Value AC Router

[crcostel]

Right now I have an E3200 going, with Comcast 50mb service. We connect:

PS3 (wired) and
2 Laptops
2 S4 cell phones
Ipad
Kindle Fire
Nook HD (all wirelessly)

We use the connection for Netflix/Amazon/Youtube HD streaming and general internet usage.

We have a large apartment with old/thick walls.

For aesthetics the better half would prefer to avoid external antennas

I was looking at upgrading the router and had these options in mind

Netgear R6300v1
Netgear R6250
Netgear R6200v2
DLink DIR-860L
Asus AC56u

Thoughts? Other ideas?

Thanks everyone

 

[L&LD]

If you're able to position the router in the middle of the apartment, the RT-AC56U with the latest Asus beta v.2239 firmware should provide the best performance from what I've seen of my customer's setup.

You just missed a sale on the router for about $99 - but I'm sure there are good deals to be found if you're patient a few days or a couple of weeks.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/forums/showpost.php?p=99500&postcount=365

 

[KGB7]

I cringe when ever a word "aesthetics" is thrown around WiFi.


If external antennas is absolute deal breaker, then i suggest you read the reviews on this site for all the routers you have chosen on your list.

Since you live in apartment, then internal antennas wont be an issue. I used to have Netgear WNDR3700 and it did a decent job in a very tall townhouse.


Personally im leaning towards AC56U.

 

[crcostel]

I cringe when ever a word "aesthetics" is thrown around WiFi.

Part and parcel of living with a boss who cares more how it looks than how it works.

If external antennas is absolute deal breaker, then i suggest you read the reviews on this site for all the routers you have chosen on your list.


Personally im leaning towards AC56U.

To be honest, if I can make it blend in (say under the tv) I could pull of the RT-AC66r. I see newegg has it $125 before $15 promo

 

[jlake]

Are you having problems with the E3200? Use inSSIDer to help you find the best channel.

If I were you, and I was itching to spend money on a new gadget, I'd probably get something other than a new router (unless you're having problems with it).

You could always put DD-WRT or tomato on the E3200 and pretend you got a new router.

Edit:/ or look in to getting one of the new class of powerline adapters (homeplugs)

 

[crcostel]

Are you having problems with the E3200? Use inSSIDer to help you find the best channel.

If I were you, and I was itching to spend money on a new gadget, I'd probably get something other than a new router (unless you're having problems with it).

You could always put DD-WRT or tomato on the E3200 and pretend you got a new router.

Edit:/ or look in to getting one of the new class of powerline adapters (homeplugs)

I am having problems with my E3200. The 5ghz band is useless past 7 feet, even though no one else around uses 5ghz. The 2.4 ghz is stable, but slow. Since I am paying Comcast for 50mb speed, I'd like to get a little closer to it.

 

[KGB7]

Please do not stick a wifi router under anything. It should be sitting freely in the open.

A good place to place a router even with external antennas, is in the kitchen on top of the wall mounted cabinets. But you have to run wires.

Or on top of a book shelf, on top of a cabinet in the office, on top of anything that is above your eye level.


If you place the router under the TV, then TV becomes a wall of interference and a barrier for wifi signal to travel efficiently.

In other words, Wifi components such as routers or AP's are claustrophobic by nature.