Most Powerful Router

[Chuckinden]

I have a Spectrum router they issued me and charge me $ every month to use.

Any of you gurus on here recommend a powerful router that will go from one end of the house to the other especially for my security cameras? Cost is not an issue. I'm just tired of having my wireless cameras farthest from my router not working well.

 

[Tinker Dan]

Milwaukee makes a strong one, but you will need a long cord.

I will show myself out.

 

[funKYcat75]

I think mesh systems are good for that. I don’t have a sprawling estate though.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Not knowing how big your house is, either a mesh system or a Netgear Nighthawk. If your current router doesn’t cover the whole house, mesh system is probably what you need.

 

[TurnipDaBeet]

Mother Router

 

[Chuckinden]

I think you may be right about a mesh system. It sounds like what I need to for the far reaches of my home.

I'm not as tech savvy now as I was when 8 track tapes and beta recorders were around.

 

[specialkd24_rivals116121]

We have the Orbi (2 units - they make ones with 3) and it has been great for our needs and eliminating the dead spots.

 

[KyCatFan_rivals45723]

What they give you to use is probably a modem and router in one. If so you would have to get a router and modem combo that works with Spectrum. I have my own Netgear Nighthawk router and just get the modem through Spectrum. I think it is a little cheaper than having to pay them for both the wifi router and the modem. If you get just a modem through them then maybe something like this will help you.

I really don't know much about them besides they use your wiring in your house to transfer data back and forth to the modem. You can also get a wireless extender to add to your network but that doesn't solve any issues with replacing their equipment. It just extends the wifi signal you currently have.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Access points are stupid when you can get a mesh system

 

[jtrue28]

Just get the Google wifi 3 pack.

 

[BMoore2]

Get something with Wi-Fi 6 capability. AT&T and MetroNet have fiber optic internet, which can get speeds of 1000 mbps, in a lot of Kentucky. However, even if you’re getting 999 down and 999 up at the gateway, you’re not getting that all over your house because most ISPs do not yet have WiFi 6 routers.
As someone else mentioned, mesh routers and the Netgear Nighthawk work well.

 

[shockdaddy19]

We have the Orbi (2 units - they make ones with 3) and it has been great for our needs and eliminating the dead spots.

I would agree. I also went with an Orbi and it’s been fantastic.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

First off, you really should split apart the modem and the router in a setup. The all in one boxes you get are crap. So buy the latest Motorola Surfboard modem and stop paying Spectrum an equipment fee.

From there, get a Mesh router. I've been rocking the TP Link Deco 5. It's one of the better ones out there (at time of purchase), has the features I need.

Don't do extenders, don't bother with powerlining, make sure you spend a little in the connection, 200mb or more. Wifi 6 is good, and if money isn't a blocker, go for it. I'd start to look away from singe node setups as they just won't reach all the corners (although I've heard the Nighthawk is legit, it will *never* be able to do what mesh networks can)

 

[vhcat70]

What they give you to use is probably a modem and router in one. If so you would have to get a router and modem combo that works with Spectrum.

My Spectrum modem/router combo gave up the ghost a few weeks back & they replaced it with a separate modem & router. My combo wifi was not good. This setup is worse. But at least I can get a separate router now.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

First off, you really should split apart the modem and the router in a setup. The all in one boxes you get are crap. So buy the latest Motorola Surfboard modem and stop paying Spectrum an equipment fee.

From there, get a Mesh router. I've been rocking the TP Link Deco 5. It's one of the better ones out there (at time of purchase), has the features I need.

Don't do extenders, don't bother with powerlining, make sure you spend a little in the connection, 200mb or more. Wifi 6 is good, and if money isn't a blocker, go for it. I'd start to look away from singe node setups as they just won't reach all the corners (although I've heard the Nighthawk is legit, it will *never* be able to do what mesh networks can)

This is my experience. Had an Insight/then TWC/then Spectrum modem and a Nighthawk router for a long time. Had some dead spots, so got a couple of extenders. The extenders Had zero discernible effect on coverage. Tired of paying Spectrum $8 a month or whatever it was for their modem, so bought an Arris Surboard. Then replaced the Nighthawk with Orbi Mesh. No complaints......

 

[Chuckinden]

My Spectrum modem/router combo gave up the ghost a few weeks back & they replaced it with a separate modem & router. My combo wifi was not good. This setup is worse. But at least I can get a separate router now.

Same happened to me. I complained about my wifi not extending to the other end of the house and they gave a separate modem and router and told me "this will definitely solve your problem". It didn't help at all.....except, like you said, I can get a separate router now if I choose.

