New router recommendations?

[Dreamer001]

Hello,
I know this is brought up often, but I am in the US and with the recent threats happening here I want to see what I can secure before I can't get new hardware to upgrade my RT-AX88U.
I wasn't as concerned about this before, but due to some construction my Fiber line was cut and AT&T just ran a new fiber line. After they did and performed the test, I was receiving 1400MB down and 1200MB Up on my 1GB connection from their tests. I also saw this using the AT&T Smart Home App. However due to limitations of the router with a 1GB WAN port (where the BGW320-500 modem I have has a 5GB Port), I only get around 940MB up and down. So only getting around 68% of my total download bandwidth.
I hadn't realized I was loosing that much bandwidth, as I figured 940MB of 1GB was pretty good, would like to tap into that extra ~400MB.

The only other issue I have with the AX-88U is I have my 5Ghz and 2.4GHz split and the 2.4 seems to loose internet connection sporadically, where I have to restart or wait a long time. Assuming this is interference or high traffic. Hoping not to have to deal with this with new router if possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

[killweav]

threats happening here I want to see what I can secure before I can't get new hardware to upgrade my RT-AX88U

Are you referring to the FCC ban on consumer grade routers not made in the US? That ban is on new models not already approved. Any existing line of products can continue to be sold. The limiting factor is the ban on new firmware or security updates past March 1, 2027. This ban provides a path for exemptions. I suspect that this will be challenged in court. These companies have an interest in the US market and will work to protect their interests. I suspect we will be seeing more about this in the coming months. Some companies will "play ball" and take the exemption route, and others will challenge this.

 

[bbunge]

I have seen recommendations to not upgrade your current router if it is working OK just to try to avoid the US router ban. Things will shake out in a few months and you can make a better decision.
As for your bandwidth, you will not notice a significant improvement with a new router. There are still issues with WIFI 7 routers that may or may not be fixed in time.
But, it is your money. I was going to run out and buy another router but have decided to sit tight for now.

 

[podkaracz1996]

I am curious how that US ban will affect router security. Maybe there will be limited number of devices and they will finally take the security as a priority and enterprise grade will be more common for casual people.

This message is awaiting moderator approval, and is invisible to normal visitors. < aha wonder why

 

[Tech9]

I am in the US and with the recent threats happening here I want to see what I can secure before I can't get new hardware

Don't buy anything right now. The support for this device may end next year.

 

[nitro001]

This is Dreamer001. Sorry for Nick change, had issues with my account, but all corrected now.
Outside of the issues with US, the other 1/2 of this which caused me to think harder was me missing the ~400Mb of speed from Fiber internet. Getting 940Mb U/D speed vs what was measured at 1400Mb, which is most likely max and chances of me reaching that is slim. Is the trade off of spending for new router vs that speed. Initially I thought about Link Aggrigation since the AX88U I have supports WAN aggregation, however, the BGW320 modem doesn't.

 

[Tech9]

what was measured at 1400Mb

This is called overprovisioning, not guaranteed. You are going to pay real money chasing it, guaranteed. The only thing you are missing is perhaps speed test number.

 

[degrub]

This is Dreamer001. Sorry for Nick change, had issues with my account, but all corrected now.
Outside of the issues with US, the other 1/2 of this which caused me to think harder was me missing the ~400Mb of speed from Fiber internet. Getting 940Mb U/D speed vs what was measured at 1400Mb, which is most likely max and chances of me reaching that is slim. Is the trade off of spending for new router vs that speed. Initially I thought about Link Aggrigation since the AX88U I have supports WAN aggregation, however, the BGW320 modem doesn't.

If you are not able to saturate the 1 Gbit/s LAN links on your network , then all the "extra" bandwidth is just hot air and speed test fodder.
Internet servers are going to give the client, maybe, 100 Mbit/s link rate. i have a lan setup for 5 users - 2 work at home, 3 teenagers/adults - that ran fine ( no user complaints about slowness) on a 38 Mbit/s DSL line for years. i only upgraded to 1 Gbit fiber since the cost was the same.

