Is it time to replace my RT-AC68U?

[whitey019]

In the past I've always had a rule that I replace my router every 3 years. Well I've had my RT-AC68U (A1) for four years next week and it still works well. I'm considering the RT-AC86U. I don't use the VPN capabilities or anything, but I do have a lot of devices in the house; 20-30 at any given time. Also, any range increase would beneficial as my setup has my router at the far end of my 2 story house. Is it time to upgrade or would it be a waste of money?

 

[Pierino]

I didn't find any improvement in range between my rt-ac68p and rt-ac86u.

 

[bbunge]

You may want to stick with the RT-AC68U for a while and maybe get a second one. Asus is working on a mesh firmware which should make it easy to extend your WIFI. See the posts in the Asus-Official area.

 

[PolarBear]

my RT-AC68U (A1) ....still works well.

I don't use the VPN capabilities

any range increase would beneficial

Is it time to upgrade?

Would the only reason for upgrading be a wish to increase the range of the router?

Would the RT-AC86U have better range than your existing RT-AC68U?

However a router and its clients have a two-way conversation, and buying a router that "shouts louder" would not increase range, unless the clients connected to it could also shout louder in reply.

Better might be to improve WiFi coverage by putting another router in access point mode at the far end of the building.

First choice would be to use ethernet to connect the access point (WAN port) to the existing router (LAN port). If running a cable is not an option, using power line or TV coax might be a good choice.

 

[drabisan]

Number of devices is not a problem. A problem is the fancy features like AiProtection, VPN and, just a little QoS.
Range is limited by the power. And that's heavily regulated everywhere in the world. After a while some radio modules may get old, but unless you're seeing a decrease in coverage no matter what channel you choose, there's no reason to suspect the age playing a major role.
Interference is the one playing a major role in coverage. Often when choosing an empty channel you will see few db signal increase and slightly better coverage.

I concur with previous replies: consider a second Asus router and check their page for supported models. Much better choice than hoping a newer model will give you an extended coverage.

 

[Klueless]

Also, any range increase would beneficial as my setup has my router at the far end of my 2 story house

My ISP has me in the corner too. Turned out it was pretty easy to move my router out of the corner (and off the floor) with a short length of Ethernet.