Asus ac68 vs ac66 vs n66

[CaptainTypeA]

Hi all. I'm a first time poster and long time lurker but mostly I just go with products that seem tried and true based on user feedback. I do not plan to make any changes to device unless highly recommended by the experts here to achieve my wifi goals. I've checked the router performance tables and they read like Greek to me except for the closing comments. So my reason for posting is that Amazon's deal of the day is the Asus ac68w (white) is on sale for $169.99. I currently have an n56 located on the first floor and the 2.4ghz is jammed on the 2nd story. I live in a very populated part of San Francisco. There are 14 co-channeling and 5 overlapping devices on channel 1, worse for 6 and a little better for ch 11. The 5ghz has just a few devices but none are interfering with mine. But It also doesn't reach the 2nd story. I am also curious how other people's devices have stronger reach in my home than my own. The router is on one end of the first floor in a cabinet. Removing from cabinet to shelf in same location didn't make a difference. I have 100Mbps cable modem service and Motorola 6141 docis 3 modem. My computer, Samsung TV, and sonos devices are Ethernet connected. We have iPhones, iPads, laptops and a roku which connect with wifi. Mostly the 2ghz since the 5ghz doesn't make it very far. My iPhone 5s can get 15 Mbps down and 4 up when measured with speedtest but i still can't get pages to load or videos to stream so I typically turn off wireless and use 4g/LTE which has similar specs on speedtest but everything loads quickly and videos don't hang anywhere in the house.

Anyway, I am ultimately looking for a device with greater range or perhaps a more powerful signal which will give me better (less interrupted and dropped) service. Because LTE data is expenso. I'm not sure which device is the best one to solve my issues at this time. I was waiting for price on the n66 to drop but with this sale, the n66 is $130, ac66 is $165 and ac68 is $169. Not much of a difference. Everything I read on the site was based on people's experiences when the devices were released and the routers tests are 1-2 yrs old now. By my terrible usage of technical terms, hopefully you'll believe that I'm a novice when it comes to routers and I would appreciate anyone's timely advice.

Anyway, should I take advantage of this sale and buy the ac68? I only have n devices at this time. Is there something I can do differently to get more range or greater signal on the n56. I can ask that question in another forum if more appropriate.

 

[jegesq]

Even if you currently have no AC-enabled devices, I think you would benefit from upgrading to either the RT-AC66U or the RT-AC68U. I have no personal experience with the 68, and own two 66's (one of which is a router and the other running in "repeat" mode to extend the range; my situation is the reverse of your's: router and cable modem upstairs, and repeater downstairs).

Generally, you also want to locate your device in the most central location in your home. I don't know if the n56 has beamforming antennas but both the AC66 and AC68 do, and from what I've read that's part of the technology that enhances the range of both of these units.

For only three dollars difference, I'd go with the AC68 for sure. The firmware for both is essentially the same, and the 68 is a more powerful, dual-processor unit right out of the box. And for only three bucks more, it's really a no-brainer (especially if you can return it if it doesn't meet your needs).

You'd probably also be well-advised to get some 802.11ac adapters for those devices that have USB and that connect wirelessly. You will see greater range and increased speed for those devices immediately.

As far as why some of your friends might be getting better reception than you, perhaps they have 802.11ac-enabled devices or their devices have more internal antennas than whatever you're using? Without knowing what you're comparing to, it's anyone's guess. Also, I wouldn't place too much credence in speed tests run on your phone; inherently unreliable.

Anyway, if I were you, I'd buy the RT-AC68 and give it a tray, and I'd also then consider using your (now spare) N56 as either a "bridge" or "repeater" if those options are available in the firmware to extend the range of at least your wireless 802.11n signal to your upstairs.

 

[L&LD]

I agree with the above post.

Get an RT-AC68U and use the RT-N56U as an AP (from a directly wired, more central position of the house).

You might even try the RT-AC68U as an AP instead, if the location is much better than your present router is now.


In any case, the RT-N56U has horrible 5GHz performance vs. the newer routers and the newer routers have the same if not better 2.4GHz performance too.


If you can't move your present router to a more central location, try a new one in the same location. If the hangs continue with the new router too, that indicates a very wifi unfriendly environment that you're in.

Try the new router as an AP and even though it may be overkill used in that way, if the location is more central and not inside a cabinet, it should give you the best wireless signal for your devices you can expect at this time.

 

[CaptainTypeA]

Thanks I bought the AC68

Thank you for your timely advice. I purchased the AC68 and will see how it goes.