 

[nitro001]

Thank you all. Will wait and see what happens.

 

[Tech9]

Wait to see what happens with this FCC ban. Right now any consumer-grade device you purchase is facing planned obsolescence in early 2027. Your router is still supported and capable enough for Gigabit ISP service, no rush.

 

[jzchen]

The BGW320-500 is a gateway, not a modem. It has its own DHCP server and WiFi. The WiFi is a single 2.4 GHz and dual 5 GHz, BUT as far as I can tell you can only enable both 5 GHz or turn off both 5 GHz. (If you know how to turn off one of the two 5 GHz please share)...

You can follow the advice to avoid purchasing a router and still take advantage of the higher speed:
Turn on the WiFi on the BGW320, and turn off the 5 GHz on the AX88U (the only way I know to avoid tri-band 5 GHz). Get an 8 port 2.5 Gbps or higher spec network switch, connect it to the 5 Gbps port on the BGW320. Connect the AX88U to one of the BGW320's 1 Gb Ethernet ports. Turn off the IP Passthrough mode (on the BGW) and switch the AX88U to AP mode.

I can only guess what to do regarding router purchases if you end up in that direction. One thought of mine is buy a non-FCC Buffalo router from Amazon Japan (and learn how to read Japanese or use Google Translate. It appears to have no tariff and FCC can't ban firmware updates on non-FCC approved routers supposedly in Japan)...

 

[Tech9]

One thought of mine is buy a non-FCC

If it was so easy to go around the FCC ban why not just purchase whatever you like from Amazon Canada? Importing non-FCC certified wireless equipment into the US is prohibited. Customs are going to start watching more closely now. The router from Amazon Japan may get seized at the point of entry and you'll lose your money. Amazon won't refund the product because of your mistake.

 

[jzchen]

Take it easy....

I first suggested a way the OP could follow your advice AND take advantage of the higher speed...

(S)He doesn't need to follow the last one. It is quite expensive to import a Buffalo model router, which falls in line with you noting expensive to upgrade...

 

[Tech9]

About ASUS in AP Mode configuration:
Taking "advantage" of eventually higher not guaranteed download speed when losing all familiar to the OP Router features on the ASUS device I personally don't see as good option. It's like small gain sometimes vs permanent loss of functionality.

About importing non-FCC approved devices:
Not my problem and not my money. Everyone is free to make own decisions. My personal opinion - high risk of money loss fighting non-existing at the moment problem. There will be changes to the current FCC restrictions since no device can be certified.

 

[jzchen]

Starlink can be certified. The AT&T BGW320-500 is a decent gateway. Not as fast as a $700/$800/$900 ASUS router, but it does do a good job and that is why AT&T forces us to use it, to ensure a level of service they can only guarantee if we use their equipment. The optional firewall is overly protective, blocking access to legit sites. If the OP doesn't like it, don't buy the switch or return it if possible...

Not sure you can fairly say that my possible solution is not going to result in benefit...

 

[Tech9]

Not sure you can fairly say that my possible solution is not going to result in benefit...

I don't call an idea a solution when the sum of immediate drawbacks exceeds the sum of potential gains. This is just a bad idea.

Starlink devices are specialized gateways for satellite internet service. As far as I know they have no WAN port for residential ISP line. Current devices are unusable for the purpose we discuss. AT&T current devices are not designed and manufactured in the US. They also have to figure it out for future customers. Technically AT&T have to stop supporting the existing devices after Mar 2027, like everyone else.

 

[heysoundude]

I

I have seen recommendations to not upgrade your current router if it is working OK just to try to avoid the US router ban. Things will shake out in a few months and you can make a better decision.
As for your bandwidth, you will not notice a significant improvement with a new router. There are still issues with WIFI 7 routers that may or may not be fixed in time.
But, it is your money. I was going to run out and buy another router but have decided to sit tight for now.

Now is a great time to install/upgrade switching and cabling infrastructure while routing/wireless sort themselves out. Maybe it’s time to think 10Gbps+ and fibre <shrug>