Hi everyone
I often read the SNB forums for a bit of advice here and there but this is my first post...
First a small bit of background to aid with the question. I live in the UK and my internet is provided by BT Fibre (FTTC). I use an openreach DSL modem which is then linked via Ethernet to an understairs cupboard where my Router (ASUS AC3200) and a large switch live. From this location I have 2x CAT6 cables running to various rooms in the house but also to an outbuilding which is mostly out of range of my AC3200 (some devices maintain a connection but its flaky). Wireless performance in the house is good.
I have multiple wired devices, a fair few wireless ones ( 25-30)
This is where my question comes in.
I have need to have wired and wireless connectivity in the outbuilding (to be used as an office/games room). The wired is sorted but I want to put a new wireless access port out there too for mobile devices and also a gaming device which doesn't have Ethernet.
At the moment, from my research, I have the following options on the table but would like some advice as the best/most cost effective / value for money way to go:
Would like to hear any suggestions / comments you all may have - is there a 4th/5th option I may have neglected to include?
Is there a standout winner here?
thanks for reading!
I often read the SNB forums for a bit of advice here and there but this is my first post...
First a small bit of background to aid with the question. I live in the UK and my internet is provided by BT Fibre (FTTC). I use an openreach DSL modem which is then linked via Ethernet to an understairs cupboard where my Router (ASUS AC3200) and a large switch live. From this location I have 2x CAT6 cables running to various rooms in the house but also to an outbuilding which is mostly out of range of my AC3200 (some devices maintain a connection but its flaky). Wireless performance in the house is good.
I have multiple wired devices, a fair few wireless ones ( 25-30)
This is where my question comes in.
I have need to have wired and wireless connectivity in the outbuilding (to be used as an office/games room). The wired is sorted but I want to put a new wireless access port out there too for mobile devices and also a gaming device which doesn't have Ethernet.
At the moment, from my research, I have the following options on the table but would like some advice as the best/most cost effective / value for money way to go:
- purchase an additional ASUS router, connect via Ethernet and setup in AP mode with the same SSID
- Would want one with Gigabit Ethernet to double up as a wired switch
- Is it worth getting one with AI MESH support given my AC3200 doesn't support that
- Worth paying more for higher end model (AC 88 / AC86) or just go for a cheaper one?
- replace the AC3200 with something newer as the main router and re-use the AC3200 as in AP mode
- I have found a deal on an 88U with the built in DSL modem - I assume this would act as a better all-round router option than the AC3200 given its 3/4years newer?
- Would a lower end AC86 / AC68 make sense?
- Replace the whole lot with a mesh system - this was my original thought but really I am not sure I need the "mesh" as I have a Ethernet backhaul I can use to extend the signal to the outbuilding
- How much benefit is mesh vs AP when you have an Ethernet connection available
- which mesh would be ideal in my use case?
Would like to hear any suggestions / comments you all may have - is there a 4th/5th option I may have neglected to include?
Is there a standout winner here?
thanks for reading!
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