Router options?

[Toothless]

Okay so I have this ASUS RT-n65r or 65u or whatever it is and it's somewhere in the house but I can't find it for the life of me. I'm moving my setup into a different room and I don't know the router game at all.

It's gotta be budget, have the 5ghz on it (5g+2.4g is preferred) and have a few ethernet ports.

I do have the option of ebay..

Oh and the reason I need a router for any is because the current wifi channel is so badly saturated that my stuff won't stay connected.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Apparently these are a good budget buy, just note that the 2.4GHz performance isn't great, but that might not be an issue for you? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXK14S0/?tag=tec06d-20

Another option might be this, budget permitting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVN21DK/?tag=tec06d-20

Both supports DD-WRT/OpenWRT as well, in case you don't like the Linksys firmware.

If you don't mind certified refurbished, this is a good deal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XD5DT5J/?tag=tec06d-20
I have this one myself and it's very stable and has good range/speeds, but at new price, it's not a budget buy.

I would get an AC1900 or above router, but no point going beyond AC2600 (stay away from AC2350/AC2400 as they have weird hardware), as the higher numbers just add a third 5GHz radio which you most likely don't need and which simply adds cost. Also, don't go too cheap, as the really cheap stuff tends to not perform too well and if you want to change to a third party OS, there might not be enough flash for that and they usually use slower components. Oh and stay away from D-Link, they don't give a shit about software security.

The fact that you can't find your router is a bit disconcerting though, as you'd have to replace your current router with the new one, unless of course you change service provider and your internet line comes in elsewhere in your home.

 

[Toothless]

I was actually looking at the AC1750 since it's more within my budget. We only get 15-20mbps down and the reason I prefer the 5ghz is because only one device in the house supports it which is my main rig. Everyone else is happy with 2.4 and it makes me happy because I basically get wired speeds. I have a extender which sits on the 2.4 that feeds a couple machines and I know the 2.4 can handle it better.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I'm suggesting AC1900 as the Wi-Fi chipsets in those are "gen 2" vs "gen 1" in AC1750 routers, which means you'll see improved performance and range overall, even on 2.4GHz. Most AC1900 routers also have much faster processors than the AC1750 ones, so you won't choke the SoC if you have a lot of devices. In fact, many AC1750 routers only have single core SoCs whereas most AC1900 routers have dual core.

If you're happy with Asus, this is another option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTAURW/?tag=tec06d-20

Here's another certified refurbished option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6GVJ87/?tag=tec06d-20

And another one (third buying option) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RFT2ZGG/?tag=tec06d-20

 

[Good Guru]

I got mine for like 12 dollars used on ebay, they have new and used ones, just have to make sure it is fully working and comes with a power cord!

 

[jsfitz54]

You can look at this ASUS router. It works well with Merlin Firmware.

http://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...-WirelessRouters-_-33320265-S2A2D&ignorebbr=1

 

[remixedcat]

Ubiquiti Edgerouter lite and some APs will provide smarter coverage than one "high powered" router at the same price. However if power requirements are crap than WRT1900ACS or R7000 with DDWRT or a Luxul would work...

 

[Aquinus]

We only get 15-20mbps down and the reason I prefer the 5ghz is because only one device in the house supports it which is my main rig. Everyone else is happy with 2.4 and it makes me happy because I basically get wired speeds.

If speeds are that slow, it's not even worth bothering with 5Ghz unless 2.4 is ultra-congested. I use 5Ghz because I get almost 230Mbit down and even on 5Ghz, my tower can only get about 190Mbit and the router is in the room opposite of the room I'm in where my laptop gets the full 230. 2.4Ghz is a lower energy wave and as a result, travels further and is impacted less by physical obstacles. 5Ghz on the other hand is a higher energy wave, attenuates faster, and is impacted by physical impediments more. If you're far away from the router, 2.4Ghz is the better option. If you're closer to it, 5Ghz offers more bandwidth but, it's not any more stable unless 2.4Ghz is already saturated with other networks.

