Advice please: RT-AC5300 improvements over RT-AC3200

[Simon W]

Hi,

I currently run a RT-AC3200 (with Asuswrt-Merlin of course, one of the key reasons I went for this make/model) which a couple of years ago replaced a hybrid of overly complex multiple networks/extenders/routers etc to cover my large-ish three-story property, when including various home automation devices and wifi cameras generally has between 30-50 devices connected at any one time (obviously only a proportion of these concurrently doing much, though there are 6 wi-fi cameras recording 24x7). I'm pretty impressed with the setup, with only a few locations that suffer from 'spotty' connectivity (annoyingly one of them being the master bedroom = where phones/tablets are left to charge overnight = sometimes don't pickup application updates and backups etc).

I'm wondering if for my setup the RT-5300 might be worth a try? Expensive though worth it if a) it might improve coverage (say 95% to 98%) and/or b) if I'm close to my current devices limitations.

Interested in comments, thanks.

 

[bandit8623]

Hi,

I currently run a RT-AC3200 (with Asuswrt-Merlin of course, one of the key reasons I went for this make/model) which a couple of years ago replaced a hybrid of overly complex multiple networks/extenders/routers etc to cover my large-ish three-story property, when including various home automation devices and wifi cameras generally has between 30-50 devices connected at any one time (obviously only a proportion of these concurrently doing much, though there are 6 wi-fi cameras recording 24x7). I'm pretty impressed with the setup, with only a few locations that suffer from 'spotty' connectivity (annoyingly one of them being the master bedroom = where phones/tablets are left to charge overnight = sometimes don't pickup application updates and backups etc).

I'm wondering if for my setup the RT-5300 might be worth a try? Expensive though worth it if a) it might improve coverage (say 95% to 98%) and/or b) if I'm close to my current devices limitations.

Interested in comments, thanks.

My honest opinion. You won't see better coverage. You would see better speeds is actual coverage areas if your devices supported all the new features of the 5300.

2.4ghz will always cover better than 5ghz but has more interference. I would look to running cat5e and placing another access point in the dead area. Make sure the wifi bands are different than the main router.

 

[beboptrumpet]

I Definitely agree with bandit8623
Add an access point

If it's possible, run an ethernet backhaul.
If running an Ethernet backhaul isn't practical,
Here are some other options:
-moca 2.0 or bonded moca 2.0
-wireless backhaul-use tri-band access points/mesh AP's. Use one of the 3 bands on the 3200 for the backhaul
-powerline