 

[Chuckinden]

This is my experience. Had an Insight/then TWC/then Spectrum modem and a Nighthawk router for a long time. Had some dead spots, so got a couple of extenders. The extenders Had zero discernible effect on coverage. Tired of paying Spectrum $8 a month or whatever it was for their modem, so bought an Arris Surboard. Then replaced the Nighthawk with Orbi Mesh. No complaints......

Yes, I have bought "extenders" too.....no help.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I should clarify.. split your modem and router, but NOT with Spectrum or ISP's garbage *** product offerings.

Access points are stupid when you can get a mesh system

Actually.. if you REALLY wanted to build a home network.. Access Points, some old Cisco gear and a UTM box would be the REAL way to go. But that's where I kinda draw the line.. I don't like tinkering for the sake of tinkering. Get it to work, keep it working, with not too much fuss. Your home network needs to work, you can tinker with the dishwasher.

 

[funKYcat75]

Extenders slow everything down, in my experience. The Spectrum wireless router I have is pretty powerful for our 1900 sq ft house. The best one I’ve ever had from them.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Extenders slow everything down, in my experience. The Spectrum wireless router I have is pretty powerful for our 1900 sq ft house. The best one I’ve ever had from them.

Historically, extenders really just created a 2nd network with the speeds cut in half. They also don't do a good job of hand off between the main router and the extender. Which, usually isn't a problem, but if your device is kind of inbetween both, it could jump back and forth at inopportune times... like gaming or streaming porn.

IDK if extenders have gotten better in the last few years, but I doubt it. Mesh networks were kinda like the 2.0 of extenders..

 

[exemjr]

I would agree. I also went with an Orbi and it’s been fantastic.

I agree with the agreement Had an Orbi for a couple of years, and it has been great. Highly recommend!

 

[oldsports_]

Milwaukee makes a strong one, but you will need a long cord.

I will show myself out.

I have a Bosch router. It has a long cord also

 

[stereonut]

I really like this thread, as I need to do something about our WiFi.

Is there more than one version of the Orbi you guys are talking about? It sounds like it’s pretty much exactly what I need in our 2,400 square feet home.

I’m not confident that I have enough sense to set it up correctly, but my son in law is pretty good with these type of things.

Is it relatively simple to set up, just in case I attempt to take it in myself?

Thanks!

 

[specialkd24_rivals116121]

I really like this thread, as I need to do something about our WiFi.

Is there more than one version of the Orbi you guys are talking about? It sounds like it’s pretty much exactly what I need in our 2,400 square feet home.

I’m not confident that I have enough sense to set it up correctly, but my son in law is pretty good with these type of things.

Is it relatively simple to set up, just in case I attempt to take it in myself?

Thanks!

They have different models. On their website (https://www.netgear.com/landings/wi...edium=cpc&utm_campaign=us-best-wifi6-srch-cpc) they have WiFi6 routers.

But you can search Amazon or other sites for the slightly older products. I bought my 2-pack at Costco a few years ago. You can just compare the systems (2 vs. 3 packs) depending on how big your house is. Some cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Netgear makes Orbi (they make Nighthawk too) so it is good product.

Also it is SIMPLE to setup. You plug one of the units into your modem, open up the app, setup the name/password, and then setup your second (or third) unit somewhere else in the house, and use a bottom on the device to synch them together (the app leads you through it step-by-step). I'm pretty sure my Mom could even do it.

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

I should clarify.. split your modem and router, but NOT with Spectrum or ISP's garbage *** product offerings.



Actually.. if you REALLY wanted to build a home network.. Access Points, some old Cisco gear and a UTM box would be the REAL way to go. But that's where I kinda draw the line.. I don't like tinkering for the sake of tinkering. Get it to work, keep it working, with not too much fuss. Your home network needs to work, you can tinker with the dishwasher.

If you want a seamless network without having to connect to multiple points throughout the house, you go mesh. IF everything you have is stationary like it's 2002 then access points would be fine. But it's 2020, the ideal solution is for your mobile connected devices to be able to move throughout the house with only ever having to connect to one network one time regardless of where the initial connection takes place. Unless access points have changed since I last dealt with them a coupel years ago at work.

 

[KyCatFan_rivals45723]

Historically, extenders really just created a 2nd network with the speeds cut in half. They also don't do a good job of hand off between the main router and the extender. Which, usually isn't a problem, but if your device is kind of inbetween both, it could jump back and forth at inopportune times... like gaming or streaming porn.