Ubiquiti Edgerouter lite and some APs will provide smarter coverage than one "high powered" router at the same price. However if power requirements are crap than WRT1900ACS or R7000 with DDWRT or a Luxul would work...

He said on a budget. I doubt he's willing to pay more than 100 USD total.

it makes me happy because I basically get wired speeds

Wired speeds of 15-20Mbit?

current wifi channel

Just one? Have you just tried setting the router to auto and letting it pick the least problematic?

 

[remixedcat]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8EKE/?tag=tec06d-20 75 bucks...not too bad + a couple lites is just 150 total if you can bundle good enough

 

[Toothless]

If speeds are that slow, it's not even worth bothering with 5Ghz unless 2.4 is ultra-congested. I use 5Ghz because I get almost 230Mbit down and even on 5Ghz, my tower can only get about 190Mbit and the router is in the room opposite of the room I'm in where my laptop gets the full 230. 2.4Ghz is a lower energy wave and as a result, travels further and is impacted less by physical obstacles. 5Ghz on the other hand is a higher energy wave, attenuates faster, and is impacted by physical impediments more. If you're far away from the router, 2.4Ghz is the better option. If you're closer to it, 5Ghz offers more bandwidth but, it's not any more stable unless 2.4Ghz is already saturated with other networks.

He said on a budget. I doubt he's willing to pay more than 100 USD total.

Wired speeds of 15-20Mbit?

Just one? Have you just tried setting the router to auto and letting it pick the least problematic?

So my ISP gives me about 25mbps max down, and whenever I've used the 2.4 I've never hit close to that max unless I used the 5. My last setup was my main desktop on the 5 and all my other stuff on the 2.4 which worked perfectly fine since nothing got in the way. The distance between the devices will be close enough for the 5 to do amazing which is why I really want to keep it in the mix.

 

[Kursah]

At those WAN speeds, I'd look at an Ubiquity EdgeRouter X for $52 to do routing/firewall duties, and then get a UniFI AC Pro for $128. For less than the price of many overpriced "gaming routers" these days, you can have business grade LAN infrastructure and reliability. If you need more LAN ports, get a cheap gigabit switch.

But depending on your budget that might not work for you... so changing to the AC Lite would keep it all closer to the $140 mark. The AC Pro is better and IMHO worth the extra cost for extra speed and range, especially if you prefer 5GHz and only need one AP to cover your area. A real access point is also worth it over these wireless routers IMHO. I use two Asus routers at home as AP's, an AC-66U and an AC-68U...and both of them combined still falls short of one UniFi Pro range and signal quality-wise in my testing.

Did you find your Asus router? You mentioned you can't find it? You can download a Wifi Analyzer app (there's quite a few) for free from Google Play. That might help you...with most home-grade wireless routers when you see close to -40db, you're very close...if you can see -3Xdb you're right next to it.

 

[v12dock]

+1 Ubiquiti

 

[Toothless]

Let's just say my budget is limited enough to where I'm considering fleabay for goodies if that helps to know how much I really want to spend.

 

[Kursah]

Why not hunt down your current router then so you can relocate it to a more appropriate location?

Have you tried running Merlin firmware on it?

If your budget is $25, I'd keep saving.

 

[dirtyferret]

If speeds are that slow, it's not even worth bothering with 5Ghz unless 2.4 is ultra-congested. I use 5Ghz because I get almost 230Mbit down and even on 5Ghz, my tower can only get about 190Mbit and the router is in the room opposite of the room I'm in where my laptop gets the full 230.

What ISP do you have? I pay an arm and leg just for 60mbps down

So my ISP gives me about 25mbps max down, and whenever I've used the 2.4 I've never hit close to that max unless I used the 5. My last setup was my main desktop on the 5 and all my other stuff on the 2.4 which worked perfectly fine since nothing got in the way. The distance between the devices will be close enough for the 5 to do amazing which is why I really want to keep it in the mix.

