Recommendation For Next Router. Currently have RT-AC88U and RT-AC68U (as a node).

[nickff]

Hello,

I recently moved to a 1 Gbps internet plan and apparently the RT-AC88U is too old to supply speeds much above 500 Mbps wirelessly to the devices on my network.

I am looking to replace both the AC88U and AC68U and am curious what devices I should be considering.

I want to keep the 8 ethernet ports that I currently have on the 88U and I want the 86U's replacement to play nice as a mesh node.

I could give up the 8 ethernet ports and give a switch a try...but I have never had one (so I there would be a bit of a learning curve) and don't really have the space for another powered device (my network equipment sits near my home theater equipment). Having the 8 port switch built into the router has been quite handy.

Any advice is appreciated!

TIA.

 

[Tech9]

The same size new router with built-in many ports is RT-BE88U.

Wi-Fi speed depends on environment factors and client capabilities.

 

[Tech9]

Better two identical RT-BE88U for Router and Node for super-duper Wi-Fi 7 wireless backhaul and extra LAN ports on both ends.

 

[nickff]

Better two identical RT-BE88U for Router and Node for super-duper Wi-Fi 7 wireless backhaul and extra LAN ports on both ends.

Thanks! If I didn't want to go "big" for the node...which smaller routers play nice with the BE88U? Does it just need to start with an "RT"?

 

[Tech9]

which smaller routers play nice with the BE88U?

This a brand new model with somewhat experimental stage firmware so... let us know what fits best.

Your 500Mbps over Wi-Fi is excellent for AC-class equipment, actually. AX-class router to common AX 2-stream client can do about 800-850Mbps, close to the router and with clear Wi-Fi environment. For more on 5GHz band you need non-guaranteed to work DFS range for 160MHz wide channel and compatible 160MHz capable client. Not all AX clients support 160MHz wide channel. For more on 6GHz band you need all new clients with Wi-Fi 6E/7 support, but you'll lose range. Works really fast in the same room only, basically. Replacing the router only won't give you Gigabit over Wi-Fi. Just want to make sure you have realistic expectations and you don't overpay for marketing nonsense.

 

[Tech9]

devices on my network

Realistic throughput with somewhat clear Wi-Fi environment:

802.11n, 2-stream, 2.4GHz, 20MHz - ~70-90Mbps
802.11ac, 2-stream, 5GHz, 80MHz - ~450-550Mbps
802.11ax, 2-stream, 5GHz, 80MHz - ~700-850Mbps
802.11be, 2-stream, 5GHz, 80MHz - based on PHY rate may go slightly above Gigabit

 

[nickff]

This a brand new model with somewhat experimental stage firmware so... let us know what fits best.

Your 500Mbps over Wi-Fi is excellent for AC-class equipment, actually. AX-class router to common AX 2-stream client can do about 800-850Mbps, close to the router and with clear Wi-Fi environment. For more on 5GHz band you need non-guaranteed to work DFS range for 160MHz wide channel and compatible 160MHz capable client. Not all AX clients support 160MHz wide channel. For more on 6GHz band you need all new clients with Wi-Fi 6E/7 support, but you'll lose range. Works really fast in the same room only, basically. Replacing the router only won't give you Gigabit over Wi-Fi. Just want to make sure you have realistic expectations and you don't overpay for marketing nonsense.

I appreciate this. I must admit..."missing" out on some of the speed is the main reason I was looking to replace my router with a newer model. Occasionally, my 5GHz signal drop the internet connection for a few seconds and when it happened the other day, I finally was pushed towards researching new equipment.

 

[Tech9]

The router with many LAN ports requirement is limiting your hardware choices. Seems like your network load is not high and you can go much cheaper with 2 x RT-AX3000 V2 routers in wired AiMesh as an example. Not really a night and day upgrade, but a refresh with added AX compatibility and extended firmware support. You have to get a switch for your Ethernet connected devices though. A small 8-port Gigabit switch is about $15. This hardware change will give you Gigabit on Ethernet and up to about 800Mbps to your AX clients. Not the latest and greatest, but at reasonable cost. If you plan further ISP speed increase - look for models with 2 x 2.5GbE ports. Some MediaTek models from TUF Gaming series sometimes come cheap on sale.