Need Good Upgrade to my RT-N66U

[illus4567]

Got about 150 mpbs coming from Comast Coax. The only big data need is when everyone is watching Netflix at once. My sons will be gamers probably a year from now. I also need something that provides more signal coverage.

The N66U mostly handles everything but when a device inadvertently hits the 2.4 signal everything slows down so it's a pain to constantly have to select the 5ghz channel. Not sure if a new router will help with that.

I would also like to start using VPN on the router: either Mulvad or ProtoVPN. Wondering if RT-AC86U with Merlin is the way forward?

 

[L&LD]

RMerlin + RT-AC86U for your environment seems like a great fit.

 

[illus4567]

Thanks so much! Purchased the AC86U and it's a fine upgrade. Don't even need mesh or other access points.

I'm a total Merlin noob - is there a good 1) quickstart guide to flashing with merlin and a 2) good settings overview cheatsheet?

Thanks so much!

 

[L&LD]

You may find the M&M Config and ideally the Nuclear Reset guides in the link below useful (it is the link in my signature below).

https://www.snbforums.com/members/l-ld.24423/#info

 

[Klueless]

Purchased the AC86U and it's a fine upgrade. Don't even need mesh or other access points.

I'm a total Merlin noob - is there a good 1) quickstart guide to flashing with merlin and a 2) good settings overview cheatsheet?

Good. I'm glad you are happy with the AC86U. I had several N66Us. I replaced one with an AC1900P and another with a Blue Cave. Now don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with both of them but when I replaced a couple of other N66Us with AC86Us there was a definite "Wow!" factor! Co-workers even stopped me and said, "What the hell? I'm getting WiFi everywhere!" I had gotten the 86Us for VPN, that worked great too.

Merlin? I ran it on my N66Us. It really got me out of a few jams. Haven't loaded it on my newer routers yet. I'm lazy. If it ain't broke don't fix it : -)

 

[L&LD]

If you don't 'break' it at least once, you won't learn and you'll have a worse browsing/networking experience too.