I'm a bit confused. Are you currently using The RT-N65U (which had crap range on the 2.4ghz) or you have a spare one? Does your ISP offer a free wi-fi router? Most are crap 1200AC but they are free which meets your budget and will outperform the N65U (if I recall the Asus N600 router outperformed the N750). Regardless getting an AC1900 or AC2600 are often pointless (especially with 25 mbps down) since they rarely offer better range then the new AC 1700. In fact the new Asus AC1700 B1 is actually a AC1900 router sold as a 1700.

 

[flmatter]

@Toothless I may have an ac1900 in my closet, pm'ed you.

 

[Konceptz]

Okay so I have this ASUS RT-n65r or 65u or whatever it is and it's somewhere in the house but I can't find it for the life of me. I'm moving my setup into a different room and I don't know the router game at all.

It's gotta be budget, have the 5ghz on it (5g+2.4g is preferred) and have a few ethernet ports.

I do have the option of ebay..

Oh and the reason I need a router for any is because the current wifi channel is so badly saturated that my stuff won't stay connected.

Keep your current router, disable wireless on it and install one of these http://a.co/6GwXQCC

 

[Aquinus]

If your budget is $25, I'd keep saving.

This. This this, and more this.

Seriously though @Toothless, if wifi is congested and you don't have super fast internet, I was able to get at least 50Mbit using powerline adapters on two circuits on the 2nd floor with the breaker box in the basement. Base your network on what your internet can do. You don't need a new router. You need to save some money and think harder about what you want to do and if it's even worth doing at all if $25 is all you're willing or capable of spending because to me, that means you don't need it.

 

[Toothless]

Why not hunt down your current router then so you can relocate it to a more appropriate location?

Have you tried running Merlin firmware on it?

If your budget is $25, I'd keep saving.

What ISP do you have? I pay an arm and leg just for 60mbps down



I'm a bit confused. Are you currently using The RT-N65U (which had crap range on the 2.4ghz) or you have a spare one? Does your ISP offer a free wi-fi router? Most are crap 1200AC but they are free which meets your budget and will outperform the N65U (if I recall the Asus N600 router outperformed the N750). Regardless getting an AC1900 or AC2600 are often pointless (especially with 25 mbps down) since they rarely offer better range then the new AC 1700. In fact the new Asus AC1700 B1 is actually a AC1900 router sold as a 1700.

Keep your current router, disable wireless on it and install one of these http://a.co/6GwXQCC

This. This this, and more this.

Seriously though @Toothless, if wifi is congested and you don't have super fast internet, I was able to get at least 50Mbit using powerline adapters on two circuits on the 2nd floor with the breaker box in the basement. Base your network on what your internet can do. You don't need a new router. You need to save some money and think harder about what you want to do and if it's even worth doing at all if $25 is all you're willing or capable of spending because to me, that means you don't need it.

I can't find the Asus router which is why I'm looking to get a different one. Literally tore the house apart to look for it and still can't find it. (As said in first post)

Our ISP is Century Link and the wireless on that is being shared to too many people and it just drops when too many things are on it. I'd rather not sit there and run at 2mbps because someone wants to watch netflix.

Mainly what I need is stable wireless that won't slow down when at a distance. (two walls and about 30 feet) though powerline might be an option the issue there is that there will be three desktops in that room with only one having a wireless card that works well.

 

[Kursah]

I can't find the Asus router which is why I'm looking to get a different one. Literally tore the house apart to look for it and still can't find it. (As said in first post)

Did you use a wireless signal tracker like I suggested in my first response? If you have an Android device, there's at least a dozen options. I use Wifi Analyzer and Wifi Analyser.

Unless someone is using an extension cord, those only have 4ft power cable adapters, so between that and finding the lowest db signal you can for the SSID your house uses, you should be able to find it with a little more investigative work.

Our ISP is Century Link and the wireless on that is being shared to too many people and it just drops when too many things are on it. I'd rather not sit there and run at 2mbps because someone wants to watch netflix.

