Current Asus system aging would like advice to upgrade

[Lefebvres090428]

My current system is 3 Rtac66r units. One is run as router and handles all the dhcp. The others are in ap with wired cable runs to them from the main unit . One of my ap have quit wirelessly broadcasting and I can’t get it back on so I assume that the hardware as went out. My idea here is to upgrade the main router since it does have some age and make that old router and ap to replace the broken one. I am familiar with asus consumer systems like I have and would like to probably stick with something I’m familiar with. What asus unit would be a good unit? My speed to the house is just under a gig and I really just use streaming hd content is the heavy use in the home. I really have not had speed or coverage issues with current setup but since I need to replace one it would be better to upgrade vs buying used replacement at this time.

 

[bbunge]

The most recommended Asus units have been the RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro. RT-AX86U is also a good choice. These are getting hard to find, though. Some of us do not recommend WIFI 7 routers if you do not need WIFI 7. Other Asus AX routers would also work for you.

 

[Tech9]

What asus unit would be a good unit?

What's the budget?

 

[Lefebvres090428]

What's the budget?

Could I get something around 150?

 

[Lefebvres090428]

The most recommended Asus units have been the RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX88U Pro. RT-AX86U is also a good choice. These are getting hard to find, though. Some of us do not recommend WIFI 7 routers if you do not need WIFI 7. Other Asus AX routers would also work for you.

Let me look into these! Thank you!

 

[Lefebvres090428]

Could I get something around 150?

Looks like a better budget might be 250 or so.

 

[Tech9]

Your existing routers (the APs) are like 14+ years old technology. In AP Mode the only option is flat network with all devices on single subnet. No isolated Guest Networks, no IoT Networks. If this is all you need - anything entry-level dual-band up to $150 in AX3000 or BE3600 class will work okay for Router, ASUS or other brand. No need to pay extra for features you can't use network-wide anyway. In your case I would get something like RT-BE58U (currently $129 on Amazon) and call it a day.

RT-BE58U｜WiFi 7｜ASUS Global

Dual band WiFi 7 router with speeds of up to 7200 Mbps. Dual 10G ports, Quad 2.5G ports and Quad Gigabit ports. Quad-core 2.6GHz CPU. Backup WAN, Subscription-free network security and comprehensive

www.asus.com

 

[Tech9]

For entire system upgrade this is the cheapest ASUS offer (currently $275 on Amazon):

ASUS ZenWiFi BD4｜Whole Home Mesh WiFi System｜ASUS Global

Dual 2.5G ports for fast connectivity, WiFi 7 for optimal performance, and a dual-band setup for efficiency. Enjoy high-speed, reliable connectivity for a cutting-edge digital experience with simplic

www.asus.com

Not the latest and greatest, just basic AiMesh set with 3x units. It will allow network-wide Guest Network and may bump a little the wireless performance. Being BE-class may get somewhat longer support.

 

[Lefebvres090428]

For entire system upgrade this is the cheapest ASUS offer (currently $275 on Amazon):

ASUS ZenWiFi BD4｜Whole Home Mesh WiFi System｜ASUS Global

Dual 2.5G ports for fast connectivity, WiFi 7 for optimal performance, and a dual-band setup for efficiency. Enjoy high-speed, reliable connectivity for a cutting-edge digital experience with simplic

www.asus.com

Not the latest and greatest, just basic AiMesh set with 3x units. It will allow network-wide Guest Network and may bump a little the wireless performance. Being BE-class may get somewhat longer support.

Is there any advantage, other than new, that this system above would get me over my old system that would use the upgraded “be model” mentioned above and using my old rt-ac66 for my APs? I am completely happy with current system. Have never ran into a speed or connectivity issue on my current old setup. Thanks for the input as I really now little about this stuff and just looking for a little advice from some people with better knowledge than myself.

