Reliability Vs throughput AP selection

[ascanio1]

Hello,

I need a new AP 802.11ac in 5GHz which I will connected via Ethernet to an Asus RT-AC66U router. Cost is not a priority (within reason) and I would not mind configuring a router as AP.

I am not interested in maximum, average, etc, speed or throughput figures as these become obsolete with every passing month - check the charts!

I'm interested to learn which router/AP has won best, proven, record for:
- reliability;
- stability;
- ease of use/setting

Which AP/router will stand the test of time and be mentioned, in 2 to 3 years time, as a proven product?

Please advise!

 

[L&LD]

That may very well end up being another RT-AC66U or an RT-AC68U if we stick with Asus.

Of course, it should be running RMerlin firmware too.

 

[ascanio1]

That may very well end up being another RT-AC66U or an RT-AC68U if we stick with Asus. Of course, it should be running RMerlin firmware too.

Thanks... what is RMerlin firmware and what's the advantage?

Glad to hear that the Asus RT-AC66U is considered reliable, stable and has good standing and reputation amongst SNB forum members!

 

[L&LD]

This is the main link for the RMerlin firmware for specific Asus routers.

http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=7846


The link has all you need to know why this firmware is considered an Asus advantage.

 

[ascanio1]

Thanks for the link, I'll check it tomorrow.

In the meantime, looking at the charts here on SNB I found that the Linksys EA6500 Smart WiFi Wireless Router AC1750 Dual Band 802.11ac - Certified Refurbished is on sale for 95$ on Linksys' own webpage.

What's the reputation of the Linksys EA6500 regarding stability, reliability and ease of use?

 

[L&LD]

Thanks for the link, I'll check it tomorrow.

In the meantime, looking at the charts here on SNB I found that the Linksys EA6500 Smart WiFi Wireless Router AC1750 Dual Band 802.11ac - Certified Refurbished is on sale for 95$ on Linksys' own webpage.

What's the reputation of the Linksys EA6500 regarding stability, reliability and ease of use?

In my opinion? Not good.


For that amount of money, the $100 RT-AC56U offers a lot more, again imo.

 

[stevech]

Hello,

I need a new AP 802.11ac in 5GHz which I will connected via Ethernet to an Asus RT-AC66U router. Cost is not a priority (within reason) and I would not mind configuring a router as AP.

I am not interested in maximum, average, etc, speed or throughput figures as these become obsolete with every passing month - check the charts!

I'm interested to learn which router/AP has won best, proven, record for:
- reliability;
- stability;
- ease of use/setting

Which AP/router will stand the test of time and be mentioned, in 2 to 3 years time, as a proven product?

Please advise!

Reliability - - then delay use of 11ac for 6-12 months.

 

[ascanio1]

For that amount of money, the $100 RT-AC56U offers a lot more, again imo.

Thanks.
I can't seem to find a great difference between the AC56U and AC66U:

AC56U:
- USB3
- I save 80$

AC66U:
- 3 stream 2.4GHz (which I won't need)
- 3 external antennas which I could upgrade with 3 x +12dBi omni which I have just lying at home.

Am I missing other practical differences?

@Stevech,
If I could wait I would, but I can't!

 

[L&LD]

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...-band-wireless-ac1200-gigabit-router-reviewed


Basically, the AC66U is first gen AC where the AC56U is second gen hardware.

The N66U shares more with the AC66U with regards to hardware than the two AC class routers do.


Myself; I would always buy the most current hardware.

 

[ascanio1]

This is the main link for the RMerlin firmware for specific Asus routers.

I'm not sure that I understood even a single benefit of those listed! lol! Unless there are some instruments that might help me resolve my problem then I'll give it a pass! Regardless, thanks for suggesting it.

 

[ascanio1]

Thanks to everyone who helped me. We can consider the thread closed as I will now buy a RT-AC56U (linking to Amazon from SNB )
I really appreciated expertise, time and the non-condescending patience with which my answers were replied!
I might be back if I can't follow the excellent SNB "how to". Again, thanks to all!
Tommaso from Japan!