AudioCircle
Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => The IT Crowd => Topic started by: Doublej on 31 Dec 2021, 07:23 pm
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It's time for me to get a new Wi-Fi router and the question is which brand and model for a 1400 square foot house? From a perusal of Amazon reviews and other available information there does not appear to be a brand which stands out, especially from a customer support perspective.
Perhaps the answer to my question is to not worry about the brand but instead buy whatever Costco is selling as I am told if you problem with it, you deal with Costco support and not the vendor directly.
At the moment the three brands under consideration are eero, Asus and Netgear. I don't anything that support multiple, simultaneous high bandwidth consumption.
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The challenge is not with square footage but with how the square footage is placed, and what the structure is made of and where the router and other devices are within the square footage. Knowing what router you have now might be helpful. Also, knowing what type of service you have coming into your domicile would help as well. Have you asked your internet provider for recommendations?
Brand can be important in the event of security issues, or when Costco cannot resolve the issue. Asus and Netgear consistently rank high in many of the "best of" rankings.
Cheers, Alan
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I have the Netgear Orbi mesh system that I picked up from Costco, and it works pretty good. It's overkill for your house, though, since it included the primary router and two satellites. Our home is 3700 sq ft, so we needed the extra satellites. I believe Best Buy sells the same Mesh system with only the router and a single satellite which could work well for you.
This is my wireless connection speed through the Mesh system (WiFi6):
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=234593)
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A fridge, washer/dryer, water heater, or hvac blower will typically create a Wi-Fi dead zone if they are between the router and the device using WiFi. Frequently, this means that an all-in-one box (WiFi transmitter, switch, and outside internet connection; typically called a "router") is going to create one or more WiFi dead zones in even a modest space.
It could be that you've lucked out and the spot where you can place an all-one-box doesn't create any dead zones (or the dead zones aren't relevant to you, more likely). In that case, I've installed Amplifi systems at two different houses (not mine) with very good results. I've setup both the Amplifi HD and the Alien, and they provided good coverage and throughput in homes larger that 1400 sq. ft. Amplifi is made by Ubiquiti, which also makes networking equipment for hotels, stadiums, and office complexes (for example). They very regularly update the software, so concerns about unpatched security threats are minimal. Consumer brands like Asus, Netgear, or whatever surplus is dumped at Costco can leave security threats unpatched for a long time. The Amplifi systems also have a very good app to make access easy from a smartphone (and you can still go a web interface if you prefer). https://www.amplifi.com/
If you want to improve WiFi and network flexibility, then Ubiquiti also makes separates, so to speak. Their Dream Machine Pro, for example, would let you run a WiFi Access Point via an ethernet cable to exactly the best spot in the house, and you can use two or more access points to assure full coverage in every spot. You could also connect a NAS and get much higher transfer rates across the network than an all-in-one box provides. https://store.ui.com/
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It looks like Ubiquiti has a newer all-in-one box that I just noticed (although it's been out for a while). The Dream Machine uses the same Unifi software that their bigger systems use, which provides AI management of WiFi channel use (e.g., monitors interference and keeps the WiFi on the best channel) and a lot of control over monitoring and controlling external threats (well beyond basic firewall settings).
I've had good experience with Ubiquiti and there are a lot of instructional and review videos on YouTube.
The Ubiquiti Store: https://store.ui.com/collections/unifi-network-unifi-os-consoles/products/unifi-dream-machine
A YouTube review of the Dream Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BezoNUflqXo
I have absolutely no affiliation or interests. I've just enjoyed using their stuff compared to the typical consumer brands.
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I have an Orbi Mesh router in a 4200 Sq' 3 level home and it works great. No lag whatsoever.
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I use unifi (ubiquiti) for wifi, but use a cloud key gen2+ to run the controller. It also runs the security cameras.
But beware, you need to comfortable with IT stuff. It's definitely more technical than an Asus, linksys, or any other equipment that Costco would sell. Not plug and play, but as said above there are videos and a help site with guides (help.ui.com). I'd read a bunch of those to see if you are comfortable with what you need to do.
