Router Ideas

[BigDCA]

I can never find the article or post that says AC1900 is the current recommended class, but since the router ranker goes to that class by default, I assume that is still the case, even though the review is from June 2015. I'm looking to replace a Linksys router that has to be rebooted at least once a day due to slow downs. I have Comcast 80 Mbps service and an SB6141 modem. We have a 2 story (no basement) home at around 2600 square feet with drywall construction. I can locate the wireless device in a fairly central location, so I'm not really struggling with coverage at this point.

I do have a specific requirement that I be able to restrict all internet access by MAC address during certain time frames and my current device handles that fine. I tried the Netgear R7000 before realizing it does not have this functionality, or at least not as easily configurable as most other major vendors, so I had to return the device. I'm looking at the Asus 68U, but at around $200, I'm wondering if going to a higher class for around the same cost is going to give me any benefit. The 68U does appear to have the MAC scheduling functionality that I need.

We have the following devices connecting to the Internet: Ooma gateway (currently in between the modem and wireless router), NAS device, 1 desktop, 3 laptops, 3 smart phones, 4 tablets, 2 Apple TVs, 2 Chromecasts, 2 game consoles (Xbox 1/360), 1 HP wireless printer and various visitor user devices. We do have 2.4 ghz wireless phones in the house as well. I have 5 kids that are heavy users of the Internet, so managing their use is important.

Looking for advice on 2350+ class routers for my scenario. Thanks in advance!

 

[avtella]

I think you should be fine with the AC68U, probably a good option for your needs, plus since its a bit older the firmware would be a bit more mature. If feel you want an AC2350+ device, the Linksys EA8500, Netgear R7800 and Asus RT3100 are pretty good. The R7800 however can support 2 2x2 MU-MIMO devices concurrently unlike the others.

Overall though I think you should be fine with an AC1900 router as there aren't many MU-MIMO enabled devices out (you seem to have none), also take a look at the Linksys 1900ACS as well.

In my case I too live in a roughly 2500-2600 Sqft home, with my R7800 and an R7000 (acting as a base station for my Arlo cameras) on the top floor and I still get pretty good reception two floors below in my basement.

 

[BigDCA]

Got home and confirmed my current model is a Linksys EA4500, which is an N900 class router. The 1900 ACS is down at #6 on the router ranker for the 1900 class. If I'm going to drop $180-$200, I'd rather go with a higher-ranked router. By the way, I guess I should also specify that the smart phones are an S6, an 6S Plus and a 5C (soon to be replaced with a 6S or above).

 

[avtella]

Could install Shibby's Tomato or XWRT on the R7000 to get the extra features you want. For stock firmware the AC68U probably is your best bet in terms of options within the GUI.

 

[pete y testing]

f I'm going to drop $180-$200, I'd rather go with a higher-ranked router.

then if its 1900ac class i wouldnt go past the asus rt-ac68u for sure