Replacement for AC-87U

[Routify]

Hi all,

After a decade of extremely good and reliable service, I believe the time has slowly come to upgrade the router. Whilst from an environmental PoV I don't want to given the fact it still works flawlessly and is speedy enough (600mpbs over 5Ghz), the lack of recent updates is the main issue.

I see a lot of mixed advice online (and even here sometimes) so I thought I'd ask the experts. What would be a wise upgrade? I would prefer 2.5Gbit (at least 2 but 1 would be fine if I just connect the NAS) and maybe WiFi 7. The last one limits the options in my region quite a bit but it might be more future proof and I have some devices capable of using it. From my own research, I see that it is important that the 6Ghz option doesn't come at the expense of good 5ghz. I have a 1gbit internet connection and do quite a bit of selfhosting, but I believe any router is powerful enough for that. It's all tunneled via cloudflare anyway.

Many thanks in advance guys!

 

[Routify]

Small bump, despite waiting for BF I do like to do some research in advance

 

[Tech9]

You get no replies because there are perhaps 100 threads in this very same forum section answering this very same question.

 

[Routify]

You get no replies because there are perhaps 100 threads in this very same forum section answering this very same question.

Well sortof, it's a bit more nuanced especially since my choice is a bit more limited here. I have definitely looked around but don't see a similar enough thread.

 

[Tech9]

since my choice is a bit more limited here

You further limited your choice to Asus products only. Choose one and hope for the best. The firmware is in somewhat experimental stage and you'll become a freelance beta tester. The device may not be as stable as your old one and most likely won't be supported for that long. Things change.

 

[Routify]

You further limited your choice to Asus products only. Choose one and hope for the best. The firmware is in somewhat experimental stage and you'll become a freelance beta tester. The device may not be as stable as your old one and most likely won't be supported for that long. Things change.

Hmm good point, wasn't aware it was this big of an issue. What would you say is a proper alternative?

 

[SeriousFamily]

RT AX86u Pro - budget
RT BE86u - future proof
GT-BE98 Pro - high end cost

The talk on the forum / buy high cost asus router or spend money elseware

UniFi - Introduction - Ubiquiti

UniFi is building the future of IT. Industry-leading products magically unified in an incredible software interface with scalable, license-free cloud management.

ui.com

 

[KGB7]

Take a look at Glinet MT6000. You get a lot for a low price. For more question to go to their forum.

 

[Routify]

You further limited your choice to Asus products only. Choose one and hope for the best. The firmware is in somewhat experimental stage and you'll become a freelance beta tester. The device may not be as stable as your old one and most likely won't be supported for that long. Things change.

Would you say it's wise to let the WifI7 and 6Ghz wish go? The ASUS RT-BE92U is quite discounted but when I read its forum post I saw that some say the 2x2 is a concern, when others say it is totally not. Plus some broadcom dude fighting.

I enjoy the stability and speed (still pushing 500-600mbps) of this router but if you say that that spirit of Asus is gone now I should face facts

 

[Tech9]

Would you say it's wise to let the WifI7 and 6Ghz wish go?

Test your luck and see how it goes. I personally plan to skip the entire Wi-Fi 7 mess of standards and conditions. Wi-Fi 6 is pushing >800Mbps over Wi-Fi with good range, my guaranteed bandwidth clients are all wired. None of my mobile clients needs Gigabit or faster speeds. I prefer reliability over cutting edge technology with few available clients. Your situation may be different and your hardware choices too.

 

[Routify]

Test your luck and see how it goes. I personally plan to skip the entire Wi-Fi 7 mess of standards and conditions. Wi-Fi 6 is pushing >800Mbps over Wi-Fi with good range, my guaranteed bandwidth clients are all wired. None of my mobile clients needs Gigabit or faster speeds. I prefer reliability over cutting edge technology with few available clients. Your situation may be different and your hardware choices too.

You are probably right. I am a sucker for new stuff but in the end I only 2 WiFi7 capable devices. Was more thinking future proofing but I know that's a dangerous path.

I'll just focus on a good WiFi6 router with 2.5GBPs ports. I do really like to try ubiquity but compared to a single Asus router it is a bit on the pricey side. ASUS RT-BE88U is quite discounted for me.

 

[Tech9]

Was more thinking future proofing

No much future proofing with home routers. Whatever you buy today will be EoL in 5 years or less.