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It's definitely more technical than an Asus, linksys, or any other equipment that Costco would sell. Not plug and play,
The Ubiquiti Amplifi HD and Amplifi Alien and the Unifi Dream Machine are all plug and play, very much comparable, in that sense, to an Asus or Netgear or other Costco/BestBuy box. In fact they are easier to setup than my past experience with a Netgear router, for example, since any of the one box Ubiquiti routers can be setup quickly from a full-featured smartphone app (or the standard way via a web interface).
I have the server rack boxes similar to what you are referencing (Ubiquiti Cloud Key Gen 2+, a USG Pro 4 Gateway, a US-24 POE Switch, and a couple of Ubiquiti Access Points): yes, a full server rack setup will take more configuring than one of the all-in-one boxes although, as you say, there is a lot of good information online to ease the process.
Regarding size, the Dream Machine, for example, has a smaller footprint than the typical Asus and Netgear boxes and may be easier to place in the open given it's unobtrusive style:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=234627)
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I have the Netgear Orbi Router RBR40 for the past 3 years. It’s a 3 pcs set with two satellites. It is designed to cover 5k sq ft if I recall.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=234628)
Works great in A 2200 sq ft area with upstairs music room. No streaming issues.
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A TP-Link Archer A8 works fine for us.
Pro:
* Has MU-MIMO technology, which basically means it juggles the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for best paths to your devices
* Economical pricing
* Simple and reasonably capable control webpages and app
Con:
* Do not click the Smart Connect box in the control programs - it messes things up
The company also makes adapters and extenders in case appliances intefere as described in earlier replies.
We had an eero in place then went to the Archer A8. Performance improved.
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According to Cisco, "MU-MIMO allows the access point to send multiple data packets to multiple clients over the same frequency. This means a lower-speed client won't hold back packet transmissions to other clients."
And
"MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output) is a wireless technology that was introduced in the 802.11ac Wave 2 (Wi-Fi 5) standard. It allows a single access point (AP) to transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously. MU-MIMO dramatically improves performance and efficiency when APs are transmitting to client devices that support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6."
The all-in-one boxes being discussed here all have MU-MIMO. It has been out for a while.
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Here is a recent YouTube video which I found useful on making my existing router perform better but it also has good info about types of routers but not brands. Quinn Nelson is also an audiophile and I have watched his videos for years. This video helped me setup my router yesterday and I eliminated the buffering issues on my Roku device.
Richard
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DL_z6LHr0B7E&ved=2ahUKEwjCqMWY1pP1AhW6lWoFHV9eCg84ChCjtAF6BAgIEAU&usg=AOvVaw2GuyWLjDMBI4Nj2J04zywAi
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I use a Netgear router and mesh unit (basement in room adjoining listening room) with Verizon FiOS. It's been solid with no drop outs to my Roon Ready Cambridge Audio CXN V2. I replaced the stock DC power converter on the mesh unit with an iFi iPower X which eliminated all noise. The iFi iPower X is highly recommended and don't put the router or mesh unit in the same room as your equipment or on the same electric circuit if you can avoid it.
HK
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According to Cisco, "MU-MIMO allows the access point to send multiple data packets to multiple clients over the same frequency. This means a lower-speed client won't hold back packet transmissions to other clients."
Thank you for the correction. In practice, the benefit really emerges when your wi-fi setup, if not every device on your network, operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
"With Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO and OFDMA work in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. ... The congested 2.4GHz band ... can only support up to three non-overlapping channels at a time."
https://www.networkworld.com/article/3639537/10-limitations-of-mu-mimo-in-wi-fi.html
At our place, the TP-Link Archer A8 router outperformed an eero 6, most likely because of the former's three large antennas versus whatever the small eero 6 has for antennas inside it. The eero system seems designed for a mesh arrangement, so you usually need to price in one or more beacons in addition to the router.
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Costco has this (https://www.costco.com/tp-link-tri-band-12-stream-ax11000-wi-fi-6-router.product.100519717.html) currently at $219.99). You can do worse and this should cover the entire house, get you WiFi 6 and allow whatever the internet connection to your home be maximized.
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This site (https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/) has lots of tests and reviews of home Wi-Fi setups that might be worth checking out. See for example How We Test Wi-Fi Mesh Systems (https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-howto/33237-how-we-test-wi-fi-mesh-systems-revision-2).
