nulambhbk
New Around Here
In some ways, I think I was better off before I discovered SNB. As it is, I’m obsessed with choosing the right wireless router for my home and a bit overwhelmed by the information I’m finding here.
Here’s my situation:
I have a large home and a fair number of connected devices. 25+ and the number is bound to grow exponentially as I add smart home devices. My trusty old wireless router just died, and I quickly threw a Linksys EA9500 in its place while I figure things out.
Based on what I’ve read here, the EA9500 seems a bit expensive and a bit underpowered unless you’re lucky enough to grab a V2.
I like to have all my primary devices (4K TVs, game systems, streaming boxes, media server, etc.) on hardwired connections. The WiFi mostly serves our laptops, mobile devices, and various smart appliances.
I’m hoping this community can help me make the best choice for my permanent replacement. Here are my questions:
1. Am I right that the EA9500 isn’t a great value and should find something else? If Linksys, the EA9300 actually seems like better hardware, or am I missing something?
2. The Nighthawk X4S seems very highly regarded around here, but I’ve been burned by Netgear in the past. Have I just been unlucky and should I give it another go?
3. Lots of people seem to love the Asus RT-AC88U, and I’m tempted by the 8 LAN ports, but am I better off going with something like the newer 86U paired with a gigabit switch to make up for the lower number of wired connections?
4. If money isn’t my biggest concern, am I nuts not to go tri-band? Would a mesh system like Orbi be even more future proof?
I know that’s a lot. What would smarter people like all of you do?
Here’s my situation:
I have a large home and a fair number of connected devices. 25+ and the number is bound to grow exponentially as I add smart home devices. My trusty old wireless router just died, and I quickly threw a Linksys EA9500 in its place while I figure things out.
Based on what I’ve read here, the EA9500 seems a bit expensive and a bit underpowered unless you’re lucky enough to grab a V2.
I like to have all my primary devices (4K TVs, game systems, streaming boxes, media server, etc.) on hardwired connections. The WiFi mostly serves our laptops, mobile devices, and various smart appliances.
I’m hoping this community can help me make the best choice for my permanent replacement. Here are my questions:
1. Am I right that the EA9500 isn’t a great value and should find something else? If Linksys, the EA9300 actually seems like better hardware, or am I missing something?
2. The Nighthawk X4S seems very highly regarded around here, but I’ve been burned by Netgear in the past. Have I just been unlucky and should I give it another go?
3. Lots of people seem to love the Asus RT-AC88U, and I’m tempted by the 8 LAN ports, but am I better off going with something like the newer 86U paired with a gigabit switch to make up for the lower number of wired connections?
4. If money isn’t my biggest concern, am I nuts not to go tri-band? Would a mesh system like Orbi be even more future proof?
I know that’s a lot. What would smarter people like all of you do?