IDK if extenders have gotten better in the last few years, but I doubt it. Mesh networks were kinda like the 2.0 of extenders..

I mainly only mentioned the extender as an option because it worked for the situation I used to have. My router was on one end of the house and my bedroom the other. I had an original Xbox 360 that didn't come with wifi built in it in the bedroom and I could plug an ethernet cord into the extender and the 360 and it worked great. I could also connect any wifi devices I had on that end of the house to the extender and that might work with a security camera system that has a camera on the outskirts of someone's wifi network.

That's been a few years and I don't have as much current knowledge besides using a Netgear Nighthawk router that works very well in our house. I just know one thing, do not use a wifi router of your own with their modem and wifi router combo. We had issues dropping all the time because of the 2 routers fighting over the same channels or something. That's when we just got a modem from them to use with our wifi router.

I have no experience with a mesh network and don't really need one in my current situation. It would be overkill for me but might be perfect for the other poster's situation. I just was giving them some more options that are out there they can research and see what might work best for them.

 

[exemjr]

They have different models. On their website (https://www.netgear.com/landings/wi...edium=cpc&utm_campaign=us-best-wifi6-srch-cpc) they have WiFi6 routers.

But you can search Amazon or other sites for the slightly older products. I bought my 2-pack at Costco a few years ago. You can just compare the systems (2 vs. 3 packs) depending on how big your house is. Some cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Netgear makes Orbi (they make Nighthawk too) so it is good product.

Also it is SIMPLE to setup. You plug one of the units into your modem, open up the app, setup the name/password, and then setup your second (or third) unit somewhere else in the house, and use a bottom on the device to synch them together (the app leads you through it step-by-step). I'm pretty sure my Mom could even do it.

This post is spot on. Pretty much all of the mesh router systems now are super easy to set up as most if not all of them have an app that guides you through the setup process. There are many companies that make them now, even Google makes a good one. I've never tried any of the others b/c I've had no need after purchasing the Orbi, but I do know there are tons of review sites out there that compare the different brands. I'm not paddock rich, so my house is only 1800 sq. feet, but I have the Orbi main router upstairs and the second one downstairs and get excellent coverage.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If you want a seamless network without having to connect to multiple points throughout the house, you go mesh. IF everything you have is stationary like it's 2002 then access points would be fine. But it's 2020, the ideal solution is for your mobile connected devices to be able to move throughout the house with only ever having to connect to one network one time regardless of where the initial connection takes place. Unless access points have changed since I last dealt with them a coupel years ago at work.

When I think of Access Points I think of what I install and manage at work.. An AP is a wireless point that connects back to your wireless controller. They (business wireless solutions) are the absolute best. But, you really can have that at home if you want to. So yes, Mesh is the home answer to what we've seen at our offices for the last decade.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I mainly only mentioned the extender as an option because it worked for the situation I used to have. My router was on one end of the house and my bedroom the other. I had an original Xbox 360 that didn't come with wifi built in it in the bedroom and I could plug an ethernet cord into the extender and the 360 and it worked great. I could also connect any wifi devices I had on that end of the house to the extender and that might work with a security camera system that has a camera on the outskirts of someone's wifi network.

That's been a few years and I don't have as much current knowledge besides using a Netgear Nighthawk router that works very well in our house. I just know one thing, do not use a wifi router of your own with their modem and wifi router combo. We had issues dropping all the time because of the 2 routers fighting over the same channels or something. That's when we just got a modem from them to use with our wifi router.

I have no experience with a mesh network and don't really need one in my current situation. It would be overkill for me but might be perfect for the other poster's situation. I just was giving them some more options that are out there they can research and see what might work best for them.

For sure. The reason why I like Mesh Networks is for the amount of devices we utilize, especially on the perimeter of the house. Things such as Ring Doorbell, that new Arlo cam/light, etc.

I'm just an IT guy by trade. I'm not specifically a network/wireless guy, we have a two-man team for that. I manage more internal apps, Exchange, SSO, etc. But I am around this technology quite a bit. Always looking to help.

That, skiing, and drinking.. don't listen to me if it ain't those 3 things..

 

[Jeff Drummond]

I can vouch for the Netgear Nighthawk. We have a three story home. My office is in the basement with the router, so some parts of the bedroom and guest rooms upstairs used to be a spotty for signals. The Nighthawk resolved that. We also place a signal extender in the middle floor.

 

[stereonut]

They have different models. On their website (https://www.netgear.com/landings/wi...edium=cpc&utm_campaign=us-best-wifi6-srch-cpc) they have WiFi6 routers.

