Router needed that can handle a lot of Wireless devices/Games/Movies

[JOE.G]

Hi, I need a router that has,
good range
Can handle Streaming Netflix,
Online Games and so on.
There are 6 people in the home, that use I Pods, Ps3, Wii, Laptops,Kindles,Smart Phones, Smart TVs and so on. I need a router that is easy to set up and can handle this type of use.
Thanks for the help I Don't know much about routers But everything we have is wireless.

 

[Nullity]

Hi, I need a router that has,
good range
Can handle Streaming Netflix,
Online Games and so on.
There are 6 people in the home, that use I Pods, Ps3, Wii, Laptops,Kindles,Smart Phones, Smart TVs and so on. I need a router that is easy to set up and can handle this type of use.
Thanks for the help I Don't know much about routers But everything we have is wireless.

Considering that the latest WiFi spec (802.11ac) supports gigabit wireless speeds and the previous spec (802.11n) supports 150mbit+, the potentially limiting factor is not WiFi, but more likely your internet connection. In my limited experience, a single 720p streaming video will use approximately 3mbit of your download speed. If you run 4 simultaneous 720p Youtube streams (~12mbit total download) and you have only 10mbit connection, your gaming experience will suffer. Even the best routers can't help you there (unless you want to tumble down the complex and often misunderstood QoS/traffic-shaping rabbit-hole).

One thing you might consider, depending on your required wireless range, is whether to buy one wireless router that would be centrally located, or to buy two wireless routers and have them at opposite sides of the house.

The often mentioned routers I see are the RT-AC66U and the RT-AC68U. I am happy with my RT-N66U. Really though, all the requirements you listed are standard things, so any highly rated router should be more than enough.

The parent site http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/ has some great reviews and easily browsable rankings.


If you have a very fast internet connection (250mbit+), your selection will be mostly limited to the high-end ($200+) routers if you want to fully utilize your connection.

 

[JOE.G]

I am unsure of my exact internet speed here, I have Road Runner from TWC which is cable. To use a AC Router I would need equipment that can handle AC?

 

[azazel1024]

Yes, but even 11n gear will benefit from an 11ac router to some degree, especially at longer distances.

At a guess, if you don't know your internet speed and being TWC, I'd guess you probably have something like a 15-30Mbps down and 3-5Mbps up package. Which means a GOOD 11n router should handle it fine.

That said, since some pretty decent 11ac routers are starting to be pretty low in price, and they likely will handle multiple clients at least slightly better than even the top 11n routers, might as well go for them.

TP-Link Archer C7 is only around $85 these days.

That said, with 6 people sharing one internet connection, probably needs to be a pretty decent internet connection to not be brought to its knees sometimes, especially if anyone decides to do anything like torrenting.

 

[JOE.G]

According to TWC I have the 30 Bit. I guess I need to get a Modem also or a Combo Modem Router like I have now, Any tips on a Modem or should I go with a Modem Router combo?

 

[azazel1024]

According to TWC I have the 30 Bit. I guess I need to get a Modem also or a Combo Modem Router like I have now, Any tips on a Modem or should I go with a Modem Router combo?

I would get a standalone modem, but is there a problem living with the one TWC provided? Or is it an issue of not wanting to pay a modem rental?

I would NOT get a combo modem/router.

For 30Mbps service, and if that is pretty much all devices are being used for on the network, then a decent 11n router should more than handle that, as you are already going to be very internet bandwidth constrained with that many devices and any router limitations are not going to really impact you so much.

 

[JOE.G]

TWC gave me a new Router/Modem as the one I had was only good to 15 Bit and things seem to be working better now. I did the math and it would take me over two years to of rental fee to pay off a Router and Modem that I buy, Plus if it breaks It's on me, I may just be better sticking with there equipment.

IF I was to get my own what Modem and Router are the top choices?

 

[Shelbrain]

IF I was to get my own what Modem and Router are the top choices?

In my research, a lot of people seem to recommend the Motorola SB6121 and the newer model SB6141.

 

[JOE.G]

Those were teh two i was looking at on Amazon, both had great reviews.