Upgrade from RT-AC66U to RT-AC86U worth it?

[TeamZero]

Hi Folks,
Long time lurker, thank you so much for all the great info over the years.
Currently using the 66u listed above running Merlin, works fine, no issues. That said, as time has gone on, and there are more connected devices we are using, I am looking for most importantly , more range. I am wondering if the ac86u would change that much? Speed so far doesn't seem to be an issue , I would just like more range, ie, basement and out on the deck.
Thanks

 

[maxbraketorque]

Presumably you've seen my post comparing the AC68U to the AC86U. I would think that AC66U is going to be more similar to an AC68U than an AC86U at long range performance.

 

[OzarkEdge]

Hi Folks,
Long time lurker, thank you so much for all the great info over the years.
Currently using the 66u listed above running Merlin, works fine, no issues. That said, as time has gone on, and there are more connected devices we are using, I am looking for most importantly , more range. I am wondering if the ac86u would change that much? Speed so far doesn't seem to be an issue , I would just like more range, ie, basement and out on the deck.
Thanks

More residential WiFi coverage seems to be a common cause these days, hence the mesh WiFi system trend. The 86U WiFi chipset Range Boost (marketing term) will likely give you a bump (~20%) in coverage, and should make a good router for use with a second router in repeater mode to extend coverage, and does make a good router for use with additional routers as nodes in an AiMesh WiFi system.

For the former case, I believe you can stick with Merlin and re-use your current router.

For AiMesh, you would have to use stock firmware and AiMesh-supported routers. Although not listed by ASUS, the RT-AC66U B1 is said to support AiMesh similar to a 68U. So, if you have the 66U B1 build, you could add the 86U as root node/router and give AiMesh a try. If you do not have the 66U B1 build, you may want to dive in and buy two 86Us to give AiMesh a try, which is what I did... it was worth it.

OE

 

[TeamZero]

Presumably you've seen my post comparing the AC68U to the AC86U. I would think that AC66U is going to be more similar to an AC68U than an AC86U at long range performance.

Yes I did, great post, thanks!

 

[TeamZero]

More residential WiFi coverage seems to be a common cause these days, hence the mesh WiFi system trend. The 86U WiFi chipset Range Boost (marketing term) will likely give you a bump (~20%) in coverage, and should make a good router for use with a second router in repeater mode to extend coverage, and does make a good router for use with additional routers as nodes in an AiMesh WiFi system.

For the former case, I believe you can stick with Merlin and re-use your current router.

For AiMesh, you would have to use stock firmware and AiMesh-supported routers. Although not listed by ASUS, the RT-AC66U B1 is said to support AiMesh similar to a 68U. So, if you have the 66U B1 build, you could add the 86U as root node/router and give AiMesh a try. If you do not have the 66U B1 build, you may want to dive in and buy two 86Us to give AiMesh a try, which is what I did... it was worth it.

OE

Yes mine is an early one, so its not B1, I did look at that earlier. I would be happy with a 20% boost, if that's what it was, and could expand from there.I'm not familiar with AiMesh, so will have to do some reading . Thanks!

 

[OzarkEdge]

Yes mine is an early one, so its not B1, I did look at that earlier. I would be happy with a 20% boost, if that's what it was, and could expand from there.I'm not familiar with AiMesh, so will have to do some reading . Thanks!

Reading is the best start which is why I offered some links. There other good articles on this site, too.

Regarding the ~20% boost... I wonder how new FCC rules/new routers compare to old FCC rules/old routers. There's a Belkin router in my area that must have a monster radio in it, so I've been wondering about old radios vs. new radios.

OE

 

[TeamZero]

Reading is the best start which is why I offered some links. There other good articles on this site, too.

Regarding the ~20% boost... I wonder how new FCC rules/new routers compare to old FCC rules/old routers. There's a Belkin router in my area that must have a monster radio in it, so I've been wondering about old radios vs. new radios.

OE

Yes, thanks for links, reading now.....That said to go AiMesh i'm into a new router anyway, so might better try one, and see where it gets me.