3x3 vs 2x2 WAP

[gweezer]

I’m looking to move to a WAP / wired router setup for a more stealth installation. I currently have the TP-LINK AC1750 and a 200/20 internet service. I’ve been researching the concepts and options and last night did one more round of benchmarking the current setup with our main wireless clients, a 2015 MBP and a 2016 Lenovo Yoga 2in1. The MBP was consistently outperforming the Yoga almost 2 to 1…averaging 130Mbs to 70Mbs on speedtest.net and dslreports speed test when it hit me…the MBP must be a 3x3 device while the Yoga is only a 2x2….right? Since the MBP gets used much more then the Yoga, I need to (should) get a 3x3 WAP. Is this correct?

 

[thiggins]

Yes

 

[gweezer]

Thanks Tim. Any recommendations on one? I know you just completed the 2x2 AC roundup, should I just look for products from the top vendors in that article?

 

[thiggins]

My only recommendation is skip the Linksys APs. Overpriced.

Don't assume anything about 3x3 performance from 2x2 results.

 

[sfx2000]

did one more round of benchmarking the current setup with our main wireless clients, a 2015 MBP and a 2016 Lenovo Yoga 2in1. The MBP was consistently outperforming the Yoga almost 2 to 1…averaging 130Mbs to 70Mbs on speedtest.net and dslreports speed test when it hit me…the MBP must be a 3x3 device while the Yoga is only a 2x2

Your AP is a 3-stream device, as is your MacBook Pro - the Yoga is a great device, but the WiFi adapter is a two stream...

I don't see any need to change things...

 

[JTravers]

Maybe you just need to move the TP-Link (or the AP you get) to a better location -- or supplement with an additional AP. Even 2x2 AC should be able to max out your Internet connection if you have good coverage and aren't too far from the AP. I have 2nd gen eeros, and my iPhones and iPads can all get > 300Mbps. They're 2x2, I believe. My Macbook Pro (3x3) can get close to 600Mbps. As I move further away from the APs, those speeds obviously degrade, but I still get close to 100-200Mbps at a minimum.

With a router like an Airport Extreme or Netgear R7000 (both 3x3, I believe), the Macbook Pro can sometimes get up to 700-800Mbps. But that requires VERY close proximity to the AP and isn't very consistent.

 

[gweezer]

Thanks for the additional info....

Yes, I know that performance wise there won't be much of a difference, but this is more about getting the router and modem out of the living space (it will now be in the basement) and with ceiling mounting I can get the WAP closer to where we actually consume the wifi.

 

[Shamtes]

Yes it is a 3x3 device but I don't think you need to throw out your yoga. Yoga is an excellent 2x2 device.