Wireless N and AC, Which should be the AP?

[KevinMN]

I am getting a new AC router to integrate into my system http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/32474-netgear-r8000-nighthawk-x6-first-look but I already have a decent wireless N router http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...band-gigabit-router-reviewed?showall=&start=1

I am planning on using both because my cable line for my modem terminates in the basement and that is where my router is currently (I also have gear down there hooked up) but I am having issues with wifi on the 3rd floor. The house is wired with Cat5e to 1 room on each floor (all run to the basement) so I will easily be able to convert one router to an AP.

The question I have is which one should I have do the routing and which should be the AP?
My idea is to setup the AC router on the main floor to act as the AP for better wifi coverage but I am not sure if that would degrade my overall network speed. Since the routers both have gigabit switches would it matter which does the routing or is one better than the other to be the main router?

I already read this great article http://www.snbforums.com/threads/before-you-ask-about-mixing-n-and-a-b-g-clients.2506/ but it just states that you should choose one to be the AP and one to do the routing.

Thank you for any help you are able to provide.

 

[thiggins]

Both Gigabit switches will perform equally well. The only time the router gets involved is for traffic to/from the internet.

If both routers can handle your ISP's bandwidth, then make the choice based on preference and features.

 

[KevinMN]

Thank you very much for the info!

 

[KevinMN]

Quick follow up question. I have a Drobo that I have been ripping my Blu-Ray's to and would like to be able to watch them using various Plex enabled devices on the netwrok. In this scenario would the routing capability of the Nighthawk R800 be better than WNDR4500 or would it be the same since they both have gigabit switches?