Hello, this is my first post looking for an advice from more experienced users.
I currently have TP-Link Deco M4 (3x) and not happy with the stability and inability to configure basic stuff like wireless channel, FW rules, etc. so would like to replace with two routers instead. Worth mentioning that I have limited budget for this. I live in 2-story house with 100Mbps and do not use VPN.
Option 1: 2x Asus RT-AC66U B1 configured in Mesh mode with ethernet backhaul. I know it is not the newest device but like the fact that it supports Merlin. No WIFI6 but this is not needed with this internet speed. Cost per device in my country is around 100 - 120 USD.
Option 2: 2x TP-Link Archer AX10 or AX20, one of them configured in AP mode - Very powerful new devices (triple - Quad core 1.5GHZ CPUs), WIFI6. Can get the AX10 for 75USD, AX20 for 90USD. But there is no mesh support, TP-Link does not support OnMesh between routers and does support ethernet backhaul between a router and an extender, obviously no Merlin but may get OpenWRT support in the future.
Which option would you go for? Should I be concerned about the lack of Mesh in TP-Link or should I ignore it and go with a more powerful device with WIFI6? I don't know how devices will act when moving between floors, not concerned about seamless roaming but whether devices like mobile phones would keep connected to the remote router with weaker signal.
Many thanks
I currently have TP-Link Deco M4 (3x) and not happy with the stability and inability to configure basic stuff like wireless channel, FW rules, etc. so would like to replace with two routers instead. Worth mentioning that I have limited budget for this. I live in 2-story house with 100Mbps and do not use VPN.
Option 1: 2x Asus RT-AC66U B1 configured in Mesh mode with ethernet backhaul. I know it is not the newest device but like the fact that it supports Merlin. No WIFI6 but this is not needed with this internet speed. Cost per device in my country is around 100 - 120 USD.
Option 2: 2x TP-Link Archer AX10 or AX20, one of them configured in AP mode - Very powerful new devices (triple - Quad core 1.5GHZ CPUs), WIFI6. Can get the AX10 for 75USD, AX20 for 90USD. But there is no mesh support, TP-Link does not support OnMesh between routers and does support ethernet backhaul between a router and an extender, obviously no Merlin but may get OpenWRT support in the future.
Which option would you go for? Should I be concerned about the lack of Mesh in TP-Link or should I ignore it and go with a more powerful device with WIFI6? I don't know how devices will act when moving between floors, not concerned about seamless roaming but whether devices like mobile phones would keep connected to the remote router with weaker signal.
Many thanks