It was more than enough when speeds were limited to 3MB down / 1MB up and still ok with current 25/3, but the specs say it won't take full advantage of the 1GB fiber coming soon. So time to upgrade.
I currently have the main network on 2.4 and 5 MHz bands, a guest network on 2.4 and a third 2.4 network to keep IOT devices like cameras and sensors isolated from the data. I have an IPv6 tunnel and a startup script to set that and some custom firewall commands. I have a large property so range to the cameras and sensors is important. Currently one antenna is extended to another room to reach the furthest camera. Reliability is also important. The router is running Merlin 380.7, the last version available for that model. I currently do not have any WiFi6 devices, but a new laptop is in my future and who knows what the grandkids will bring over. I'm not a gamer, but again: grandkids come over. Also, I might be interested in VOIP telephony to replace the current land-line. I have one line, but two numbers -- fax answers the second based on ring pattern.
The Asus has been running reliably for years, so I'm inclined to stick with Asus and Merlin. From what I can determine, the AC86U would meet my current needs and is the cheapest option of the 3 I'm looking at. The AX86U would add WiFi6 for potential future needs, at about $75 more (north of the border), which is not a deal killer as I plan (hope?) to keep this for a while. Oddly, I can get the AX88U for slightly less than the AX86U right now, and from what I can read it might be better for my needs due to the additional 2.4 band capability and extra antenna.
Comments? Suggestions? Opinions? Other options?
I currently have the main network on 2.4 and 5 MHz bands, a guest network on 2.4 and a third 2.4 network to keep IOT devices like cameras and sensors isolated from the data. I have an IPv6 tunnel and a startup script to set that and some custom firewall commands. I have a large property so range to the cameras and sensors is important. Currently one antenna is extended to another room to reach the furthest camera. Reliability is also important. The router is running Merlin 380.7, the last version available for that model. I currently do not have any WiFi6 devices, but a new laptop is in my future and who knows what the grandkids will bring over. I'm not a gamer, but again: grandkids come over. Also, I might be interested in VOIP telephony to replace the current land-line. I have one line, but two numbers -- fax answers the second based on ring pattern.
The Asus has been running reliably for years, so I'm inclined to stick with Asus and Merlin. From what I can determine, the AC86U would meet my current needs and is the cheapest option of the 3 I'm looking at. The AX86U would add WiFi6 for potential future needs, at about $75 more (north of the border), which is not a deal killer as I plan (hope?) to keep this for a while. Oddly, I can get the AX88U for slightly less than the AX86U right now, and from what I can read it might be better for my needs due to the additional 2.4 band capability and extra antenna.
Comments? Suggestions? Opinions? Other options?