My N66 died and I am exploring a replacement for the same. AC is a standard now but I am not sure whether I have requirements of a very high end router. I am summarizing my priority requirements
1. Good range - I live in a 1000 sq. ft apartment and because of the structure the signal has to go through at least 2 concrete wall to reach my living room. I do not have many devices connecting simultaneously. I may have 5-6 devices maximum which would connect with 2 of them streaming media at the same time.
2. Good signal strength despite network interference - I live in an apartment complex where network interference is high i.e. everyone has a wireless router and I get at least 10 signals in my apartment from my neighbors
3a. USB option for torrent downloads - I am used to the torrent download feature on N66 directly on the USB and this is an important feature for me.
3b. I also use the router as the media server and stream directly from the router + USB to my entertainment center. This is a mandatory requirement and I want great USB and wireless throughput for this.
4. I do not use QoS and VPN at all (I may end up using openVPN but that is not a primary requirement at all)
5. I loved Merlin's firmware and that's one of the reasons that I prefer Asus over Netgear. But this is not a mandatory requirement.
6. I keep the router on 24*7*365. While the router is in open and not in a confined heat generating space, I am concerned about this as my N66 had just died spontaneously without any signs whatsoever!
7. My current ISP speed is just 40 Mbps and at best it may go to 100 Mbps in another year. So dont' see anymore increase in the speeds immediately.
Would appreciate if you can share some suggestions. Budget is not much of a concern as of now and want to get a reliable router which can give me good range. I am even open to other suggestions but I am not sure whether the additional money I'll put in would be actually useful to me as I am not a power user.
1. Good range - I live in a 1000 sq. ft apartment and because of the structure the signal has to go through at least 2 concrete wall to reach my living room. I do not have many devices connecting simultaneously. I may have 5-6 devices maximum which would connect with 2 of them streaming media at the same time.
2. Good signal strength despite network interference - I live in an apartment complex where network interference is high i.e. everyone has a wireless router and I get at least 10 signals in my apartment from my neighbors
3a. USB option for torrent downloads - I am used to the torrent download feature on N66 directly on the USB and this is an important feature for me.
3b. I also use the router as the media server and stream directly from the router + USB to my entertainment center. This is a mandatory requirement and I want great USB and wireless throughput for this.
4. I do not use QoS and VPN at all (I may end up using openVPN but that is not a primary requirement at all)
5. I loved Merlin's firmware and that's one of the reasons that I prefer Asus over Netgear. But this is not a mandatory requirement.
6. I keep the router on 24*7*365. While the router is in open and not in a confined heat generating space, I am concerned about this as my N66 had just died spontaneously without any signs whatsoever!
7. My current ISP speed is just 40 Mbps and at best it may go to 100 Mbps in another year. So dont' see anymore increase in the speeds immediately.
Would appreciate if you can share some suggestions. Budget is not much of a concern as of now and want to get a reliable router which can give me good range. I am even open to other suggestions but I am not sure whether the additional money I'll put in would be actually useful to me as I am not a power user.
