Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[1maynard]

I have decided that I want to replace the router supplied by my ISP because of monthly cost and also only they can make any changes to it. In the past I have used Netgear and had poor service from it I then bought a Asus and I really liked the ease of set up but when I started having issues with my internet speed and had my ISP check things out they blamed my router and talked me into renting one from them. Looking on advice on a good reliable router for my home network. I do want the ability to stream 4k video. What are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[blgentry]

"The Wire Cutter", an online publication that is a division of The New York Times, reviews a LOT products:  Mattresses, Furniture, Electronics, etc.  ...and of course they have done a fairly comprehensive review of routers.  I bought their 2018 (or 2017?) pick for "best router for most people".  I was very satisfied with it.

Their pick for 2019 is different (same company, different model):

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

I have NOT used this model.  But their "budget pick" for 2019 is their old pick from before, and that's the one I have used.

This should give you some good pointers, things to think about, and concrete product recommendations.

PS:  If you have a cable modem from your ISP you can replace that with your own too.   I've done that at several different houses and it's worked out great.  No more renting a cable modem.

Good luck!

Brian.

[Awesome Donkey]

If you can afford it, I'd actually recommend looking into a mesh network and not one where you have to add range extenders and whatnot.

[1maynard]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I checked out the wirecutter site and there is some good advice there. My last router was a Asus RT-N66U/N900 and when it was working it served me well. I started having issues and my ISP decided that the router was bad and they installed a rental unit they provided. After a time I started having issues again and they then determined that there was a wiring issue on their system and made some changes. I just do not like the fact that any time I want to make any changes I have to get in touch with them, I tried to reinstall my old router and it would not connect to the ISP so I think that they have to change something at their end and if so I want to do a router upgrade. I want to get my MC Server set up and start streaming to my various devices around my home. I have been reading reviews and it seems that most all brands have issues of some type. One thing I really liked about the Asus was the web GUI. Brian, how is the TP Link GUI and set up? Awesome Donkey, I do want mesh network capability so that will enter into my decision. I do not mind spending some money to get a good reliable set up but I want it be easy to setup and troubleshoot. I do want good 4K streaming capability. 

[RoderickGI]

I assume that you have an ISP modem as well as a router? The Asus RT-N66U/N900 doesn't seem to have a built-in modem, but I haven't checked much. Whether routers have, and can use, a built-in modem depends a lot on the technolgy your internet connection uses. I'm in Australia so I don't know what may be required at your location.

Anyway, the point is that if you have a separate ISP modem, then the router attached to it was never the problem. Also, as the modem simply outputs an ethernet connection, you can connect any router you want to use, because the router is inside your home network, and not part of the ISP network. If you have a router with built-in modem, almost all of those can be put into "Bridge Mode", which means that they act only as a modem, and effectively you now have a separate modem, so can add any router you want. Of course you would still be renting the ISP device, but maybe you can buy your own modem as well? In Australia only ISP modems can be used, and it is those that are managed by the ISP, not the router. Although the router does typically have cutdown functionality compared to the retail version of the same device.

The exception to the above is when a single modem/router is also providing other services, such as VoIP telephony, where putting the device into "Bridge Mode" may prevent the extra features from working. For example, I currently have a HFC (Hybrid Fibre & Cable) internet connection with a separate modem (Good), and an ISP router that provides VoIP telephony (not so good). I can't change the router without losing the VoIP telephony, or buying equipment that also provides that functionality. But it is a pretty good router (Netgear) and also provides failover to Mobile Broadband if the HFC connection has problems, which is very handy.

The Asus RT-N66U/N900 is a pretty good router, according to most reports. Some reports weren't favourable, but I think all issues have been fixed by firmware upgrades.

If I were you I would be looking at putting the Asus RT-N66U/N900 back into service, and have the ISP justify why you shouldn't, if they object.


Maybe share more about your ISP and internet connection type, and you could get better advice, with local knowledge.

[Moe]

If you're interested in a mesh router, take a look at Eero, I love mine.

[1maynard]

RoderickGI, I plan on putting the Asus RT-N66U/N900 back into service tomorrow for the reasons you stated before buying a new one. I have to use a ISP Modem that is unique to their set up. The internet and cable service is coming in on their phone lines and they are currently converting to Fiber optic service. When I first started having problems I had them replace the modem and it seemed to help for a short time. Since they installed their router my service has been better but they are raising the rental fee on the router and will require a two year contract so I want to go back to my own router. I really do not like the fact that I have no control over it and have to call them whenever I want to change any settings etc.

I am currently look at a new router from TP Link that just came out this fall. It should be somewhat future proof as it is the wifi6 ax protocol. I have not yet found out if it is mesh capable. Amazon has it for $149.99 with free prime shipping and 30 day returns so I might just try it out.
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-WiFi-AX3000-Smart-Router/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HT8GYZHYJ6AP&keywords=archer%2Bax50&qid=1576023459&refinements=p_89%3ATP-Link&rnid=2528832011&sprefix=archer%2Bax%2B5%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1&th=1

[RoderickGI]

Excellent. As you have an ISP modem, anything beyond that is none of their business, and shouldn't affect the quality of their service. They have been telling you lies.

When they convert you to Fibre all they should need to do is change your modem.

[1maynard]

Excellent.
When they convert you to Fibre all they should need to do is change your modem.

At the rate they are going it will be five years before I see it. They are a local investor owned company and expand as they get the funds.

[1maynard]

Well today I connected my Asus RT-N66U/N900 to my modem and tried to connect to the internet. I could not get it to connect to the internet to try to set it up. I even did a hard reset and no go. So it must be bad. Still on the fence on getting a Wi-Fi router. I may be better served with a proven unit like the Asus RT-AC86U or the RT-AC88U. Both seem to be highly rated and the specs are similar. What do you guys think?