How many users total? I have anywhere between 5-10 users on my wifi at home with no issues...but my AC66U and AC68U both act only as AP's. I used to use an EdgeRouter Lite-3 as my router/firewall but upgraded to a custom built PFSense setup last year. Both have been great options.

I also have experience with the EdgeRouter X, which at $52 is an excellent deal for a very capable little router. You could get one and turn your current Asus router into a wireless AP, that would likely be the cheapest and most effective budget option you have.

Have you checked or upgraded the firmware?

Or as I suggested previously as well checking out MerlinWRT? That improved wireless performance on my AC66U years ago. You could also try Tomato or DD-WRT. I prefer Merlin as it is based on AsusWRT and has been an excellent experience.

Mainly what I need is stable wireless that won't slow down when at a distance. (two walls and about 30 feet) though powerline might be an option the issue there is that there will be three desktops in that room with only one having a wireless card that works well.

You won't get that for $25. Keep saving.

If you want better wireless signal you need more powerful and dedicated devices like Access Points as suggested above, I prefer Ruckus but who has $600 for a single AP? That's why I tend to buy and recommend Ubiquity AP's for between $70-150 you get a great AP with good range, signal quality and options.

You can re-purpose an old wireless router as an AP though, so that might be an option if you are willing to do an Ethernet run where you need to boost your signal. The nice thing is it will also act as a switch so the other LAN ports can connect to other devices via Ethernet cable as well. I do this with my AC-66U on the ground floor.

 

[Toothless]

Did you use a wireless signal tracker like I suggested in my first response? If you have an Android device, there's at least a dozen options. I use Wifi Analyzer and Wifi Analyser.

Unless someone is using an extension cord, those only have 4ft power cable adapters, so between that and finding the lowest db signal you can for the SSID your house uses, you should be able to find it with a little more investigative work.



How many users total? I have anywhere between 5-10 users on my wifi at home with no issues...but my AC66U and AC68U both act only as AP's. I used to use an EdgeRouter Lite-3 as my router/firewall but upgraded to a custom built PFSense setup last year. Both have been great options.

I also have experience with the EdgeRouter X, which at $52 is an excellent deal for a very capable little router. You could get one and turn your current Asus router into a wireless AP, that would likely be the cheapest and most effective budget option you have.

Have you checked or upgraded the firmware?

Or as I suggested previously as well checking out MerlinWRT? That improved wireless performance on my AC66U years ago. You could also try Tomato or DD-WRT. I prefer Merlin as it is based on AsusWRT and has been an excellent experience.



You won't get that for $25. Keep saving.

If you want better wireless signal you need more powerful and dedicated devices like Access Points as suggested above, I prefer Ruckus but who has $600 for a single AP? That's why I tend to buy and recommend Ubiquity AP's for between $70-150 you get a great AP with good range, signal quality and options.

You can re-purpose an old wireless router as an AP though, so that might be an option if you are willing to do an Ethernet run where you need to boost your signal. The nice thing is it will also act as a switch so the other LAN ports can connect to other devices via Ethernet cable as well. I do this with my AC-66U on the ground floor.

1. It's been powered off for a few months, not sure how I can find a signal when it didn't have its power cable for a long time.

2. Ranges from a few to quite a few depending on who in the other houses is online and who all does what. The one thing I won't drop from is my own dedicated wireless network because even on my phone once someone starts streaming the stock network from the ISP modem goes under. I never thought a throttled data network would be faster than wifi until that happened.

3. Never flashed anything ever and not sure how much I trust myself in doing so.

4. I'm okay with going up to around $60-$75 total, though the lower the better.

 

[biffzinker]

How about a powerline to ethernet adapter? Unless the device is Wifi only.
TP-Link AV200 Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit, up to 200Mbps (TL-PA2010KIT)

 

[Kursah]

1. It's been powered off for a few months, not sure how I can find a signal when it didn't have its power cable for a long time.

Hopefully you can find it...you can get power adapters for relatively cheap.

