Asus RT-AX88 vs Asus RT-AC86+switch? And if AC86, which Switch? I got an Asus RT-AX88!

[Bamsefar]

So I basically do not need the performance of the AX88, but I do need the extra Ethernet ports. Currently I have a AC88, which seems to fail port 5-8 from time to time - I have not found a solution on that.

So either I go AX88, or I go AC86 plus a switch. Any thoughts on what route to choose? And what switch in that case (I don't need more than 6 ports in total currently, but I guess a total of 8 would be nice-to-have)?

Yes I know, I could go switch to my current AC88 - however one thing I do keep track on is electric power usage, so this is where the AC86 comes in

 

[RMerlin]

Go for a switch instead, it will provide more flexibility, and more ports.

An inexpensive TP-Link 5 ports or 8 ports would do the job. These are pretty green as well, so power usage will remain low.

 

[L&LD]

I would go for the RT-AC86U and switch too.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KFD0SEA/?tag=smallncom-20

 

[Grisu]

Why dont use your AC88U only as switch for next time (turned off Wifi) to extend 86U (you will need only the 4 good ports on it).
Maybe in 2 years or little more you would like to get 2,5/5/10G port switch (and router) when they become cheap.

 

[Bamsefar]

Why dont use your AC88U only as switch for next time (turned off Wifi) to extend 86U (you will need only the 4 good ports on it).
Maybe in 2 years or little more you would like to get 2,5/5/10G port switch (and router) when they become cheap.

In my mind that would be to go in the wrong direction regarding electric power usage. I would rather just get a switch to my AC88, it is for sure a lot cheaper.

 

[L&LD]

In my mind that would be to go in the wrong direction regarding electric power usage. I would rather just get a switch to my AC88, it is for sure a lot cheaper.

How much difference can power usage be? $5 or $10 a year?

That would pay for the switch I suggested for the next 3 or 4 years at a minimum.

 

[Bamsefar]

Well in this case the suggestion is to use my AC88 as switch combined with a AC86. That will for sure consume alot more power than AC86+switch, or my current AC88+switch.

I guess that something like Dlink DGS-1005G switch could be powered from one if the USB ports...?

 

[L&LD]

I guess that something like Dlink DGS-1005G switch could be powered from one if the USB ports...?

Even if that is possible, I wouldn't put that kind of load on the router, indefinitely.

 

[Bamsefar]

For some reason someone seems to have read my mind (or this thread) so I got a far to good deal on a AX88 - no I for sure do not need a AX88 - however this was one of the "to good to turn down" offers.