At 3.5+yrs old, is RT-N16 still a good choice?

[jdubin]

I have a client looking for a new home router. Speed is not as important as coverage (simple web browsing, mostly). I've had good luck with the N66U in the past, but it's just overkill in this situation. As the house is in a low-density suburban environment, single band should be fine.

Since I'm looking for a device with external antennas, the N16 looks like it will be a better fit, but I'm wondering if a router that was released 3.5 years ago is still the best choice. The other low-cost option is the N12, which looks good in theory, but reviews seem mixed.

Before I pull the trigger, I'm looking for some opinions. N16, or not N16?

Thanks!

 

[RMerlin]

I'd say the Internet speed the client will have could be a deciding factor. If you don't expect anything over 100 Mbits, then the RT-N16 remains a very solid choice. It's still very actively supported by Asus too.

I usually recommend the RT-N12 for customers needing very basic wireless. The RT-N16 is the next step when someone needs improved coverage.

 

[jdubin]

Thanks for the recommendation. It's hard to imagine a casual home user would need more than even 10mbps, unless using multiple video streams, e.g. Netflix or similar. In this specific case, range is what I'm after. RT-N16 it is.

 

[RMerlin]

Thanks for the recommendation. It's hard to imagine a casual home user would need more than even 10mbps, unless using multiple video streams, e.g. Netflix or similar. In this specific case, range is what I'm after. RT-N16 it is.

I certainly appreciate having a 30 Mbits connection at home. Those GPL release from Asus are 400 MB each

 

[jerry6]

I bought the n-16 for my sister a few years back , thing has great range . She picks up her router from houses 1 block away .Her previous router she was lucky to pick up the signal outside her house . Best is it's still getting FW updates . Great single band router

 

[joegreat]

At 3.5+yrs old, is RT-N16 still a good choice?

Hi,

I am running the RT-N16 as secound router to extent the range of the WLAN in my flat (see my footer).

For me it was a great choice, as it's cheapter then a second RT-N66U, but has the same features as it runs Merlin's great firmware!

With kind regards
Joe

 

[Phil_A]

I have a client looking for a new home router. Speed is not as important as coverage (simple web browsing, mostly). I've had good luck with the N66U in the past, but it's just overkill in this situation. As the house is in a low-density suburban environment, single band should be fine.

Since I'm looking for a device with external antennas, the N16 looks like it will be a better fit, but I'm wondering if a router that was released 3.5 years ago is still the best choice. The other low-cost option is the N12, which looks good in theory, but reviews seem mixed.

Before I pull the trigger, I'm looking for some opinions. N16, or not N16?

Thanks!

I was in a similar situation (needed only single band). I bought the N16 a year ago. It has been very reliable unlike the D-Link it replaced. The continuous up time is usually 30 to 60 days until we get a power glitch and it reboots itself and then comes up running. Still using Merlin's 266.23b. - Phil