2. Ranges from a few to quite a few depending on who in the other houses is online and who all does what. The one thing I won't drop from is my own dedicated wireless network because even on my phone once someone starts streaming the stock network from the ISP modem goes under. I never thought a throttled data network would be faster than wifi until that happened.

Dedicated SSID's can be nice to have for various reasons. With AP's like Ubiquity you can also set a bandwidth limit per-user up and down, quite handy for situations like this where you may have a lot of guests using the WiFi network(s).

If you have a better wireless device, you'll find that it'll handle more users more easily. Where an Asus router might struggle with 10 or more... Ubiquity can handle 50-150+...as can Cisco, Ruckus, and many others. Business grade gear is the way to go...maybe you can luck out and find a used part for a good price too!

3. Never flashed anything ever and not sure how much I trust myself in doing so.

Download file, go to Firmware Upgrade section in router, browse and locate downloaded file, and upload. In some instances it can be more complicated, but in most it really isn't anymore thankfully. Far less complex than the enterprise-grade gear I deal with on a daily basis, that's for sure!

https://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/

4. I'm okay with going up to around $60-$75 total, though the lower the better.

Well you know where I stand here. Even that budget is pretty puny honestly. No offense.

I'd suggest you find that Asus, buy a power adapter for it, and buy an EdgeRouter X to act as your router. That would be a pretty solid setup. Then the Asus can use its CPU to process wireless clients and packets, rather than routing and firewall filtering...both of which the EdgeRouter X does far far far better. You'd have a better, more stable and secure network. Add Merlin to that Asus router, and you could potentially improve its performance and stability a tad further as well.

If I were in your shoes, and on that budget, that's what I'd do. Also check Craigslist, you might luck out and grab a decent Netgear, Asus, Belkin, D-Link, TP-Link, or whatever brand router that you could use as well. Being in Washington, if you're near Seattle last I checked they had a pretty busy CL tech section...been a few months since I last checked tho.

 

[Toothless]

Hopefully you can find it...you can get power adapters for relatively cheap.



Dedicated SSID's can be nice to have for various reasons. With AP's like Ubiquity you can also set a bandwidth limit per-user up and down, quite handy for situations like this where you may have a lot of guests using the WiFi network(s).

If you have a better wireless device, you'll find that it'll handle more users more easily. Where an Asus router might struggle with 10 or more... Ubiquity can handle 50-150+...as can Cisco, Ruckus, and many others. Business grade gear is the way to go...maybe you can luck out and find a used part for a good price too!



Download file, go to Firmware Upgrade section in router, browse and locate downloaded file, and upload. In some instances it can be more complicated, but in most it really isn't anymore thankfully. Far less complex than the enterprise-grade gear I deal with on a daily basis, that's for sure!

https://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/



Well you know where I stand here. Even that budget is pretty puny honestly. No offense.

I'd suggest you find that Asus, buy a power adapter for it, and buy an EdgeRouter X to act as your router. That would be a pretty solid setup. Then the Asus can use its CPU to process wireless clients and packets, rather than routing and firewall filtering...both of which the EdgeRouter X does far far far better. You'd have a better, more stable and secure network. Add Merlin to that Asus router, and you could potentially improve its performance and stability a tad further as well.

If I were in your shoes, and on that budget, that's what I'd do. Also check Craigslist, you might luck out and grab a decent Netgear, Asus, Belkin, D-Link, TP-Link, or whatever brand router that you could use as well. Being in Washington, if you're near Seattle last I checked they had a pretty busy CL tech section...been a few months since I last checked tho.

how2dothatquotethingy


I bought a new power adapter (that exact one actually) when I knew where it was. It went poof in that super small time frame.

I'm thinking that EdgeRouterX paired with the Asus would be a good combo, I just gotta find stuff first.

 

[Kursah]

I quote the post and then break it down using the quote bbc code. [ ] to start and [/ ] to end, here's an example:

[quote]What you said[/quote]

What I have to say.

[quote]More of what you said[/quote]

I say more stuff

I wish you luck on finding that Asus router, keep us posted!