I’m looking for a good router for my parents. Unfortunately, I’m pretty dumb when it comes to anything network related, so I’m looking for something simple with a good price for performance. Something that can handle at least 3 devices reliably at any given time.
Any tips on what to look for and avoid would be a great help and any recommendations would be vary appreciated.
Every cell in my body wants me to scream some variation of "build, don't buy" or "throw a wireless nic in your pfsense box" but I know that isn't an option for most. Barring that, try:
Linksys WRT1900ACS AC1900
Buffalo AirStation Extreme AC1750
Trendnet TEW-818DRU
They run DD-WRT and are reliable by all accounts
A little overkill for the needs he specified no?
3 devices at any given time, here get a 1900mbps AC router....
You're absolutely right, but I'm not gonna recommend something I've never worked with.
These are simple and super reliable. Keep a price watch on them though. They go on sale for around $60 all the time.
I have one of these at home as a secondary (was primary for a while). Work also has 3 of these. They are workhorses. A little outdated but still very good IMO.
get anything you like, as long as its not belkin and has 802.11ac and is dual band.
Seconded. I have the big brother, the ASUS RT-AC66U, and it has been chugging along with no hick-ups for over half a year now. It is administering a network with about 20 devices, however most of them are not connected wirelessly to it directly, but through AP's. I do think it will be able to handle 3 wireless devices without a problem though. Only thing I can put my finger on is that it only allows for one single DNS, whereas most other routers have at least two. It has not been a problem at all using OpenDNS though. Only question is, is it overkill?
I guess it depends on use case, we dont really know how much or how little OP uses in terms of bandwidth and how much communication between devices is necessary. For instance my mom has a linksys e1200 running DD-WRT, its a cheap POS with only 2.4Ghz but more than enough for her to fully saturate her 15Mbps cable connection over the wireless.
We dont know a few things here:
I can only recommend something I know is good value for the money and is a performer. I think the n66u is the best middle ground for the money. Its a little higher in price than the low end stuff but is still a good all round router. Its only weak point is its wireless capability if you need to have wireless device to wireless device communication, in which case you really want AC.
Side note, that TP link is a lot of router for not a lot of money. I havent used their routers before but I have the archer t8e and its pretty damn good.
Currently they don't use any bandwidth, they're finally breaking down and getting at least one laptop to share between them. Most likely they'll be getting a 10Mbps connection if I can't talk them into getting 20.
There aren't any wifi only devices right now.
I'd love to find something that'll last for them. We're not sure how much that might cost, but they're hoping to find one not going to far past $100.
Hope that helps, if you need more please ask. This has been really helpful.
How far and through how many walls is it expected to perform wirelessly? Is the router placed near where they plan to sit and use the laptop?
Then literally anything will work. I've used the linksys e1200 for my mom for years now, and have one serving my garage. I would recommend that if you dont care about future proofing.
For the record future proofing DOES NOT mean you're buying something that will last longer than something not future proofed. Its an exercise in spending more than you have to in an effort to keep up in capability with what the future may hold. In this case literally anything will do what you want. If you want things to stay away from, I despise netgear, but brand favoritism is a stupid idea in this age. Literally every manufacturer can have garbage products and awesome ones, even in the same line.
So if you want a little future proofing, my final recommendation is still the ASUS RT-N66U. Its not over priced, it works, it has good stock firmware, and its overkill for the speed you'll be using.
About 25-30 feet at most, through 3 walls at most.
If you live in the USA, the ASUS AC routers have been going on sale from time-time.
Actually, here's a refurbished AC1900 for $45:
This same router has been available new for ~$60 from TMobile. Not seeing it on their site anymore, so these could simply be overstock units, rather than refurbs
Its better to go a little overkill than spend on something that barely keeps up. I've never used the N300 you referenced, but if my past experience with cheap routers is anything to go by, the "my computer wont work" housecalls will start rolling in once the router begins to flake out.
I saw asus ones that looked good until I recalled this...
I would avoid buying any device that is a combo AP/Router. You are better off in the long run getting a nice router, and then connecting an acceptable AP to it.
I glossed over the pdf. Unless I'm missing something, the complaint appears to be related to AiCloud & default settings exploit; which requires you to:
Not that I'm speaking for everyone, but I'm under the impression that 99% of the users on these forums exercise enough due-diligence to avoid such exploits in the first place =)
Thanks for the help everyone.