But you can search Amazon or other sites for the slightly older products. I bought my 2-pack at Costco a few years ago. You can just compare the systems (2 vs. 3 packs) depending on how big your house is. Some cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Netgear makes Orbi (they make Nighthawk too) so it is good product.

Also it is SIMPLE to setup. You plug one of the units into your modem, open up the app, setup the name/password, and then setup your second (or third) unit somewhere else in the house, and use a bottom on the device to synch them together (the app leads you through it step-by-step). I'm pretty sure my Mom could even do it.

Thank you for your help.

I'm looking at the RBK50 Netgear Orbi, (for our two story house) that consists of "1 router and 1 satellite" for $300.91 on Amazon.

I now have a Linksys WRT 3200 ACM Router.

So, I just replace the Linksys Router with the new Orbi Router, and place the Satellite upstairs, I assume.

Told you I am dense about these things!

EDIT: I just noticed a couple of you recommend "wifi 6." The one I picked out is "wifi 5."

Does it make that much difference? The "6" is about $150 more expensive.

 

[stereonut]

I plan on ordering one today, based on recommendations from here most likely!

 

[Chuckinden]

I plan on ordering one today, based on recommendations from here most likely!

Me too. The Paddock never fails...unless you go into the Political Forum. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

[exemjr]

The RBK50 is the model I have. WIFI 6 gives you theoretical speeds up to 900 mbps. For streaming and the like, it could be better for you if you have an internet plan that supports it such as fiber. Your clients that connect to a WIFI 6 router would also have to have WIFI 6 capability to take advantage of it. Very few devices have WIFI6 at the moment, mostly phones. For devices that don't have WIFI 6, they would still work using a WIFI 6 router, they would just use WIFI 5 or lower to connect which would be slower.

So, WIFI 6 Orbi would be more future-proof, but at a cost of almost half again as much and you may or may not be able to take advantage of the speed it offers right now. I guess it would depend on your budget and how long you usually keep routers. And yes, you would just replace your existing Linksys router with the Orbi and place the statellite upstairs. Download the app on a phone and go through the setup process. Should be up and running in about 15 minutes or so.

 

[stereonut]

The RBK50 is the model I have. WIFI 6 gives you theoretical speeds up to 900 mbps. For streaming and the like, it could be better for you if you have an internet plan that supports it such as fiber. Your clients that connect to a WIFI 6 router would also have to have WIFI 6 capability to take advantage of it. Very few devices have WIFI6 at the moment, mostly phones. For devices that don't have WIFI 6, they would still work using a WIFI 6 router, they would just use WIFI 5 or lower to connect which would be slower.

So, WIFI 6 Orbi would be more future-proof, but at a cost of almost half again as much and you may or may not be able to take advantage of the speed it offers right now. I guess it would depend on your budget and how long you usually keep routers. And yes, you would just replace your existing Linksys router with the Orbi and place the statellite upstairs. Download the app on a phone and go through the setup process. Should be up and running in about 15 minutes or so.

Thank you!

Your post is a lot of help, and I appreciate it!

 

[Chuckinden]

The Netgear Orbi RBK853 3 PACK (router and two extenders) is $999 on Amazon.

I'm ready to order this system....I just need a little push.

Surely, this system at this price should do whatever I need it to. I have a 4800 sf home.

 

[exemjr]

The Netgear Orbi RBK853 3 PACK (router and two extenders) is $999 on Amazon.

I'm ready to order this system....I just need a little push.

Surely, this system at this price should do whatever I need it to. I have a 4800 sf home.

Here's a review for it. If money is no object, and you have at least a 500 Mbps internet connection coming in, then it is the fastest system you can buy at this time.

 

[vhcat70]

The Netgear Orbi RBK853 3 PACK (router and two extenders) is $999 on Amazon.

I'm ready to order this system....I just need a little push.

Surely, this system at this price should do whatever I need it to. I have a 4800 sf home.

Costco has Orbi Model RBK753S-100NAS mesh 3-pack w/wifi 6 for $499. Says cover 7500 sq ft.

 

[Chuckinden]

Costco has Orbi Model RBK753S-100NAS mesh 3-pack w/wifi 6 for $499. Says cover 7500 sq ft.

That is the one I ordered. I'll see how it does.

 

[KyCatFan_rivals45723]

I just got a notification about this one with a price drop. A 3 pack for $177. Covers 4,500 square feet it says.

https://store.google.com/config/google_wifi

https://9to5google.com/2020/10/06/new-google-wifi-launch/