New hardware advice (to replace N66U)

[schmerg]

Hey all,

I've been very happy with my RT-N66U running Merlin's build, but now that it's dropped off the active support list and is (understandably) being left at v380, I suppose it's time to get a new router (and 802.11ac support, and maybe a stronger signal, and unicorns etc).

I'm not so foolish as to ask "which model is best", but my thought was to buy about the newest and latest model to maximise the lifetime of this one, so I've seen a good deal on an RT-AC5300 (https://www.asus.com/uk/Networking/RT-AC5300/ - yeah, subtle it is NOT, but it'll be in a high up cupboard with the patch panel and servers etc).

Is there any known reason why NOT to get this model? Any known issues with Merlin's ability to support it? Any problems with the hardware etc? I'll be using it as the main house router, wired (via a 16 port gigabit switch) and wireless, but won't be using USB ports (I run a home NAS and a small linux server in addition to end-user devices), but I'm just hoping to get about the best wifi performance I can get at the moment and to not have to replace it for another 5 or so years.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Tim

 

[Adamm]

If you don’t need the extra 5ghz band, I’d personally suggest going with the AC86U. It has a better cpu with hardware encryption support which makes a huge difference for VPN/USB operations plus third party scripts.

Also if the AC68U is anything to go by, we can expect long term support for this model as it was intended for it to be its successor. In any case either model would be a huge upgrade over your N66U

 

[schmerg]

If you don’t need the extra 5ghz band, I’d personally suggest going with the AC86U. It has a better cpu with hardware encryption support which makes a huge difference for VPN/USB operations plus third party scripts.

Also if the AC68U is anything to go by, we can expect long term support for this model as it was intended for it to be its successor. In any case either model would be a huge upgrade over your N66U

Ah, precisely the sort of nugget of knowledge I was hoping for.. thanks.
One day the ASUS naming convention will make sense to me... one day...

Cheers

Tim