Posted on 06/12/2022 7:11:34 PM PDT by ducttape45
Good evening fellow Freepers. It's time for me to ask another in the long line of IT related questions, this time about suggestions for a new router for my home network.
Currently I have a Netgear WNR3500Lv2 router. It's a combo wired and wireless router. It is hooked up to a DLink Modem, Model DCM-301.
However, last month lightning struck right behind my place and it killed one of the ethernet ports on the router. Thank God the entire thing wasn't fried. But now I need to replace it, and I'd like to find something of a similar build in that I require four (4) wired ports, the ability to utilize wireless, AND to also have the ability to plug a USB storage device to it. Heck, if I can find something I can install an internal SSD into that would be even better.
I liked Netgear early on but I feel their products are becoming too complicated to use. I'm almost 62 and would like to keep things simple. I like the DLink modem so if I can find a DLink router to hook up to it, that would be ideal. I preferred separate units in the past that way if one went on the blink, I could replace it without being hit with a huge cost, but I'm willing to explore a combo unit now.
All that being said, if someone can point me in the right direction I'd be most appreciative.
Thank you all for your time and efforts to help me.
What I have: Motorola MG8702 | DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router $299
https://www.amazon.com/MOTOROLA-MG8702-MU-MIMO-Approved-Xfinity/dp/B08DL4QB25
The back shows 4 ethernet ports. It was easy to setup.
https://help.motorolanetwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/1260803066910-Let-s-get-started
I bought because at the time I worked at home and the past router was disconnecting my phone software. After getting this I did not have any issues. I have 468mb speed for $75 a month from Spectrum.
If a less expensive model works then even better.
The link from #10 is one I would try first as $40 beats $299!!
The Netgear WNDR4500-100PAS N900 Dual Band Gigabit Wifi Router came out back in 2011 so check your cable company website to see if still supported.
I will second all the Asus Fanboy recommendations. Rock solid units. Very capable out of the box, and add Merlin firmware if you are techy at all and it opens up even more. Their AI mesh works well if you want to mesh the units.
Dlink make OK stuff, but the Asus is better.
I run a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Dual-Band-AiMesh-Router-AC1900/dp/B00FB45SI4
One as just an access point and one as a media extender. (Faster than WIFI mesh but not as flexible) My router is a PFSense I3 box running gigabit VPN and with it maxing out at about 2.5GBS Skip the WIFI6 stuff for now. It is expensive and gives you very little extra.
I have run my VPN from the small units but it caps out at about 35 meg per second on their small cpu’s using the standard OpenVPN which is computationally expensive. Better to throw in something else if you want to VPN/add blocking/firewall/intrusion detection. Something like this: https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-blue-plus
Netgear has always done well by me.
Recommend you stay away from older routers as some have suggested. You want a wireless router that will automatically update its own firmware to harden against new exploits. I use Asus.
I use a combo of both; wired for the PC equipment, wireless for my phone. Netgear and Linksys are definitely off the list.
WIFI is a little different. Most people now have 3 tv’s many phones and laptops, maybe an alarm system and alexia and run them all on WIFI because it’s easy. I have more devices than I can count. Everything has WIFI now.
The 3 or 4 radio’s really helps split that wifi bandwidth even if their base speeds aren’t above 150.
I would suggest checking out EERO.
after forever with Linksys I tried EERO to replace my existing router that was no longer able to handle all the device traffic.
To my amazement......... I plugged the devices in and they all worked with no effort on my part. The EERO devices are locaten near my scattered devices and work flawlessly
I am using the TP-Link AC 1750 Smart Wifi Router. It ha sa smartphone app for easy configuration and maintenance. it’s very easy to set up. Mine is acting as an access point and a router for my hone network. Has at least 4 Ethernet ports. Works great. It’s $60 on Amazon.
Thanks to ShadowAce for the ping!
The wifi on the TPLink AX1800 covers every inch of my 2,400SF townhome perfectly.
I have a lower grade TP LInk 450 that works great. Now my laptops have the same connectivity speed as my Desktop, that is connected via ethernet cable.
I have had mixed experience with D-Link. I had OK experience with “Buffalo Technologies” until a lightning hit, but that was many years ago.
It looks like Buffalo Technologies got out of the consumer/SOHO switch business. Presently, I am using an ASUS AX3000. Stay away from Red Chinese-owned TP-Link, low price, but likely with more back doors than the others already have, and to the ChiComs.
I’ve used Netgear but have not been satisfied with the overall quality. Syslink used to be good but I’ve recently had TP-Link recommended to me and have been really pleased. Good quality and good ratings. The AC-1750 is a good one.
They have a pretty good deal on WiFi 6 now as well. I have the older version with three hubs located through out the house, we have 4 MacBook airs and I have 6 computers all hooked up both wireless and ethernet, I get exactly the same speed whether wireless or wired or both. I am using the older WiFi version as I don't have any WiFi 6 devices anyway unless our phones are 6 compatible.
These Mesh devices can handle 50 or 60 devices no sweat. I actually have a spare set of these EERO devices as spares, may spread them around, they work either wired or wireless and I think the newer WiFi 6 devices are wireless only except for the initial base station. I can install a switch on my extenders and mix and match in variety of ways.
The best one out there is Amplifi Alien.
Don’t get the two package version but just get the one and get another one if you need to mesh.
Up and running in less than 5 min.
Managed by cell phone.
Free VPN comes with it.
I also have the Amplifi alien and have a secondary one for the mesh. Otherwise certain spots, like the basement bathroom, are problematic.
I run that as well as the new Xfinity high speed router, which is even faster but not mesh.
And I’m pushing 64.
You pay some premium for faster WiFi. If your devices don’t go faster you will be unimpressed with a faster WiFi router.
I also require USB and USB3.0 costs more and USB-C might be more again.
My routers(with a USB3.0 hard disk) can become a DVR with my IP cameras in an emergency too.
Many good suggestions. I have a few ASUS motherboards but no routers, solid stuff IMneverHO.
I have had great experience with TP-Link. Much bang for the buck.
I keep an old TP-Link N300 around as a spare spare.
I currently use and enjoy Linksys WiFi routers because I found good deals when looking and they work with DD-WRT 3rd party firmware.
I don’t think custom firmware matters to you though.
The last router I purchased as a ‘spare’ is a refurbished Linksys WRT1900AC from Amazon for US$62.00 delivered. It’s not new but has decent WiFi speed, GIG ethernet, and USB3.0 for storage.
My daily driver gateway router is a Linksys WRT-32X.
It has been on since February 2019 working flawlessly.
Set and forget so far :-)
Amazon often has some good deals if you are willing to go thru a few pages of products.
Most vendors have decent products nowadays.
They all have shipped a lemmon or two also.
I had a Netgear lemmon but know happy Netgear customers.
Your mileage WILL vary!
If you order online I recommend downloading the manual BEFORE it arrives. I read about basic setup then reread reviews for better understanding of operator errors, LOL.
My level of satisfaction is ALWAYS in relation to my expectations.
Understanding ahead of time is the key for me.
I wish you well on your quest! :-)
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