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Need Advice New wireless router recommendations

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by Whithorn, Aug 17, 2020.

  1. Whithorn

    Whithorn New Member

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    Hi all,

    So I'm looking to upgrade my wireless router and thought I'd reach out for some suggestions. Does anyone care to share what they're currently using and are happy with?

    My current router is several years old - Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 and while I haven't had many wireless issues, I'm not always thrilled with my wireless speed tests and with distance learning approaching and two parents working full time from home at the moment, I'm thinking it might be time for an upgrade.

    I'm considering just upgrading to a newer, faster traditional router but I'm also curious what experiences people have had with some of the mesh options - Nest Wifi or eero/eero pro?

    For what it's worth, I'm in Southern Walk so we have the 1gig fios plan.
     
  2. techeng01

    techeng01 Member

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    we went with eero pro 3-pack (sometimes on sale) based on quick review/recommendation search. No issues setting up and it definitely improved coverage and speed throughout the house. It does not offer advanced router configurations so if you need that, read up before purchasing.
     
    Whithorn likes this.
  3. stevenbdjr

    stevenbdjr Member

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    I've been working in IT since 1995, and have run some form of hobbyist or professional grade router / firewall in my house since my first broadband connection in 2000. A year ago I finally gave that up because I have more important things to do than fiddle with a home network to optimize my wireless performance. I purchased an eero pro system (pre-Amazon buyout) and haven't looked back. Yes, I lost some control and gave up some flexibility, but in return I got a bulletproof mesh system for my house of 6, and I can manage it all from my iPhone. Installation was easy since I use Ethernet for my FiOS connection so I don't depend on their router for the MoCA connection (network over coaxial cable).

    I'm almost embarrassed to say I currently have 28 connected devices (about 8 of those wired) and another 12 devices currently powered off, and I have no connectivity or speed issues using it with my in-home Plex server (streaming) and our 300Mbit FIOS. I do wish I had a little more reach outside, but I'll probably solve that at some point with a third beacon on my covered porch in the summer.

    I've also heard good things about the Netgear and Linksys mesh systems, but have no personal experience with them. I've used Ubiquiti's systems in some customer environments, and they're alright. I haven't used their consumer-grade systems.
     
    Whithorn likes this.
  4. signifer

    signifer Member

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    I had a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 and recently switched to a Netgear MK63 ($200 at Costco). It's a WIFI 6 Mesh system (an MR60 router and 2 MS60 satellites). The latest firmware includes Netgear Armor (bitdefender in the router and on as many devices as you want); this is free for a year. We're in a Southern Walk townhouse and are getting better wireless performance throughout the house than we did with the R7000.

    I'm reasonably happy with it but I find Netgear customer service to be horrible (close to nonexistent). If you don't like it, Costco will take it back (within 90 days).
     
    Whithorn likes this.
  5. sassogm

    sassogm New Member

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    I purchase the Orbi Mesh Network for my house. Works great!
     
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  6. Josh Dietrich

    Josh Dietrich New Member

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    Back in January I was frustrated enough with the WiFi coverage in my house that I sought professional help. I worked with Todd B at Nova ITS https://novaits.com/. It was a little pricey but was totally worth it for the peace of mind we've had ever since. Our WiFi coverage has been rock-solid throughout the house. I've got Verizon FIOS with the default router that comes with that, but we turned it's WiFi off and Todd put in UniFi devices across the house. I'd highly recommend him if you need professional help (although sounds like you probably don't).
     
    Whithorn likes this.
  7. Excelsior

    Excelsior Southern Walk||IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO||

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    How much ballpark did you spend? Are you in Southern Walk? Did this company go into your patch panel and re-wire anything? I've often thought that the best way to modernize our ~2004 construction is to replace all the Cat 5e wires with Cat 6 or Cat 7, run one wire to a main data port, then have that data port feed the Fios Router (set to Bridge mode) with a Cat 6/7 connection to a strong mesh system. I haven't done any of this cause it's probably not worth the expense. I get 900 up, 840 down on my wired device and 350/350 on my phone when near the Fios router. This hardly ever varies.
     
  8. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    google wifi mesh.. I even put it in my parents place because I wanted near idiot proof setup and tampering.. has worked great.
     
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  9. jwf

    jwf Active Member

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    I upgraded my FIOS to gig speed a couple months ago and dropped my monthly bill by $20 to boot.

    I decided to stick with the FIOS new G3100 router. It usually got the highest ratings of any WiFi router in all the reviews I read. I can report that I am very happy with it. I have 30 devices and I see no performance issues. I didn't get the extender because the signal is much better than my old DLink and don't need it now.
     
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  10. jancontact

    jancontact New Member

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    I have problems with internet suddenly dropping since 3 weeks and needed to change the router, I got NetGear NightHawk AX5400 Wifi 6 protocol . It works to an extent but not enough. Thinking of getting a Mesh but not sure if that will solve the problem. Google Nest Mesh is still at wifi6 they didnt upgrade to AX or Wifi6 so I will get either LinkSys or Eero mostly.
     
  11. signifer

    signifer Member

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    Did you try updating the router firmware? Netgear has done some updates to improve stability on some routers.
     

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