RT-86u or RT-AX88U for VPN

[ASadani]

I need advice on adding an additional router to my configuration. Currently, I have the AC-86u and have the VPN Applet perfectly working on it on merlin. Now I need to run an additional applet and need an additional router to make that happen. Since I have the Lenovo 940, It comes with the AX wifi card.

Should I go with the AX6000 RT-AX88U ? Does merlin support it and does it make sense to get that setup? My internet is 250 Mbps and my VPN max at 190 Mbps. Without VPN I get 260 Mbps so I don't think I need the AX speeds but should I get it for future proof? Is the wifi range and merlin support good with the AX6000?
Or should I just get another trusted 86u?

Much appreciate your views

 

[Makaveli]

I need advice on adding an additional router to my configuration. Currently, I have the AC-86u and have the VPN Applet perfectly working on it on merlin. Now I need to run an additional applet and need an additional router to make that happen. Since I have the Lenovo 940, It comes with the AX wifi card.

Should I go with the AX6000 RT-AX88U ? Does merlin support it and does it make sense to get that setup? My internet is 250 Mbps and my VPN max at 190 Mbps. Without VPN I get 260 Mbps so I don't think I need the AX speeds but should I get it for future proof? Is the wifi range and merlin support good with the AX6000?
Or should I just get another trusted 86u?

Much appreciate your views

AX88U is supported by Merlin firmware.

The AC86U and the AX88U share the same processor only difference is one is dual core and the other is a quad core. In terms of speed they will be the same you will be able to run a few more vpn clients on the quad core.

Depending on your budget and sales price maybe better to just get another ac86u if you have the cash then get the AX88U one difference I didn't mention is AC86U has 512mb of Ram and the AX88U has 1GB plus Wifi 6 (AX) support if you have any client devices that support it.

 

[ASadani]

AX88U is supported by Merlin firmware.

The AC86U and the AX88U share the same processor only difference is one is dual-core and the other is a quad-core. In terms of speed they will be the same you will be able to run a few more vpn clients on the quad core.

Depending on your budget and sales price maybe better to just get another ac86u if you have the cash then get the AX88U one difference I didn't mention is AC86U has 512mb of Ram and the AX88U has 1GB plus Wifi 6 (AX) support if you have any client devices that support it.

Thanks much for your reply. Although I could run additional VPN clients, OpenVPN does not work with this provider. We have to use the VPN applet and hence getting a second router for a second applet.

I do have an AX client laptop, however, don't really see the need to invest an additional 150 usd (190 usd for the 86u vs 360 usd for the ax88u)

Does the AX88u have a much higher / better range? then I'll think on that front?

 

[CaptainSTX]

Instead of spending big dollars for another router how about a new VPN provider?

Currently with PIA I run two VPN clients one on Port 1197 and the other on 1198. PIA supports VPN connections using eleven ports however the settings for some of them are not supported by Merlin's firmware. As an experiment I did at one time have four PIA configurations running simultaneously using four clients.

PIA charges me US$39.95 per year.

 

[ASadani]

Instead of spending big dollars for another router how about a new VPN provider?

Currently with PIA I run two VPN clients one on Port 1197 and the other on 1198. PIA supports VPN connections using eleven ports however the settings for some of them are not supported by Merlin's firmware. As an experiment I did at one time have four PIA configurations running simultaneously using four clients.

PIA charges me US$39.95 per year.

Although that would be a viable option in most scenarios, openvpn does not work in this region and hence cannot change. I can install multiple vpn clients but sadly none will sustain a stable connection.