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Need help with selecting a Modem and router for my apartment. my research and details in the post.

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blackhatbandit3

New Around Here
Hi Everyone!

As the title pretty much suggests, I need some help with selecting a modem and router for my apartment. Here are the details:

  1. Apartment size: about 700 sq ft. Here is a layout
  2. Past equipment: Archer CR700 Modem and Router Combo.
  3. Internet Speed: 300 Mbps. Optimum 300 plan.
  4. Budget: around $150
  5. Networking Skills: Novice at best. Can learn and implement quickly.
  6. Want to install a firewall at the modem or router level, and also ad blocks.
From my research on this sub and the internet, I have found that ASUS, TP-Link, and Ubiquiti are mostly recommended.

I recently purchased Netgear Nighthawk instead of ASUS AC1750. Big mistake. Going to return it ASAP.

I want a Router and Modem that can support the speeds, and have a decent range. If needed, I can buy an Access Point in the middle and configure it based on your recommendation. I need stable and fast speeds from one corner of the apartment to the other.

I want a modem and router that can be controlled via a browser and not an app. I find it an incredibly annoying set up to use an app. Also find that apps have very limited functionality.

My normal usage:

* TCL Roku smart TV
* Xbox
* Casting to Google Chromecast (sometimes)
* Gaming on PC
* Grad school classes over Zoom

No. of devices connected at any point = 2 Laptops, 2 cell phones, Xbox, TV, 2 Google Home Minis, 1 Alexa, and a printer. Might be adding a couple of Smart Home things in a couple of months.

I have connected the TV and Xbox via CAT6 ethernet to the router so that the load on the wireless network is as low as can be.

I am leaning towards an ASUS AC 1750 router or AC1900 router. Is this is a good choice? What Modem should I pair it with? Or what would you do if you were in my shoes?

Thank you for your help!
 
Hi Everyone!

As the title pretty much suggests, I need some help with selecting a modem and router for my apartment. Here are the details:

  1. Apartment size: about 700 sq ft. Here is a layout
  2. Past equipment: Archer CR700 Modem and Router Combo.
  3. Internet Speed: 300 Mbps. Optimum 300 plan.
  4. Budget: around $150
  5. Networking Skills: Novice at best. Can learn and implement quickly.
  6. Want to install a firewall at the modem or router level, and also ad blocks.
From my research on this sub and the internet, I have found that ASUS, TP-Link, and Ubiquiti are mostly recommended.

I recently purchased Netgear Nighthawk instead of ASUS AC1750. Big mistake. Going to return it ASAP.

I want a Router and Modem that can support the speeds, and have a decent range. If needed, I can buy an Access Point in the middle and configure it based on your recommendation. I need stable and fast speeds from one corner of the apartment to the other.

I want a modem and router that can be controlled via a browser and not an app. I find it an incredibly annoying set up to use an app. Also find that apps have very limited functionality.

My normal usage:

* TCL Roku smart TV
* Xbox
* Casting to Google Chromecast (sometimes)
* Gaming on PC
* Grad school classes over Zoom

No. of devices connected at any point = 2 Laptops, 2 cell phones, Xbox, TV, 2 Google Home Minis, 1 Alexa, and a printer. Might be adding a couple of Smart Home things in a couple of months.

I have connected the TV and Xbox via CAT6 ethernet to the router so that the load on the wireless network is as low as can be.

I am leaning towards an ASUS AC 1750 router or AC1900 router. Is this is a good choice? What Modem should I pair it with? Or what would you do if you were in my shoes?

Thank you for your help!

Asus routers new to old:

RT-AX86U
RT-AC86U
RT-AC68U or RT-AC66U_B1 (AC1900)

The oldest AC1900 routers do not support Smart Connect node band steering, so you must configure different SSIDs per band... not a problem. And are approaching EOL sooner.

One AC86U would serve you fine.

The AX86U is WiFi 6 but not 6e, which is starting to arrive.

Third party firmware Asuswrt-Merlin is required for special features like router-based ad blocking. Consider the routers supported.

I'd get the AC86U. And a separate modem that works with your ISP.

OE
 

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