of reliable service. So they would be my top recommendations.

 

[msalton1]

Apologies, I forgot the thread.
I wound up going with the TPlinks, as the two I have have not given me any issues. For additional information regarding using the same brand router, I haven't really had any issues with mixing/matching in my network (I have Linksys, Asus and TPLinks in use for various configurations of subnets and extenders, along with NetGear switches). As long as I configure them properly and use the correct topology for the application.
Also, if he has any trouble with the TPLinks, I'll simply buy one back and order a higher quality router for his gateway, leaving the TPL in place for the extender.
Incidentally, high end routers have gone up considerably in price. Apparently, quality and features have as well. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[JiraMoon]

You should draw your requirements and your home situation, otherwise it's impossible to recommend anything. For example my Netgear R7000 doing a wonderful job for me, but maybe not good for someone else. I think these reviews will help you find the best one for you:
Best wireless routers of 2017 - CNET
The Best Wireless Routers of 2017 | PCMag.com
Best Wireless Routers of 2017 - Guide and Reviews - Guidezilla

 

[samuria]

We don't know what sort of router ADSL ADSL 2+ Cable etc

 

[GRoston]

Just to offer a different opinion. In my house, the location where the cable enter my house is a truly lousy location for a wireless router. Thus, I have a traditional router at that location (TP-Link TL-R470T+ - has been super reliable) and a remote wireless access point (Open Mesh OM5P-AN Dual Band AP - industrial quality!). With this set-up, I have two SSIDs - one (for the family) which associates with the VLAN to which our computers are connected and another (for guests) that only provides internet access. Overall, I am quite pleased with the performance and reliability.