speculativename
New Around Here
I recently found my way to this forum while researching which router to buy for a new apartment, and I'd like some guidance. I seem to have narrowed my router options down to the AX58u or the AC86u. They both cost $160-170, and I'd like to avoid paying too much more, but if you all think it's worthwhile to upgrade to the AX82u ($220) or AX86u ($250) I'd consider it. (or is there another option I'm not considering?)
The best guidance I've found is the below comment by RMerlin, however I do have a handful of 3 or 4 stream clients. So I would appreciate more insight specific to my scenario.
Layout: The place is a split level with 2 floors, with a rectangular layout: upstairs, 750sq ft; downstairs 600sq ft. It is currently under renovation and the landlord said that "walls are made out of masonry, wood, sheetrock, compound, plaster". The router will likely be centrally located upstairs.
I am most concerned with reception downstairs: There is one room semi-centrally located downstairs which has a reinforced wall (I believe this is using the sheetrock) for sound insulation; I plan to use it as a sound design studio. My bedroom will also be downstairs at the end of the apartment. Plus we have a rather long backyard, where it would be nice to get wifi, but not strictly necessary.
Some more info---
Devices: 3 MacBooks with 3x3 AC (they are my priority), an iPhone 12 with 4x4 AX. One 2x2 AX iPhone and one 2x2 AC iPhone. We will have at least one smart TV, a few AirPlay speakers, etc. My landlord wants to install a basic Nest thermostat system eventually but I'm not too keen on adding IoT devices.
ISP: My internet speed will be 300/300 fiber, so I am not very concerned with max speeds. I am most concerned with range and reliability in the aforementioned rooms. I work remotely and often on video; I'd like to avoid investing in mesh if possible since I don't have wired backhaul, but I like that the ASUS routers give me the option of adding a node later.
Network Traffic: As it is NYC, there will be many other networks in the surrounding area - one from the unit upstairs; at least 4 in the shared-wall neighboring buildings; even more from the surrounding buildings.
I understand that it's impossible to guess about signal strength regarding the apartment's layout and materials etc, but I'd appreciate any insights you have into my situation, regardless. Thank you!
The best guidance I've found is the below comment by RMerlin, however I do have a handful of 3 or 4 stream clients. So I would appreciate more insight specific to my scenario.
[the AX58U is] Definitely a worthwhile upgrade [over the AC87u], unless you have 3 or 4 stream clients on your network.
Layout: The place is a split level with 2 floors, with a rectangular layout: upstairs, 750sq ft; downstairs 600sq ft. It is currently under renovation and the landlord said that "walls are made out of masonry, wood, sheetrock, compound, plaster". The router will likely be centrally located upstairs.
I am most concerned with reception downstairs: There is one room semi-centrally located downstairs which has a reinforced wall (I believe this is using the sheetrock) for sound insulation; I plan to use it as a sound design studio. My bedroom will also be downstairs at the end of the apartment. Plus we have a rather long backyard, where it would be nice to get wifi, but not strictly necessary.
Some more info---
Devices: 3 MacBooks with 3x3 AC (they are my priority), an iPhone 12 with 4x4 AX. One 2x2 AX iPhone and one 2x2 AC iPhone. We will have at least one smart TV, a few AirPlay speakers, etc. My landlord wants to install a basic Nest thermostat system eventually but I'm not too keen on adding IoT devices.
ISP: My internet speed will be 300/300 fiber, so I am not very concerned with max speeds. I am most concerned with range and reliability in the aforementioned rooms. I work remotely and often on video; I'd like to avoid investing in mesh if possible since I don't have wired backhaul, but I like that the ASUS routers give me the option of adding a node later.
Network Traffic: As it is NYC, there will be many other networks in the surrounding area - one from the unit upstairs; at least 4 in the shared-wall neighboring buildings; even more from the surrounding buildings.
I understand that it's impossible to guess about signal strength regarding the apartment's layout and materials etc, but I'd appreciate any insights you have into my situation, regardless. Thank you!