 

[Lefebvres090428]

For entire system upgrade this is the cheapest ASUS offer (currently $275 on Amazon):

ASUS ZenWiFi BD4｜Whole Home Mesh WiFi System｜ASUS Global

Dual 2.5G ports for fast connectivity, WiFi 7 for optimal performance, and a dual-band setup for efficiency. Enjoy high-speed, reliable connectivity for a cutting-edge digital experience with simplic

www.asus.com

Not the latest and greatest, just basic AiMesh set with 3x units. It will allow network-wide Guest Network and may bump a little the wireless performance. Being BE-class may get

Your existing routers (the APs) are like 14+ years old technology. In AP Mode the only option is flat network with all devices on single subnet. No isolated Guest Networks, no IoT Networks. If this is all you need - anything entry-level dual-band up to $150 in AX3000 or BE3600 class will work okay for Router, ASUS or other brand. No need to pay extra for features you can't use network-wide anyway. In your case I would get something like RT-BE58U (currently $129 on Amazon) and call it a day.

RT-BE58U｜WiFi 7｜ASUS Global

Dual band WiFi 7 router with speeds of up to 7200 Mbps. Dual 10G ports, Quad 2.5G ports and Quad Gigabit ports. Quad-core 2.6GHz CPU. Backup WAN, Subscription-free network security and comprehensive

www.asus.com

I like this. Seems logical to me. I dont need any more speed, I have no clue what iot is, I use no guest network. Price seems to fall in my original range and should be compatible with using my older routers as APs.

 

[degrub]

IOT = devices that want to connect to the internet - light bulbs, power controller modules, security cameras, heater/AC, door bells, washers/dryers, stoves, refrigerators, etc....

They don't need much bandwidth, but the phone app needs them to communicate to servers around the world so you can control them from your phone. Periodically, used in botnets for various nefarious IT activities.

 

[Lefebvres090428]

IOT = devices that want to connect to the internet - light bulbs, power controller modules, security cameras, heater/AC, door bells, washers/dryers, stoves, refrigerators, etc....

They don't need much bandwidth, but the phone app needs them to communicate to servers around the world so you can control them from your phone. Periodically, used in botnets for various nefarious IT

IOT = devices that want to connect to the internet - light bulbs, power controller modules, security cameras, heater/AC, door bells, washers/dryers, stoves, refrigerators, etc....

They don't need much bandwidth, but the phone app needs them to communicate to servers around the world so you can control them from your phone. Periodically, used in botnets for various nefarious IT activities.

Thank you for the brief description. Although I have many of those type of devices on my current network and they all work as they should. Apps on my phone can communicate and turn devices on or off as needed. Thermostats, washer and dryer, some light bulbs, security system, door bell, are just some to name a few.

 

[Tech9]

Is there any advantage, other than new

Potential advantages:
- newer devices with expected longer support
- security fixes not only for Internet facing device, but Wi-Fi as well
- single control panel for the entire system
- propagation of Guest Network to nodes, network-wide
- better looking devices for home setup with smaller footprint
- 2.5GbE Ethernet ports

Potential drawbacks:
- the cheapest mesh set is usually not the best, may come with issues
- there is no Tx power control in AiMesh and it may cause "sticky clients"
- additional switch may be needed for wired devices, extra cost
- 2.5GbE Ethernet may require some wires replacement, extra cost

 

[Lefebvres090428]

- there is no Tx power control in AiMesh and it may cause "sticky clients”

- 2.5GbE Ethernet may require some wires replacement, extra cost

- can I lower tx power with my current system using the ac66 for the ap and main router? I thought I was able to lower it on the settings page? You might be referring to the asus mesh system that was rec above that does not allow lowering of the tx power.
-will my cat5e wires work that are in wall between the main router and ap? I’m guessing probably a speed limitation and possibly won’t get full speed capability. This assuming I go with “be58” main router and use ac66 as ap.

 

[Tech9]

can I lower tx power with my current system using the ac66 for the ap and main router?

I don't remember if 382 firmware had this setting in GUI, it was so many years ago.

This assuming I go with “be58” main router and use ac66 as ap.

This router has single 2.5GbE port, the rest are Gigabit like on your existing routers.