Upgrade from Asus RT-AX88U (RT-BE88U / ROG Strix GS-BE18000 / ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI)?..

[JarleH]

Hi

Been running a Asus RT-AX88U as main router with a RT-AX1800U as access point (AP for better range wifi). I had to do something because the main router could not cover the whole house, so set up a second cheap router as AP. What I have noticed lately, is that my work computer has the last 2 weeks started to disconnect from wifi in on second floor in the house (I guess this is a laptop issue, not router), also wife has experienced disconnects at one place on the second floor a few times.

For a long time, I have been thinking of upgrading to the Asus RT-BE88U, but never go around to it. When I looked for options now, the ones I found that are interesting are as follows:
1 Asus RT-BE88U
2 Asus ROG Strix GS-BE18000 (more 2.5GB ports, newer)
3 Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI (very new, also got its own little 'secondary AI/docker/apps device', but 2x the price of the BE88U / BE18000)

One of the main reasons to upgrade is better wifi (range, signal strength), newer hardware and minimum at least a few 2.5GB ports.

So;
1 Are there any other routers that should be on this list?
2 Which ones have better wifi then the old, and how would people rank these (I know 19000AI is spanking new, and may have issues still)?
3 The reason for going for the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI is to put more 'home server' features on the router, instead of other PC / device.

Open for advices...

 

[degrub]

Going from AX series to BE series is not likely to increase range or signal strength. Those are primarily limited by country regulation.
If you have or can reasonably install either CAT 6 or use coax RG6 with MOCA ( unused existing or shared with OTA TV) you will have to\he ability to start using SMB grade APs that have better control over TX power and can be placed where you need more signal without significant overlap that causes issues with consumer level gear like ASUS which is really designed to be blast it out with one set of radios only.

Your existing system is basically the sweet spot for consumer gear now. WIFI 7 is a work in progress ( remember all the issues with WIFI 4 - N ?) .

 

[JarleH]

Going from AX series to BE series is not likely to increase range or signal strength. Those are primarily limited by country regulation.
If you have or can reasonably install either CAT 6 or use coax RG6 with MOCA ( unused existing or shared with OTA TV) you will have to\he ability to start using SMB grade APs that have better control over TX power and can be placed where you need more signal without significant overlap that causes issues with consumer level gear like ASUS which is really designed to be blast it out with one set of radios only.

Your existing system is basically the sweet spot for consumer gear now. WIFI 7 is a work in progress ( remember all the issues with WIFI 4 - N ?) .

I have cat6a installed in the house, to most rooms. Which brands / models are you referring to?

 

[degrub]

Take a look at Ubiquity and TP LINK OMADA for a start. i recall that Ubiquity has some APs that are wall mount and somewhat innocuous. Use 5GHz band only to further limit signal extent if needed.

 

[JarleH]

Take a look at Ubiquity and TP LINK OMADA for a start. i recall that Ubiquity has some APs that are wall mount and somewhat innocuous. Use 5GHz band only to further limit signal extent if needed.

If going TP-Link, I guess also going TP-Link router is the way?..