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It's time for me to get a new Wi-Fi router and the question is which brand and model for a 1400 square foot house? From a perusal of Amazon reviews and other available information there does not appear to be a brand which stands out, especially from a customer support perspective.
Perhaps the answer to my question is to not worry about the brand but instead buy whatever Costco is selling as I am told if you problem with it, you deal with Costco support and not the vendor directly.
At the moment the three brands under consideration are eero, Asus and Netgear. I don't anything that support multiple, simultaneous high bandwidth consumption.
When I hear this question the first response I always have is "why"? I'm not saying you don't need a new router, instead I'm asking what drove the decision. It's an important consideration if you want to avoid buying something new that still doesn't address your concerns.
Also, before advising you on what to buy it would be helpful to know a little bit more about your environment and use case. Other than the fact that your home is 1400 Sq Ft, we know nothing. Some good information might be...
* Is this a single story residence?
* Are there many large windows, mirrors, etc.
* Will the signals need to pass through concrete.
* Are you a gamer or do you routinely engage in other activities that demand low latency such as video conferencing?
I hope this response doesn't come across as being snarky or difficult. I did this sort of work for 30 years and felt the need to illustrate the thought process that should go into choosing a good wifi solution.
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I have a standard refurbished Linksys 9500 EA. It is hard wired to anything that takes a good chunk, plus two APs set up hardwired 150 feet away in garage and at front of house (Linksys MR 9000s set up as Aps waterfall). I get GIG, and typically stays around this level. I am having drop out issues and am looking at getting a new Orbi system also. Plaster walls, old house, lots of corners and floors. I dont like Linksys UI at all, sucks.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=234794)
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I have a standard refurbished Linksys 9500 EA. It is hard wired to anything that takes a good chunk, plus two APs set up hardwired 150 feet away in garage and at front of house (Linksys MR 9000s set up as Aps waterfall). I get GIG, and typically stays around this level. I am having drop out issues and am looking at getting a new Orbi system also. Plaster walls, old house, lots of corners and floors. I dont like Linksys UI at all, sucks.
Unless you can place a wired AP near the dropout area I doubt the new Orbi will resolve this issue. Is running cable practical?
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Calix GigaSpire® BLAST® u6. 1 (GS4220E)
This is not available retail. My ISP provides it. It’s WiFi 6.
They will let me use my own router & save $10/month rental… but then I’m responsible for troubleshooting issues.
Thought I’d still use my own… but use theirs for the first month or two… make certain there’s no issues.
The performance has been stunning.
1. Connectivity throughout 2,000 sqft ranch. & 30 or 50 yards away still get reception.
2. I get 950Mb sec… on 1Gb service.
I used to have 12Mb DSL - used two Linksys routers bridged… just to get whole house coverage….
The installer said these routers have much higher watt transmitters… oddly, they don’t even have external antennas.
Calix the co. Specializes in provider direct to ISPs.
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It seems like these are all-in-one solutions, which isn't bad in itself.
I'd like to point out, that by separating the router, switch, and APs into separated boxes, you can upgrade one as the need arises.
Seeing that some of you are actually getting gig download speeds over wifi, makes me want to upgrade my APs, since I only get 250mbit downloads on a gig connection (on a wired connection I get full speed.
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After much research I ended up with the ASUS RT-AC86U. It seemingly has stellar performance and thruput and provides the option of creating a decent mesh environment with multiple units.
If you do a quick search you will see the accolades. It seemingly outperforms numerous products that should be superior on paper based upon spec.
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I have a standard refurbished Linksys 9500 EA. It is hard wired to anything that takes a good chunk, plus two APs set up hardwired 150 feet away in garage and at front of house (Linksys MR 9000s set up as Aps waterfall). I get GIG, and typically stays around this level. I am having drop out issues and am looking at getting a new Orbi system also. Plaster walls, old house, lots of corners and floors. I dont like Linksys UI at all, sucks.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=234794)
Depending on your comfort level with flashing & configuring an alternate firmware, I've had good results optimizing WAPs with OpenWRT. Looks like your primary router may be supported: https://openwrt.org/toh/linksys/ea9500_v1
For jparkhur & the OP, this firmware has allowed me to both extend the performance and service life of my wifi equipment 8) YMMV